As the name suggests, MCT (medium chain triglyceride) oil contains medium-length chains of fat called triglycerides. It’s the mystical ingredient in your bulletproof coffee and is mainly derived from coconut oil.
MCT oil has quite a few health claims linked to it, hence its popularity, such as aiding hormonal balance, sustained energy, improved mood and reduced cravings. Whoa! Calm down MCT oil, you magical little bitch.
HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM COCONUT OIL?
There are several fatty acids that make up coconut oil. Of these fatty acids only 3 types bypass the metabolic process in the liver to quickly become energy for your brain and muscles. These are:
(C6) CAPROIC ACID – its only found in trace amounts and isn’t pleasant to taste and can cause stomach upset.
(C8) CAPRYLIC ACID – makes up about 6% of coconut oil. It contains potent anti-microbial properties to aid good gut health and is the fastest to metabolise in your brain. It only takes the body 3 steps to process caprylic acid into energy (in comparison sugar takes 26 steps).
(C10) CAPRIC ACID – makes up 9% of coconut oil and is also an energy-making powerhouse.
The other major fatty acid that makes up coconut oil is:
(C12) LAURIC ACID – this guy makes up over 50+% of coconut oil. He has to make a pit stop in the liver to be metabolised so doesn’t give the immediate energy of the above C8 & C12 acids above.
(C14) and above – these are basically LCTs (long chain triglycerides), mostly saturated, such as oleic acid, linoleic acid & stearic acid. These are also an awesome fuel source, but also need to be processed by the liver before they are converted to energy.

So the difference is…
Coconut oil contains all the above. All awesome stuff for your health and wellbeing. However, if you are looking for that immediate hit for energy, stamina & focus, you want to consume an MCT for that (such as first thing in the morning, pre-workout, pre-exam).
But not all MCT oils are created equal. So when looking to buy an MCT oil to chuck in your morning shake or coffee, you want to look for one that is made up of C8 & C10 acids only. Not one cut with C12 lauric acid, which I have found some brands have done.