Resuming the modified Atkins diet has gotten me interested in MCT oils once again. Last Wednesday, I sent a message to my Stanford keto dietician asking whether or not these supplements were worth including in my diet. As of today, I have yet to receive a response. Not to be deterred, I did my own research into the topic.
MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oils are one of the most popular dietary supplements for people on keto. Most people add a spoonful each morning to their coffee or tea. The oil, which is often derived from coconuts, is supposed to boost energy and brain function throughout the day. The reason they provide so much energy is because they are easier for the body to digest compared to normal fats (aka “long-chain triglycerides”).
As for the downsides, the primary concern I saw was that MCT oil consumption can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea. The human body takes some time to get accustomed to the MCT oils; if you ramp up too quickly, you’ll be stuck on the toilet all day.
Excessive toiletries are not a real concern when working at home; the main thing that prevented me from pulling the trigger on a purchase was /r/keto’s vastly negative opinion on the MCT oils. Many Redditors described the oils as a useless scam and a worthless supplement (here’s an example from 9 months ago).
However, I noticed that most of the negative comments were focused on weight loss. Browsing around, it seemed like people who were looking for improved mental clarity were satisfied. Anyhow, curiosity got the better of me and I ended up buying a bottle of “Superior Source Collagen Powder” from Trader Joe’s. (Yes, I’m aware that collagen powder is not exactly the same as MCT oils, but it is close enough.)
PS: stay tuned for updates on how my body reacts!
