Dan mentioned medium chain triglycerides in the growth hormone question, what are these?

Hi Matthew

Yes, medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) were first developed to be an easily-absorbed form of fat for people with metabolic and digestive disorders and other illnesses. They are metabolised more like carbs in some ways than fats because of their shorter carbon chains.

As Lauren says, some studies have shown that they may improve performance and body composition but the research is not conclusive.

MCT's are great to take a few weeks before a show or photoshoot, but it can give you diarrhoea so becareful. MCT's actually resemble carbs more than fats in structure. They are water soluable and they do not require bile to break them down. They are absorbed into the blood stream quicker than other fats, and are broken down by the liver for energy faster.

They tend to bypass the liver when been transported to the liver, so are less suceptible to hormone sensitive lipase and deposition into adipose tissue. There is research to suggest MCT's will help you lose body fat.

Its thought that MCT's actually increase energy expenditure and possible reduce appetite. Its also possble that MCT's promote thermogensis which will also boost metabolism and lead to fat loss.

Note I said the last 2 weeks of dieting. This is because the results are short loved, maybe the body gets used to them. Hope this helps.