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 .
Consumption of a functional oil rich in phytosterols and medium-chain triglyceride oil improves plasma lipid profiles in men.
Medium-chain triglycerides ( MCT ) have been proposed as weight-lowering agents , although there is some concern regarding their hyperlipidemic effect . This study evaluates the effects of a combination of MCT oil , phytosterols and flaxseed oil [ functional oil ( FctO ) ] on plasma lipid concentrations and LDL particle size .  Twenty-four healthy overweight men ( body mass index 28.2 + /- 0.4 kg/m(2 ) ) consumed controlled diets design ed to maintain weight for two periods of 29 d each . Diets contained 40 % of energy as fat , 75 % of which was added fat , either FctO or olive oil ( OL ) .  Body composition and blood sample s were analyzed at the baseline and the endpoint of each period . Total cholesterol concentration decreased 12.5 % ( -0.68 mmol/L ; P < 0.05 ) when subjects consumed FctO and 4.7 % when they consumed OL . Similarly , FctO consumption lowered LDL cholesterol concentrations by 13.9 % , whereas OL consumption did not . There was no difference in absolute change in LDL-cholesterol between FctO and OL consumption . Peak LDL particle size was greater in those who consumed FctO than in those who consumed OL ( P < 0.05 ) , with no effect of diet on proportion of large , medium or small particles . We conclude that those who consume a diet containing FctO have a better lipid profile than those who consume a diet rich in OL , which also leads to a larger lipoprotein particle size .  Functional oil consumption can therefore help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
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 .