Coconut oil is often marketed as if it were equivalent to purified MCT oil. Chemically, that is misleading.
Coconut oil is rich in saturated fat and is dominated by lauric acid (C12:0), with smaller amounts of caprylic (C8:0) and capric (C10:0) acids. Commercial MCT oil is typically concentrated in C8 and C10 triglycerides. Evidence from purified MCT oil should therefore not automatically be transferred to coconut oil.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials found that coconut oil produced significantly higher LDL cholesterol than non-tropical vegetable oils.
Everyday Lipid takeaway
Coconut oil and MCT oil are not the same product. Use coconut oil for flavor if desired, but do not treat it as metabolically equivalent to purified MCT oil.
References
- Neelakantan N et al. Circulation. 2020;141:803–814. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.119.043052.
- Codex Alimentarius. CXS 210-1999.
General education. Personal dietary and medical needs may differ.
