Experience With Medium Chain Triglycerides in Malabsorptive States in Childhood

This paper summarizes clinical experience concerning the use of a diet in which medium chain triglycerides (MCT) replace most of the usual dietary long chain triglycerides (LCT). Absorption of MCT differs in many respects from that of LCT and these shorter chain fats can be a valuable source of calories in a wide range of malabsorptive states which are not remediable by specific therapeutic measures. A commercially available powdered formula containing MCT has been used in place of a milk feeding for infants or as a dietary additive for older children. This has been particularly beneficial to patients with intestinal lymphatic abnormalities and to those with malabsorption following small gut resection. It has enhanced growth rate in liver disease and improved abdominal symptoms in pancreatic insufficiency (cystic fibrosis).