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MCT Oil Dosage Guide

Evidence:Moderate
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

General Dosage

15-30ml (1-2 tablespoons) daily; start with 5ml (1 teaspoon) and increase gradually over 1-2 weeks

Maximum dose: 45ml (3 tablespoons) daily — GI distress is common above this level

Dosage Recommendations

General recommendation: 15-30ml (1-2 tablespoons) daily; start with 5ml (1 teaspoon) and increase gradually over 1-2 weeks

Timing: Morning or pre-workout for energy; before meals for appetite control; can be added to coffee, smoothies, or salad dressings

Dosage by Condition

Cognitive support
20-30ml (1-2 tbsp) C8 oil dailyEmerging
Weight management
15-30ml daily, taken before mealsModerate
Quick energy / ketone boost
10-15ml (1 tbsp) as neededModerate
Exercise endurance
15-30ml taken 30-60 min before exerciseEmerging

Upper limit: 45ml (3 tablespoons) daily — GI distress is common above this level

Timing & Absorption

Morning or pre-workout for energy; before meals for appetite control; can be added to coffee, smoothies, or salad dressings

Can be taken with or without food.

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References

  1. Meta-analysisMumme K, Stonehouse W (2015). Effects of medium-chain triglycerides on weight loss and body composition: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTReger MA, Henderson ST, Hale C, et al. (2004). Effects of beta-hydroxybutyrate on cognition in memory-impaired adults. Neurobiology of Aging. DOI PubMed
  3. RCTSt-Onge MP, Bosarge A (2008). Weight-loss diet that includes consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerol oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss than does olive oil. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI PubMed
  4. RCTOta M, Matsuo J, Ishida I, et al. (2019). Effects of a medium-chain triglyceride-based ketogenic formula on cognitive function in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Neuroscience Letters. DOI PubMed
  5. ReviewClegg ME (2010). Medium-chain triglycerides are advantageous in promoting weight loss although not beneficial to exercise performance. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. DOI PubMed
  6. Courchesne-Loyer A, Fortier M, Tremblay-Mercier J, et al. (2013). Stimulation of mild, sustained ketonemia by medium-chain triacylglycerols in healthy humans: estimated potential contribution to brain energy metabolism. Nutrition. DOI PubMed
  7. Vandenberghe C, St-Pierre V, Pierotti T, Fortier M, Castellano CA, Cunnane SC (2017). Tricaprylin Alone Increases Plasma Ketone Response More Than Coconut Oil or Other Medium-Chain Triglycerides. Current Developments in Nutrition. DOI PubMed
Show 5 more references
  1. Tosefsky K, Lam JS, Wang YN, Keymanesh S, et al. (2026). A randomized safety and feasibility crossover trial of two Mediterranean-ketogenic interventions in individuals with Parkinson's disease.. Journal of Parkinson's disease. DOI PubMed
  2. Rafieipoor A, Torkaman M, Azaryan F, Tavakoli A, et al. (2024). Effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis.. Frontiers in nutrition. DOI PubMed
  3. Wendel K, Gunnarsdottir G, Fossan Aas M, Westvik ÅS, et al. (2023). Essential Fatty Acid Supplementation and Early Inflammation in Preterm Infants: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.. Neonatology. DOI PubMed
  4. Rasmussen E, Patel V, Tideman S, Frech R, et al. (2023). Efficacy of supplemental MCT oil on seizure reduction of adult drug-resistant epilepsy - a single-center open-label pilot study.. Nutritional neuroscience. DOI PubMed
  5. Lapillonne A, et al. (2023). Effect of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid supplementation on respiratory outcomes in preterm infants.. Journal of pediatrics. DOI PubMed