Dietary Energy Value of Medium‐chain Triglycerides

As a fat source in our diet, medium‐chain triglycerides (MCTs) result in lower fat deposition when compared by 2 methods to long‐chain triglycerides. Using data from 10 animal studies, the calculated energy loss during utilization of MCTs was 16%, resulting in a net energy value (NEV) of 6.97 kcal/g. The NEV calculated from the molecular composition of 9 MCTs with widely varying caprylic:capric fatty acid ratios was 6.72 ± 0.16 kcal/g. For 5 MCTs with completely defined fatty acid compositions, the NEV was 6.80 ± 0.15 kcal/g. Establishing the NEV for dietary MCTs at 6.8 kcal/g is proposed.