Mitsuko Okazaki

Effect of medium-chain triglycerides on the postprandial triglyceride concentration in healthy men

This study compared the serum lipid concentrations after a single dose of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) or long-chain triglycerides (LCT) between individuals grouped according to the body mass index (BMI). Twenty-five males participated as volunteers, the test diet containing 10 g of MCT or LCT. Blood samples were collected up to 6 h after the intake of a test diets. The LCT diet resulted in significantly greater increases in areas under the curves (AUCs) for serum and chylomicron triglyceride in the BMI≥23 kg/m2 group than those in the BMI<23 kg/m2 group. The magnitude of response after intake of the MCT diet by the BMI≥23 kg/m2 group was significantly lower than that after the LCT diet. These results suggest that, in subjects with BMI≥23 kg/m2, the intake of MCT is preferable to that of LCT for maintaining postprandial triglyceride at a low concentration.

Effects of Dietary Medium-Chain Triacylglycerols on Serum Lipoproteins and Biochemical Parameters in Healthy Men

The objective of this study was to investigate effects of dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCTs) on serum lipid levels, liver function, and hepatic fat accumulations in healthy men. Eleven subjects consumed 2200-2600 kcal daily, of which 70-80 g was fat; the fat included 40 g of MCTs or else 40 g of long-chain triacylglycerols (blended vegetable oil). The diet was followed for 4 weeks in this controlled double-blind study. At the end of the experiment, significant differences were not found in the concentrations of serum total cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol between the groups. Serum triglycerol levels were not significantly different in the groups. Adverse effects from ingestion of MCTs on liver functions, the liver-to-spleen ratio on computed tomography (an index of fatty liver), or results of blood tests were not seen. The results suggest that the long-term effects of dietary MCTs on serum cholesterol were similar to those of unsaturated fatty acids found abundantly in vegetable oil, and that consumption of MCTs in the amount of 40 g/day for a month does not cause liver fat accumulation or liver dysfunction.