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 .
Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in overweight men.
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to compare the effects of diets rich in medium-chain triglycerides ( MCTs ) or long-chain triglycerides ( LCTs ) on body composition , energy expenditure , substrate oxidation , subjective appetite , and ad libitum energy intake in overweight men . RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES Twenty-four healthy , overweight men with body mass indexes between 25 and 31 kg/m(2 ) consumed diets rich in MCT or LCT for 28 days each in a crossover r and omized controlled trial . At baseline and after 4 weeks of each dietary intervention , energy expenditure was measured using indirect calorimetry , and body composition was analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging . RESULTS Upper body adipose tissue ( AT ) decreased to a greater extent ( p < 0.05 ) with functional oil ( FctO ) compared with olive oil ( OL ) consumption ( -0.67 + /- 0.26 kg and -0.02 + /- 0.19 kg , respectively ) . There was a trend toward greater loss of whole-body subcutaneous AT volume ( p = 0.087 ) with FctO compared with OL consumption . Average energy expenditure was 0.04 + /- 0.02 kcal/min greater ( p < 0.05 ) on day 2 and 0.03 + /- 0.02 kcal/min ( not significant ) on day 28 with FctO compared with OL consumption . Similarly , average fat oxidation was greater ( p = 0.052 ) with FctO compared with OL intake on day 2 but not day 28 . DISCUSSION Consumption of a diet rich in MCTs results in greater loss of AT compared with LCTs , perhaps due to increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation observed with MCT intake . Thus , MCTs may be considered as agents that aid in the prevention of obesity or potentially stimulate weight loss
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 .