Medium Chain Triglycerides
Nutritional Enhancers
Emulsifiers
73398-61-5
glycerol triesters of C8–C10 fatty acids
$7.02 ~ $10.53
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/bag
One unit of:25kg/bag
25kg/bag
Product Info
What is Medium Chain Triglycerides?
Medium Chain Triglycerides are saturated fatty acids extracted from coconut or palm kernel oil that are rapidly absorbed and primarily used as an easily digestible energy source in nutritional supplements and specialized functional foods.
How is Medium Chain Triglycerides made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Intake | Receive and inspect Glycerin and fractionated Medium Chain Fatty Acids (typically Caprylic C8 & Capric C10). | Control Points: Purity (GC analysis), Acid Value, moisture content, and heavy metal screening. Note: Raw materials must meet stringent food-grade specifications. They are typically derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. |
| 2 | Esterification Reaction | Charge Glycerin and Fatty Acids into a stainless steel reactor. Heat the mixture under vacuum with a food-grade catalyst to form triglycerides, continuously removing the water byproduct. | Control Points: Reaction temperature (e.g., 180-240°C) and vacuum level are critical for driving the reaction. The process is monitored until the Acid Value (AV) drops to a specified low target, indicating completion. |
| 3 | Purification & Washing | Cool the crude MCT oil. Neutralize and remove the catalyst, typically by washing with water and food-grade acids or alkalis, followed by separation. | Control Points: Verify complete catalyst removal through testing. Monitor the pH and clarity of the wash water. This step is crucial for the purity and stability of the final product. |
| 4 | Refining (Bleaching & Deodorization) | Treat the oil with activated clay (bleaching) to adsorb color pigments. Then, use steam stripping under high vacuum and temperature (deodorization) to remove residual free fatty acids and volatile odor compounds. | Control Points: Precise control of temperature and vacuum during steam deodorization is essential. Product is checked for color (Lovibond scale) and must have a bland, neutral taste and odor. |
| 5 | Final Filtration | Pass the refined and cooled MCT oil through fine polish filters to remove any remaining microscopic particulates (e.g., bleaching clay traces). | Control Points: Filter integrity and micron rating. The final oil must be brilliantly clear and bright, free from any suspended matter. This is a critical final polishing step. |
| 6 | Quality Control & Packaging | Conduct comprehensive final analysis of the finished MCT oil against all specifications. Fill into clean, sanitized, food-grade containers under a nitrogen blanket. | Control Points: Final QC checks must confirm the Fatty Acid Profile (C8/C10 ratio), Peroxide Value, moisture, and microbial count. Nitrogen blanketing is vital to prevent oxidation and preserve shelf life. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 73398-61-5 |
| Chemical Formula | glycerol triesters of C8–C10 fatty acids |
| Solubility | practically insoluble in water; miscible with alcohols, esters, oils |
| Storage Conditions | store sealed in cool dry < 25 °C |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
energy supplement
carrier oil
cosmetic emollient
parenteral nutrition
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Medium Chain Triglycerides |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Solvent & Carrier; Glazing Agent; Rapidly Metabolized Lipid; Release Agent |
| Key Ingredients | Triglycerides primarily composed of caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids. |
| Mechanism of Action | Acts as a highly stable, non-polar solvent for lipophilic compounds (e.g., flavors, colors, vitamins). Forms a thin, protective film on surfaces to provide gloss and act as a moisture barrier. Metabolically, it is rapidly hydrolyzed and absorbed directly into the portal vein for quick energy conversion, bypassing the lymphatic system. |
| Application Effect in Product | Creates uniform dispersion of lipophilic flavors, colors, and actives. Provides a clear, non-greasy gloss and moisture barrier on confectionery. Acts as a lubricant and release agent in food processing. Delivers rapid energy in sports nutrition, ketogenic products, and clinical foods. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT Oil) | Saturated Fatty Acid Supplement | Blend of C8 and C10 fatty acids; rapidly absorbed and converted to ketones; typically liquid and tasteless. | Fastest energy conversion; highly ketogenic; mixes easily into liquids. | Can cause digestive upset; lower smoke point; highly processed. | Ketogenic diets, pre-workout energy, adding to coffee/smoothies for mental clarity. | For maximum ketone production and quick, non-carbohydrate energy. |
| Coconut Oil | Natural Plant-Based Fat | Contains MCTs (mostly C12 lauric acid) and Long Chain Triglycerides (LCTs); solid at room temperature. | Natural, whole-food source; versatile for cooking and baking; lauric acid has antimicrobial properties. | Slower energy conversion due to LCTs; lower concentration of ketogenic C8/C10 fats. | General purpose cooking, baking, skincare, oil pulling. | For a less processed, versatile cooking oil that provides some MCT benefits. |
| C8 MCT Oil (Caprylic Acid) | Purified Saturated Fatty Acid Supplement | Pure C8 caprylic acid, the most ketogenic form of MCT. | Most efficient at producing ketones; fastest acting for cognitive and physical energy boost. | Most expensive form of MCT oil; can be harsher on the digestive system initially. | Strict keto diets, maximizing cognitive enhancement, breaking a fast. | For the most potent and rapid ketogenic effect available. |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | Animal-Based Clarified Fat | Lactose and casein free; rich in butyrate (a short-chain fatty acid) and fat-soluble vitamins. | Very high smoke point for cooking; rich, buttery flavor; butyrate supports gut health. | Not as ketogenic as pure MCT oil; not vegan; contains primarily LCTs. | High-heat cooking like searing and frying; adding flavor to dishes and coffee. | For a high-heat, flavorful cooking fat that is dairy-allergy friendly and supports gut health. |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Plant-Based Monounsaturated Fat | High in oleic acid (LCT) and polyphenol antioxidants; strong flavor profile. | Extensive cardiovascular health benefits; anti-inflammatory properties. | Not ketogenic; energy is metabolized slowly; low smoke point makes it unsuitable for high-heat cooking. | Salad dressings, drizzling on finished foods, low-temperature sautéing. | For long-term heart health benefits and antioxidant content, not for ketogenic energy. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA and technical data sheet
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
SDS available (BASF Kollisolv® MCT 70)
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications