Written by
Louise W Lu, PhD, MPH, BMLS
Reviewed by
Alexandra V Goldberg, Registered Dietitian
Not all oils are the same.
When we think of liquid oils, we usually picture olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil — the kind we cook with, drizzle over salad, or use to “eat healthy.” But there’s another kind of oil, lesser known yet clinically powerful: MCT oil, short for medium-chain triglyceride oil.
Now, here’s a question: Can you imagine using oil as medicine?
That’s why MCT oil is the metabolic core of our Keto Intermittent™ Protocol.
Used under the guidance of our registered nutritionists and dietitians, this fast-acting fat is consumed strategically on an empty stomach in the morning to activate fat loss, enhance mental clarity, and promote metabolic flexibility — all without relying on carbohydrates or stimulants.
So what makes MCTs so different — and why are they central to our clinical-fat-burning strategy? Let’s break it down.
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What Is MCT Oil, Really?
At first glance, MCT oil looks just like any other oil — clear, runny, and a little shiny. But don’t be fooled. This is not your typical cooking oil.
Unlike olive oil or other kitchen fats, MCT oil has no color, no smell, and no taste. It feels lighter, and your body treats it differently, too.
MCT stands for “medium-chain triglycerides” — a fancy name for a type of fat that’s smaller and simpler. Because of that, your body doesn’t have to work hard to digest it. In fact, it can turn MCTs into energy almost right away.
Most MCT oils are made by taking regular coconut oil and filtering out just the parts your body can use fastest — the cleanest, most efficient fuel.
That’s the real magic of MCT oil:
It doesn’t hang around waiting to be stored as fat. Your body grabs it and burns it for energy.
Whether you mix it into coffee, blend it into a smoothie, or take it by the spoonful, MCT oil gives you clean fuel — no sugar, no crash, no heavy feeling.
Why Your Body Loves MCT Oil
Now that you know MCT oil isn’t your usual kitchen oil — here’s what really sets it apart: how your body digests and uses it.
Most cooking oils, like olive oil or canola oil, take the long route through your system. They need help from bile and enzymes to be broken down, and then they slowly make their way into your bloodstream. If you don’t burn that energy right away, your body often stores it as fat.
MCT oil skips all that.
Because it’s made of shorter fat molecules, your body doesn’t need to break it down as much. It goes straight to your liver, where it’s turned into energy almost immediately.
That means:
- You feel the effects faster.
- You’re less likely to store it as body fat.
- It gives you clean, steady fuel — especially if you’re fasting or eating low-carb.
This is why many people take MCT oil in the morning, especially during intermittent fasting. It helps them stay focused and energised without food, sugar, or caffeine.
And here’s another bonus: MCT oil doesn’t spike your blood sugar or insulin. So your body can stay in fat-burning mode while still feeling strong and clear-headed.
Most fats slow you down.
MCT oil helps you go.
Clinically Used, Not Just Trendy
You might see MCT oil on Instagram, in your gym friend’s coffee, or on a health food shelf — but it’s not just a wellness trend.
Doctors and dietitians have been using MCT oil in clinical nutrition for decades.
Long before it was popular online, MCT oil was helping patients with serious health needs. It was originally used in hospitals for:
- Children with epilepsy, as part of special ketogenic diets to reduce seizures. A clinical study showed that a modified MCT-based keto diet helped reduce seizure frequency in children with drug-resistant epilepsy.
- People with Alzheimer’s or cognitive decline, to give the brain an extra fuel source when sugar metabolism is impaired. One randomised trial found that MCT supplementation improved cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s.
- Patients with gut absorption issues, such as short bowel syndrome or pancreatic insufficiency. Because MCTs are easier to digest and don’t require bile for absorption, they’ve been widely used in clinical settings — as described in this medical nutrition review.
- Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, to help maintain energy and weight when eating is difficult. Research on patients with advanced colon cancer showed that combining chemotherapy with an MCT-based ketogenic diet improved response and disease control rates.
What do all these cases have in common?
The body needs energy — but can’t rely on sugar or standard fats. That’s where MCT oil comes in: a clean, quick, dependable fuel source.
So while MCT oil may be trendy now, its benefits are backed by years of serious medical use.
If you're thinking about adding it to your daily routine — especially if you have a medical condition — it’s always best to speak with a qualified nutritionist or healthcare provider.
Understanding Your MCT Options
There are 3 main types of MCTs used in health products:
- C6 (Caproic Acid): Very fast energy — but can cause stomach upset and often has a sharp smell. Usually used in small amounts for brain stimulation.
- C8 (Caprylic Acid): The most efficient for quick, clean ketone energy. Great for mental focus, fat-burning, and fasted mornings.
- C10 (Capric Acid): Slower than C8, but still produces steady energy. Supports metabolism and can be gentler on digestion.
MCT Oil vs MCT Powder — What’s the Difference?
| Format | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MCT Oil | Pure, liquid oil (concentrated C8/C10) | Maximum absorption, keto fuel, coffee mix-ins |
| MCT Powder | Oil is spray-dried into powder with the help of an emulsifier (like acacia fiber or casein protein), which helps it mix easily into liquids and improves digestibility | Easier digestion, travel-friendly, gut support, prebiotic blends |
Looking for fast brain fuel? Try Melrose MCT Oil Brain Power. Just starting out or want balanced support? Melrose MCT Oil Kick Start is a great daily option. For workout performance and longer energy, see Melrose MCT Oil Energy & Exercise.
MCT Composition & Recommended Products
| MCT Composition | Main Benefit | Clinical Use | Who It’s For | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75% C8 + 21% C10 + 4% C6 | Fastest brain fuel, mental clarity, clean energy | Cognitive decline / Alzheimer’s support | Anyone who needs focus and productivity without caffeine | Melrose MCT Oil Brain Power |
| 60% C8 + 40% C10 | Everyday energy, metabolism support, fat-burning | Weight management / metabolic syndrome | Beginners to MCT, general health use, weight loss support | Melrose MCT Oil Kick Start |
| C8 + C10 + C12 | Long-lasting energy, physical performance, workout support | Sports nutrition / fatigue reduction | Active individuals, athletes, afternoon slumps | Melrose MCT Oil Energy & Exercise |
| BHB salts (no MCT) | Direct ketone support without digestion — mimics MCT effects | Therapeutic ketosis / fasting mimicry | People who want fast results or can’t tolerate oils | Pharma New Zealand™ Keto Intermittent™ Supplement |
Summary: The best MCT or ketone fuel depends on your lifestyle and how quickly you want results. For those who want the cleanest fat-based fuel, MCT oil is ideal. But if you want a faster, no-oil option — BHB formulas like Keto Intermittent™ are a great alternative.
Final Thoughts
MCT oil isn’t just another health trend — it’s a functional fat with real metabolic power.
Whether you’re looking for more focus, better fat-burning, or simply a smoother way to support your energy throughout the day, the type of MCT you choose matters. C8 for clarity, C10 for stamina, or a full-spectrum blend for long-lasting support — the key is understanding what your body needs and matching the formula to your goals.
And remember: if you don’t tolerate oil well or want faster results, BHB-based formulas like Keto Intermittent™ offer a direct shortcut into fat-burning, no digestion required.
The right fuel can change everything — from your energy to your metabolism to your mind.
Start simple. Stay curious. And always choose what works best for you.
