Abstract
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 randomized 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. Changes in blood lipid levels were
secondary outcomes.
Methods
Randomized controlled trials >3 weeks’ duration conducted in healthy adults were identified
searching Web of Knowledge, Discover, PubMed, Scopus, New Zealand Science, and Cochrane
CENTRAL until March 2014 with no language restriction. Identified trials were assessed
for bias. Mean differences were pooled and analyzed using inverse variance models
with fixed effects. Heterogeneity between studies was calculated using I2 statistic. An I2>50% or P<0.10 indicated heterogeneity.
Results
Thirteen trials (n=749) were identified. Compared with LCTs, MCTs decreased body weight
(–0.51 kg [95% CI–0.80 to –0.23 kg]; P<0.001; I2=35%); waist circumference (–1.46 cm [95% CI –2.04 to –0.87 cm]; P<0.001; I2=0%), hip circumference (–0.79 cm [95% CI –1.27 to –0.30 cm]; P=0.002; I2=0%), total body fat (standard mean difference –0.39 [95% CI –0.57 to –0.22]; P<0.001; I2=0%), total subcutaneous fat (standard mean difference –0.46 [95% CI –0.64 to –0.27];
P<0.001; I2=20%), and visceral fat (standard mean difference –0.55 [95% CI –0.75 to –0.34]; P<0.001; I2=0%). No differences were seen in blood lipid levels. Many trials lacked sufficient
information for a complete quality assessment, and commercial bias was detected. Although
heterogeneity was absent, study designs varied with regard to duration, dose, and
control of energy intake.
Conclusions
Replacement of LCTs with MCTs in the diet could potentially induce modest reductions
in body weight and composition without adversely affecting lipid profiles. However,
further research is required by independent research groups using large, well-designed
studies to confirm the efficacy of MCT and to determine the dosage needed for the
management of a healthy body weight and composition.
Keywords
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Biography
K. Mumme is a student, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Human Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand, and The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Biography
W. Stonehouse is a senior research scientist, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Human Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand, and CSIRO, Food and Nutrition Flagship, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 27, 2015
Accepted:
September 26,
2014
Footnotes
STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Supplementary materials: PowerPoint presentation available at www.andjrnl.org
FUNDING/SUPPORT None to report.
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
