Medium-chain triglycerides or MCT are fats that come from certain foods that break down our bodies in a specific way. Most foods that we eat contain long-chain triglycerides and take longer to metabolize, and may end up getting stored. Medium-chain triglycerides break down fast enough to be sent to the liver quickly and used for energy.

MCT is often used for weight loss since it is an alternative energy source rather than getting stored as fat. This attribute also lends to medium-chain triglycerides use by athletes as a quick form of energy with little impact on body composition.

Supplementing with MCT has other benefits, such as regulating blood sugar by helping with fat storage and boosting cognitive function by providing the brain with adequate fats for fuel. MCT is available as an oil or powder and can be easily added to any diet in various ways to reap its benefits.