MCT diet

Goal: to replace LCT fats with MCT fats

Be aware: this is only the goal of this diet, not necessarily its outcome. Results vary from person to person. Consult your doctor or dietician before starting this (or any other) diet.

The MCT diet

The MCT diet is a medical diet and is all about consuming less LCT fats. These fats are replaced with MCT fats.

On the homepage you can compare the MCT diet with different other diets.

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Long and medium-sized fats

MCT stands for medium-chain-triglycerides and LCT stands for long-chain-triglycerides. When following an MCT diet, you consume less long-chain (LCT) fats and more medium-chain (MCT) fats. 

Passage through your blood or lymphatic system

An important difference between MCT and LCT fats is that they move differently in your body. MCT fats are moved through the blood, whereas LCT fats are moved via the lymphatic system.

When to follow an MCT diet

An MCT diet may be prescribed by a physician for various medical indications. These include severe pancreatic and liver disorders, intestinal diseases, digestive problems and physical defects in fat transport.

The diet can also be prescribed for lymph leakage (also called chylus leakage). In such a leakage, chylus (lymph fluid with a lot of fat) leaks out of the lymph. The lymph leakage is claimed to heal faster if less chylus flows out. Limiting LCT fat intake should cause this.

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MCT instead of LCT

Because this diet requires less LCT fats, the LCT fats are replaced with MCT fats. This is done with MCT margarine and MCT oil. Apart from the MCT products, you will eat as little fat as possible.

Be aware

Consult your doctor or dietician before starting this (or any) diet. The MCT diet must be followed in a hospital or under the supervision of a dietician. 

It is also worth mentioning that, when following the MCT diet, you may experience slight nausea, diarrhea and a bloated feeling.

Books

Several cookbooks have been published that focus on using MCT oil, including Amazing Ways of Using McT Oil in Cooking, MCT Oil Smoothies Recipe Book and Cooking with MCT oil.

Similar diets

An example of another diet that focuses on the type of fats you consume is the Brown fat revolution diet

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Allowed

  • Regular bread
  • Potatoes
  • Wholemeal pasta
  • Fruit juice
  • Soft drink
  • Tea
  • Coffee
  • Low-fat dairy products
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Lean fish
  • Lean meat
  • Sweet spreads
  • Fruits
  • Protein
  • Low-fat cheese
  • MCT oil
  • MCT margarine
  • Rice

Not allowed

  • 20/30+ cheese
  • Wheat germs
  • Oily products
  • Nuts
  • Butter
  • Full-fat dairy products
  • High fat snacks
  • Avocado
  • Deep-fried products
  • Ordinary margarine
  • Sesame seed
  • Flaxseed
  • Huttenkäse
  • Egg yolk
  • Chocolate
  • Coconut bread
  • Nut spread
  • Peanut butter
  • Fatty meat
  • Oily fish
  • Olives

Goals

  • Part time
  • Medical diet

Exercise

As you see fit

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Dietitians

With the professional help of a dietitian it should be easier to reach your goals. Please contact a dietician in your area or talk to a doctor before starting any diet.

General warnings

Please take note that most diets do not have a scientific basis.

Consult your doctor or dietician before starting a diet, especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease or kidney disease.

Eating disorders

If you think you might have an eating disorder (like anorexia or bulimia), it is important to look for professional help. Contact your (house) doctor or find help elsewhere. Here you can find a list of several websites that can provide (online) help. These sites also provide information for people that know someone with an eating disorder.