No differences were seen in blood lipid levels .
Replacement of LCTs with MCTs in the diet could potentially induce modest reductions in body weight and composition without adversely affecting lipid profiles .
BACKGROUND Medium-chain triglycerides ( MCTs ) may result in negative energy balance and weight loss through increased energy expenditure and lipid oxidation .
However , results from human intervention studies investigating the weight reducing potential of MCTs , have been mixed .
OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials comparing the effects of MCTs , specifically C8:0 and C10:0 , to long-chain triglycerides ( LCTs )  on weight loss and body composition in adults .
Fatty acid chain length, postprandial satiety and food intake in lean men
High-fat diets are associated with obesity , and the weak satiety response elicited in response to dietary lipids is likely to play a role . Preliminary evidence from studies of medium ( MCT ) and long chain triglycerides ( LCT ) supports greater appetite suppression on high-MCT diets , possibly a consequence of direct portal access , more rapid oxidation and muted lipaemia . No data is as yet available on high-SCT diets which also have direct hepatic access . In this study SCT- ( dairy fats ) , MCT- ( coconut oil ) and LCT-enriched ( beef tallow ) test breakfasts ( 3.3 MJ ) containing 52 g lipid ( 58 en% fat ) were investigated in a r and omized , cross-over study in 18 lean men . All participants were required to complete the 3 study days in r and omised order . Participants rated appetite sensations using visual analogue scales ( VAS ) , and energy intake ( EI ) was measured by covert weighing of an ad libitum lunch meal 3.5 h postpr and ially . Blood sample s were collected by venous cannulation . There were no detectable differences between breakfasts in perceived pleasantness , visual appearance , smell , taste , aftertaste and palatability ( P>0.05 ) . There was no significant effect of fatty acid chain length on ratings of hunger , fullness , satisfaction or current thoughts of food , nor did energy ( mean , sem : SCT : 4406 , 366 kJ ; MCT : 4422 , 306 kJ ; LCT : 4490 , 324 kJ ; P>0.05 ) or macronutrient intake at lunch differ between diets . The maximum difference in EI between diets was less than 2 % . Postpr and ial lipaemia also did not differ significantly . We conclude that there was no evidence that fatty acid chain length has an effect on measures of appetite and food intake when assessed following a single high-fat test meal in lean participants
No differences were seen in blood lipid levels .
Replacement of LCTs with MCTs in the diet could potentially induce modest reductions in body weight and composition without adversely affecting lipid profiles .
BACKGROUND Medium-chain triglycerides ( MCTs ) may result in negative energy balance and weight loss through increased energy expenditure and lipid oxidation .
However , results from human intervention studies investigating the weight reducing potential of MCTs , have been mixed .
OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials comparing the effects of MCTs , specifically C8:0 and C10:0 , to long-chain triglycerides ( LCTs )  on weight loss and body composition in adults .