As a parent, you want to make sure your baby is getting all the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
With so many products on the market claiming to be beneficial for infants, it can be overwhelming to know what to choose.
One such product is MCT oil, a special type of fat that has been used in specialized infant formulas for babies with medical conditions affecting the GI tract and for babies who are not growing well.
But is MCT oil really good for babies?
In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of using MCT oil for your little one.
Is MCT Oil Good For Babies?
MCT oil has been found to have some potential benefits for babies, particularly those who are premature or have medical conditions affecting their growth and development.
One study found that feeding premature infants with MCT formulas was more beneficial than feeding them with standard formulas, due to its effect on temperature regulation. Another study suggested that daily massage with MCT oil can help accelerate weight gain in preterm neonates, which can reduce the length of hospital stays and medical costs.
MCT oil is also used in the dietary management of intractable epilepsy using the ketogenic diet, as well as for fat malabsorption such as cystic fibrosis or chronic liver disease. However, it’s important to note that MCT oil is not a source of essential fatty acids or fat-soluble vitamins.
While research is promising, there isn’t enough data to show that MCT oil will lead to weight loss in infants. It may help boost strength in elderly and weak individuals, and it can help the body make ketones, an energy source for the brain that doesn’t have carbs.
There’s also some evidence that MCT can reduce a fungus called Candida that can cause infection and help soothe and treat skin infections. The lauric acid in MCT works as an antimicrobial, breaking down bacteria and virus walls to destroy them.
What Is MCT Oil?
MCT oil is a dietary supplement made from medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat found in oils like coconut and palm oil. Unlike long-chain triglycerides (LCT), MCT molecules are smaller and easier to digest, allowing for quick absorption into the bloodstream and conversion into energy. MCT oil is commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders due to its potential benefits such as reducing body fat, increasing fullness, and improving gut health.
MCT oil gained popularity with the rise of the ketogenic diet, which uses high-fat, low-carb meals to change how the brain gets energy to function. MCT oil is a more concentrated source of MCTs than coconut oil, with caprylic and capric acid being the most commonly used types. Studies suggest that consuming MCT oil can boost fat burning, increase mental clarity, and protect the heart.
In babies, MCT oil has been found to have potential benefits for premature infants due to its effect on temperature regulation and weight gain acceleration. It’s also used in the dietary management of intractable epilepsy using the ketogenic diet, as well as for fat malabsorption conditions like cystic fibrosis or chronic liver disease. However, it’s important to note that MCT oil is not a source of essential fatty acids or fat-soluble vitamins.
The Role Of Fat In Infant Nutrition
Fat plays an important role in infant nutrition, providing energy and aiding in the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of fat that have unique digestive and metabolic properties, making them a valuable addition to infant formula for preterm infants. MCTs are also found naturally in human breast milk, making it the ideal food for healthy infants.
Studies have shown that MCTs can improve total fat absorption rates in preterm infants when part of long-chain triglycerides are replaced by MCTs. Formulas designed specifically for preterm infants contain up to 50% of total fatty acids as MCTs, while human milk contains approximately 8% to 10% of total fatty acids as MCTs.
MCTs are preferentially utilized by the body for energy due to their fast absorption and unique metabolic properties. When not oxidized, MCTs can be stored in adipose tissue or elongated to longer-chain fatty acids. However, the storage or incorporation of MCTs into structural lipids may be a concern.
While MCTs have shown potential benefits for infant nutrition, it’s important to note that monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are also healthy and necessary for proper growth and development. Polyunsaturated fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help with brain and eye development in unborn babies and during the first six months of life, as well as boost heart health and strengthen the immune system. It’s essential to have a balanced intake of all types of fats for optimal infant nutrition.
Medical Uses Of MCT Oil In Infant Formulas
MCT oil is an ingredient in specialized infant formulas designed for babies with medical conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract and for babies who are not growing well. MCTs (C8 and C10) were introduced in premature infant nutrition to enhance fat absorption. Several studies have demonstrated an improved total fat absorption rate when part of the long-chain triglycerides are replaced by MCTs, but others have not.
Formulas designed specifically for preterm infants contain 25% to 50% of total fatty acids as MCT. In human milk, approximately 8% to 10% of the total fatty acids are available as MCT. Although no evidence shows that MCTs are harmful, storage or incorporation of MCTs into structural lipids may be of concern.
In the adult, MCTs appear to be entirely oxidized, but little is known about the metabolism (oxidation and storage) of MCTs in premature infants. Increases in the plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate in infants receiving formula containing these fats demonstrate that oxidation of MCTs does occur. However, when the total amount of fat oxidized by a preterm infant is calculated, it appears that an infant fed a formula containing more than 20% of its fat as MCTs has either to oxidize all the MCTs and no other fat or store some of the MCTs if longer-chain fatty acids are to be oxidized simultaneously.
Quantitation of MCT oxidation in preterm infants fed formula containing 40% of its fat content as MCTs has been determined by stable isotope tracer methodology with simultaneous determination of substrate utilization using indirect calorimetry. The results show that the oxidation of MCTs is more than 80% of the calories derived from fat oxidation, indicating a preferential utilization of C8 and C10 triglycerides.
The high rate of utilization of these fatty acids is likely to be related to their fast absorption; they are the first fats available for oxidation after a meal. MCTs that are not oxidized can either be stored as such in adipose tissue or be elongated to longer-chain fatty acids. Sarda and associates have reported C8:0, C10:0, and C12:0 storage in adipose tissue in association with MCT dietary intake in infants.
No difference has been observed in carbohydrate utilization by preterm infants fed formulas containing 38% MCTs compared with 6% MCTs in the fat blend. However, glucose oxidation in infants fed the high MCT formula was reported to be significantly decreased, suggesting that a larger portion of carbohydrate was used in the nonoxidative pathway (i.e., lipogenesis).
MCTs have also been reported to effectively reduce polyunsaturated fatty acids and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids oxidation in enterally and parenterally fed preterm infants. A consequence of MCT oxidation is an increased urinary excretion of dicarboxylic acids. The clinical significance of this remains to be determined.
Potential Benefits Of MCT Oil For Babies
MCT oil has shown potential benefits for babies in terms of weight gain, temperature regulation, and certain medical conditions. Preterm neonates who were massaged daily with MCT oil showed accelerated weight gain, which can lead to shorter hospital stays and lower medical costs. MCT oil is also used in the dietary management of intractable epilepsy and fat malabsorption conditions such as cystic fibrosis or chronic liver disease.
Additionally, MCT oil has been found to have antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the risk of infections caused by Candida and soothe skin infections. While more research is needed, MCT oil may also have potential benefits for brain function in infants by providing an energy source that doesn’t rely on carbohydrates.
It’s important to note that MCT oil is not a source of essential fatty acids or fat-soluble vitamins, and its potential benefits should be discussed with a healthcare professional before use. Overall, MCT oil may have some potential benefits for babies, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Risks And Side Effects Of MCT Oil For Babies
While MCT oil has potential benefits for babies, it’s important to note that there are also risks and side effects that should be considered. One of the main concerns is that MCT oil can cause gastrointestinal problems such as flatulence, diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating. This can be particularly concerning for premature infants who already have sensitive digestive systems.
In addition, high doses of MCT oil can lead to a buildup of fat in the liver, which can be harmful in the long term. It’s also important to note that MCT oil is not a complete source of nutrition and should not be used as a sole source of calories for babies.
Another potential risk is the possibility of carnitine deficiency, which can result in damage to the liver and kidneys. This is especially concerning for premature infants who may already have low carnitine reserves. If MCT oil is being used as a part of a baby’s diet plan, it’s important to consult with a doctor or dietitian to ensure that proper supplementation with carnitine is being considered.
Finally, it’s important to remember that every baby is different and may react differently to MCT oil. If you notice any adverse reactions or side effects in your baby after using MCT oil, it’s important to stop use immediately and consult with your child’s doctor.
When To Consider Using MCT Oil For Your Baby
If your baby is premature or has medical conditions affecting their growth and development, MCT oil may be a beneficial addition to their diet. Feeding premature infants with MCT formulas has been found to be more effective than standard formulas in promoting weight gain and regulating body temperature. Daily massage with MCT oil can also help accelerate weight gain in preterm neonates, which can reduce the length of hospital stays and medical costs.
MCT oil is also used in the dietary management of intractable epilepsy using the ketogenic diet, as well as for fat malabsorption such as cystic fibrosis or chronic liver disease. However, it’s important to note that MCT oil is not a source of essential fatty acids or fat-soluble vitamins.
It’s important to consult with a doctor or dietitian before introducing MCT oil to your baby’s diet. They can help determine if it’s appropriate for your baby’s specific needs and provide guidance on the appropriate dosage and usage. It’s also important to monitor your baby’s response to MCT oil and any potential side effects, such as oily stools.
