MCT Oil
What is MCT Oil?
MCT stands for Medium-Chain Triglycerides, which is a type of fat that is very easy for our bodies to absorb. Instead of going to the gut to be broken down like most fats, MCTs are sent straight to the liver and the body can use them as energy. MCTs can be found in varying amounts in foods that contain fats like coconuts and coconut oil, palm oil, grass-fed butter and full-fat dairy products.
MCT Oil is a concentrated form of MCTs and is typically extracted from coconuts or palm fruit and can be taken as a supplement in liquid or capsule form. It is typically odorless and colorless. MCT Oil is often used to boost calories, manage weight, alleviate constipation, and control seizures. For these reasons, MCT Oil may be a good fit for some children with autism.
Is MCT Oil Beneficial for Autism?
For some, it can be! While the literature on MCT oil and autism is limited, one study showed that a modified gluten-free ketogenic diet with supplemental MCT oil significantly improved ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) scores after 3 months following this regimen [1]. To date, we do not have any studies researching MCT oil and autism without other variables, such as dietary changes. We do have research to suggest that it may help with cognition, memory and even neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s [2, 3].
MCT oil is known for its benefit in managing epilepsy when combined with a ketogenic diet [4, 5]. The prevalence of epilepsy in individuals with autism is estimated to be about 12%, which is higher than the general population [6]. One case study showed that a young girl with epilepsy on the autism spectrum had significant improvements in her frequency of seizures and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score after following a gluten-free, casein-free, ketogenic diet with supplemental MCT oil [7]. This suggests that individuals on the spectrum with epilepsy could especially benefit from MCT Oil in combination with a gluten-free, casein-free, ketogenic diet. Since this diet is very restrictive, if your child is a picky eater, be sure to have support from a dietitian and/or feeding therapist before attempting to follow this diet.
MCT Oil can also be great for a variety of gut symptoms and conditions. It is a natural antibacterial and antiviral, supports the gut microbiome, and can improve a leaky gut [8, 9]. It’s important to note that a common side effect of MCT oil is softer stools, which may actually be beneficial for individuals struggling with constipation.
Supplementation*
Dosing
MCT oil should be added to the diet slowly, to avoid digestive discomfort, diarrhea or unwanted weight gain. A good rule of thumb would be to begin with ½ tsp per day and increase gradually as needed. This is more easily done with a liquid supplement than a capsule/softgel.
Our Favorite MCT Supplements*:
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.
*All supplements are linked to Amazon for convenience, however, buying supplements on Amazon does not guarantee quality, as there are many “unverified resellers” selling nutrition supplements. To buy supplements that are verified to be sent directly to the consumer, you can create an account on the Autism Dietitian FullScript and search for the supplement under “Catalog”.
Authors
Written by: Elisa Rocks, RDN
Edited & Reviewed by Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT
