MCT oil

Hello,

I am curious about which part of the digestive system absorbs MCT oil into the bloodstream. If I understand correctly, due to its small molecules, it is absorbed before reaching the stomach/intestines and travels directly to the liver, where it is converted into energy. But how does it get into the bloodstream?

I am also interested in whether vitamins A, D, E, and K are soluble in MCT or if it doesn't happen fast enough. Theoretically, is it possible to live solely on MCT oil, or does it lack something important?

Thank you very much for your response.

MCT fats are absorbed by the cells of the intestinal mucosa, primarily in the form of free fatty acids. Since they are hydrophilic and have a smaller molecular size, the entire process is relatively quick (compared to long-chain fatty acids). From the intestinal mucosa, they immediately enter the bloodstream, where they are bound to serum albumin and reach the liver tissue directly via the portal vein (vena portae).

MCTs are fats (they are a source of saturated medium-chain fatty acids) and as such, they are linked to the metabolism of lipophilic vitamins. If you consume them as part of natural foods (coconut oil, dairy products...), these foods also contain fat-soluble vitamins. In real life, a situation where MCTs are the only source of fats in the diet does not practically occur—since they are not a source of essential fatty acids, it is not possible to consume only these.

Hello,

I would like to ask about the combination of MCT oil (which contains Vitamin D3 + K2) and fermented cod liver oil. When I look at the units of Vitamin D in MCT oil, the recommended dosage contains 1000 I.U. The values in the daily dose of fish oil are 780 I.U. Isn't this an unnecessarily large amount of Vitamin D? I am concerned about what are called excessive doses, which could result in the leaching of calcium from the bones.

Thank you.

In the context of micronutrient intake, it is important to distinguish between their recommended dose (reference value) and the maximum safe dose. For adults, a safe dose of vitamin D is considered to be 4,000 IU, allowing supplement manufacturers the option to exceed the basic reference value. However, users should be aware that it is possible to overdose on fat-soluble substances. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct tests before their consumption to determine what dosage makes sense and whether supplementation is necessary at all. Most of the population relies on the fact that calciferol is a deficient nutrient, thus falling for the marketing claims of sellers without addressing the root of the problem. In general, the values you presented should not lead to a disruption of calcium metabolism stability in the bones of adults.