MCT 的快速入門基本篇-不可不看的懶人包 @ 譯文大賞

Interest in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) has grown rapidly over the last few years.

在過去幾年，大眾對於中鏈三酸甘油脂〈MCT〉有著越來越多的興趣。

This is partly due to the widely-publicized benefits of coconut oil, a rich source of them.

這樣的情況會發生的原因，是因為椰子油的效益有很大一部份是源自於MCT。

Many advocates boast that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can aid in weight loss.

很多觀點聲稱中鏈三酸甘油脂〈MCTs〉對減重有幫助。

In addition, MCT oil has become a popular supplement among athletes and bodybuilders.

此外，MCT油已經是運動界與健身界相當熱門的補品了。

Here is everything you need to know about MCTs, including what they are and what health benefits they may have.

如果你想知道有關MCTs的資訊都在下方，其中包括它們是什麼以及它們有甚麼健康效益

What is MCT? 什麼是MCT？

MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, which are fats found in foods like coconut oil. They are metabolized differently than the long-chain triglycerides (LCT) found in most other foods.

MCT是中鏈三酸甘油脂的簡稱，它存在於許多天然的食物中，像是椰子油。同樣是油脂，但MCT與許多其他食物中的油脂-長鏈三酸甘油脂在體內的代謝方式是不同的。

MCT oil is a supplement that contains a lot of these fats, and is claimed to have many health benefits.

MCT油是一種含有大量MCT的補品，並且據說有許多的健康效益

Triglyceride is simply the technical term for fat. Triglycerides have two main purposes — they are transported into cells and burned for energy, or stored as body fat.

而三酸甘油脂〈脂肪酸〉簡單來說，就是脂肪的學術用語，它有兩個主要的用途-它們在體內有兩個主要處理途徑，會先被輸送到細胞裡，然後會被燃燒成為能量或是儲存成脂肪。

三酸甘油脂〈脂肪酸〉的化學結構

Triglycerides are named after their chemical structure, more specifically the length of their fatty acid chains. All triglycerides are made up of a glycerol molecule and 3 fatty acids.

三酸甘油脂是以它們的化學結構所命名而成的，要分更細的話，就是看他們的脂肪酸鏈的長度。但無論是哪一種的三酸甘油脂，都是由一個甘油分子與三個脂肪酸分子所組成的

The majority of fat in your diet is made up of long-chain fatty acids, which contain 13–21 carbons. Short-chain fatty acids have fewer than 6 carbon atoms.

膳食中的脂肪主要是由長鏈三酸甘油脂所構成的，它有著13-21個碳，而短鏈三酸甘油脂的碳的數量則是低於6個

In contrast, the medium-chain fatty acids in MCTs have 6–12 carbon atoms.

相較之下，中鏈三酸甘油脂有6-12個碳

These are the main medium-chain fatty acids:

下列是主要的中鏈脂肪酸

C6: Caproic acid or hexanoic acid.

C6：己酸或羊油酸

C8: Caprylic acid or octanoic acid.

C8：辛酸或羊羶酸

C10: Capric acid or decanoic acid.

C10：癸酸或羊脂酸

C12: Lauric acid or dodecanoic acid.

C12：十二酸或月桂酸

Some experts argue that C6, C8 and C10, which are referred to as the "capra fatty acids," reflect the definition of MCT more accurately than C12 (lauric acid)

有些學者認為C6、C8、C10要稱為Capra 脂肪酸，是上述三種的化學性質會比C12來得更符合MCT的定義

BOTTOM LINE:
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are types of fatty acids containing 6–12 carbons. They include caproic acid (C6), caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10) and lauric acid (C12).

結論：中鏈三酸甘油脂〈MCT〉包含了有6-12個碳的脂肪酸，他們包括羊油酸〈C6〉、羊羶酸〈C8〉與羊脂酸〈C10〉

Medium-Chain Triglycerides are Metabolized Differently

中鏈三酸甘油脂在體內有不一樣的代謝方式

Because of the shorter chain length of the fatty acids, MCTs are rapidly broken down and absorbed into the body.

因為中鏈脂肪酸的鏈長較短，它很容易就被體內分解和吸收。

Unlike longer-chain fatty acids, MCTs go straight to the liver.

它不像其他的脂肪酸，中鏈脂肪酸是直接進到肝臟裡

There they can be used as an instant energy source or turned into ketones, which are substances produced when the liver breaks down large amounts of fat.

在這樣的情況下，這種油在體內會變成一種快速的能量來源或是轉換為酮體〈ketones〉，這些物質是肝臟分解大量油脂後的產物。

Unlike regular fatty acids, ketones can cross from the blood to the brain. This provides an alternative energy source for the brain, which ordinarily uses glucose for fuel.

在體內，MCT可以穿過血液進到腦部，它可以提供一種腦部的能量來源，可以替代葡萄糖〈gulcose〉通常作為腦部的能量來源〈詳細資訊可參考：什麼是生酮飲食〉。

Because the calories contained in MCTs are more efficiently turned into energy and used by the body, they are less likely to be stored as fat.

因為MCTs所含的熱量更有效率地被轉換為能量來供給身體做使用，所以說他們比較不容易被儲存為脂肪

BOTTOM LINE:
Due to their shorter chain length, medium-chain triglycerides are more rapidly broken down and absorbed into the body. This makes them a fast energy source and less likely to be stored as fat.

結論：因為MCT的鏈長較短，它可以很快地被身體吸收與分解。這樣的性質也讓MCTs成為身體的一種快速的能量供給來源，而且儲存為脂肪的量也會比較少

Sources of Medium-Chain Triglycerides

中鏈脂肪酸的食物來源

There are two main ways to increase the amount of MCT in your diet — through whole food sources or supplements such as MCT oil.

在日常的飲食當中，有兩種方法是可以增加MCTs的攝取量：全食〈whole food〉攝取或是用MCT油補充

Whole Food Sources 全食

These foods are the richest in medium-chain triglycerides, shown as the percentage of fatty acids that are MCTs

下面表列的食物都富含MCTs，MCT在食物的成分比例在下方會以百分比做表示

Coconut oil: Greater than 60%.

椰子油：大於60%

Palm kernel oil: Greater than 50%.

棕櫚仁油：大於50%

Dairy products: 10–12%.

乳製品：10-12%

Although the sources above are rich in MCTs, their compositions vary. For example, coconut oil contains all four types of MCTs, plus a small amount of LCTs.

儘管上面所提及的食物都富含MCTs，但它們的成分不盡相同。例如：椰子油含有4種MCT且含有一小部份的長鏈脂肪酸〈LCTs〉

However, its MCTs consist of greater amounts of lauric acid (C12) and smaller amounts of the "capra fatty acids" (C6, C8 and C10). In fact, coconut oil is about 50% lauric acid (C12), making it one of the best natural sources of this fatty acid.

然而，在椰子油裡，它擁有大量的月桂酸還有少部份的“Capra 脂肪酸”-C6；C8；C10。以比例來說，椰子油的脂肪當中含有50%的月桂酸，意即椰子油為月桂酸的最佳食物來源。

Compared to coconut oil, dairy sources tend to have a higher proportion of capra fatty acids (C6, C8 and C10) and a lower proportion of lauric acid (C12).

相較於椰子油，乳製品的“Capra脂肪酸”〈C6；C8；C10〉的含量就比較高，而相對的，月桂酸的含量就比較低了

In milk, capra fatty acids make up 4–12% of all fatty acids, and lauric acid (C12) makes up 2–5%

“Capra 脂肪酸”在牛奶裡的脂肪酸的比例約為4-12%，而月桂酸則是百分之2-5%

BOTTOM LINE:
Whole food sources of MCTs include coconut oil, palm kernel oil and dairy products. However, their MCT composition varies.

結論：擁有MCTs這種成分的食物包括椰子油、奶製品及棕櫚油。但他們MCT的成分及比例〈composition〉都不太一樣

MCT Oil MCT油

MCT oil is a highly concentrated source of medium-chain triglycerides.

MCT油是MCTs的高濃度的食品來源。

It is man-made, through a process called fractionation. This involves extracting and isolating the MCTs from coconut or palm kernel oil.

它是由人工合成的，透過一種分餾的加工過程所製作的。這樣的製程包含了從椰子油或是棕梠仁油萃取與分離出所需的成分。

MCT oils generally contain either 100% caprylic acid (C8), 100% capric acid (C10) or a combination of the two.

一般來說，MCT油含有100%的辛酸〈C8〉；100%的癸酸〈C10〉或是這兩者的組合。

Caproic acid (C6) is not normally included due to its unpleasant taste and smell. Lauric acid (C12) is often missing or present in only small amounts

那麼己酸〈C6〉和月桂酸〈C12〉呢？通常MCT油是不含C6的，是因為它有不好的氣味及味道；C12〈月桂酸〉的含量不高是因為，在提煉的過程中全流失掉了或是只剩一小部分。

Given that lauric acid is the main component in coconut oil, be careful of manufacturers who market MCT oils as "liquid coconut oil," which is misleading.

我們假設月桂酸是椰子油的主要成分，那麼可以發現，那些MCT油的相關場商聲稱“MCT油是液態椰子油”這樣的說法其實是在誤導大眾的。

Many people debate whether lauric acid reduces or enhances the quality of MCT oils.

許多人都對月桂酸減少或是增加了MCT油的品質有了相當大的爭議。

Many advocates market MCT oil as better than coconut oil because caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) are thought to be more rapidly absorbed and processed for energy than lauric acid (C12).

有些人說，MCT油比椰子油還要好，是因為C8跟C10比月桂酸〈C12〉在體內吸收並轉換為能量的速度來得快

Since C13 is a long-chain fatty acid and lauric acid (C12) is quite similar in structure, some experts argue that it might act more like a long-chain fat, making it less valuable.

因為C13是長鏈脂肪酸，而月桂酸〈C12〉在化學結構上與前者相似，部分學者認為因為月桂酸的化學性質比較像長鏈脂肪酸，所以它並沒有像一般的MCT有那麼多的好處。

Although evidence supports that lauric acid is more rapidly absorbed in the body than LCTs, one study suggests that lengthening the carbon chain by 2 carbons can slow down the rate of diffusion by 100 times (5, 6, 7).

雖然有證據支持人體吸收月桂酸的速度比一般的LCTs來得快，有一項研究發現，每當含有的碳數多兩個碳時，脂肪酸在體內的傳輸速度就會慢100倍〈資料來源：A、B、C〉。

Therefore, compared to other medium-chain triglycerides, lauric acid may be a slightly less efficient way to obtain energy. However, it also has unique health benefits.

因此，相較於其他的中鏈脂肪酸，從月桂酸獲取能量的效率就稍微少一點。但是，它也有些其他脂肪所沒有的健康效益。

For example, lauric acid has even more anti-microbial properties than caprylic acid (C8) or capric acid (C10), meaning it can help kill harmful bacteria and viruses (8, 9).

例如月桂酸有著比C8和C10還要多的抗菌性質，意即它可以殺死有害的細菌及病毒〈資料來源：D、E〉

BOTTOM LINE:
MCT oil is an easy way to get large concentrations of certain MCTs. It usually contains C8, C10 or a combination of the two.

結論：MCT油是獲取大量MCT的更簡單的方式。它通常包含C8、C10或是兩者的組合

Which Should You Choose? 那麼該選哪一種方式攝取才是最好的呢？

The source best for you depends on your goals and the amount of medium-chain triglycerides you want.

這個答案是取決於你的目標及你想要攝取多少的MCT。

It is not clear what dose is needed to obtain potential benefits. In studies, doses range from 5–70 grams (0.17–2.5 oz) of MCT daily.

目前還不清楚如果要獲得MCT的潛在效益是需要多少劑量。在許多的研究發現，每天的MCT的攝取的建議量大約是介於5到70克之間〈0.17到2.5盎司〉。

If your aim is to achieve overall good health, using coconut oil or palm kernel oil in cooking is probably sufficient.

如果你的目標是要達到整體的健康狀態，在烹調中加入椰子油或是棕櫚仁油就已經很夠了。

However, for higher doses you might want to consider MCT oil.

但是，如果你想要攝取更多的MCT，那麼你應該會更想要使用MCT油。

One of the good things about MCT oil is that it has virtually no taste or smell. It can be consumed straight from the jar or alternatively mixed into food or drinks.

MCT油其中一個好處，就是它幾乎完全沒有味道和氣味。你可以直接食用或是加到食物和飲料裡

BOTTOM LINE:
Coconut and palm kernel oils are rich sources of medium-chain triglycerides, but MCT oil supplements contain much larger amounts.

結論：椰子油和棕櫚仁油都是富含MCT的食物來源，但是MCT油的中鏈脂肪酸的含量更高

MCT Oil May Help With Weight Loss in Several Ways

MCT油可能由很多途徑幫助減重

There are several ways that MCTs may help with weight loss, including:

下列有幾種MCT油幫助減重的方式：

Lower Energy Density: MCTs provide around 10% fewer calories than LCTs, or 8.4 calories per gram for MCTs versus 9.2 calories per gram for LCTs

較少的能量密度：MCTs所提供的熱量比LCTs還少10%，或以數值表示，MCTs每公克所含的熱量約為8.3大卡；LCT則是9大卡

Increase Fullness: One study found that compared to LCTs, MCTs resulted in greater increases in peptide YY and leptin, two hormones that help reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness

增加飽足感：有一項研究發現相較於LCTs，MCTs會大幅增加體內的多肽YY〈peptide YY；抑制食慾的荷爾蒙〉與瘦素〈leptin〉，而這兩種荷爾蒙是可以幫助控制食慾及增加飽足感

Fat Storage: Given that MCTs are absorbed and used more rapidly than LCTs, they are less likely to be stored as body fat

脂肪的儲存：鑑於MCTs在體內的吸收與使用比LCTs還來得快，它們被存為脂肪的可能性就比較低

Burn Calories: Studies in animals and humans show that MCTs (mainly C8 and C10) may increase the body's ability to burn fat and calories

燃燒卡路里：在動物與人體的研究中顯示，MCTs〈主要是C8和C10〉可能增加體內燃燒脂肪及熱量的能力

Greater Fat Loss: One study found that an MCT-rich diet caused greater fat burning and fat loss than a diet higher in LCTs. However, these effects may disappear after 2–3 weeks once the body has adapted

脂肪燃燒的更多：有一項研究發現，富含MCT的飲食比富含LCT的飲食所燃燒的脂肪及脂肪的減少還來得多。然而，這樣的效果在人體適應後的兩到三周就會消失

Low-carb Diets: Very low-carb or ketogenic diets are a effective ways to lose weight. Given that MCTs produce ketones, adding them to your diet can increase the number of carbs you can eat while staying in ketosis.

低碳水化合物的飲食：低碳水化合物或是生酮飲食都是有效減肥的方式。鑑於MCTs能生產酮體，當您採用生酮飲食時，把它加進你的飲食裡補足低碳水化合物攝取所缺乏的能量

BOTTOM LINE:
MCTs may aid in weight loss through reduced calorie intake, increased fullness, less fat storage, improved calorie burning and increased ketones on low-carb diets.

結論：MCTs可以讓我們減少熱量攝取、增加飽足感、較少的脂肪儲存、改善熱量燃燒及能增加酮體的低醣飲食來幫助減肥

Do MCTs Actually Cause Weight Loss?

MCTs真的可以讓我們減肥嗎？

While many studies have found positive effects of MCTs on weight loss, other studies have found no effects

雖然有很多研究發現，MCTs對減肥是有正面的幫助，但是其他研究並沒有顯示這樣的效果。

In a review of 14 studies, 7 evaluated fullness, 8 measured weight loss and 6 assessed calorie-burning.

在14項研究的一篇文獻回顧中，其中有7篇判別MCTs是否增加飽足感、8篇檢測MCTs是否能幫助減重，有6篇是在證明MCTs能否消耗熱量。

Only one study found increases in fullness, while 6 studies found reductions in weight and 4 found increased calorie burning.

但很不幸地，僅在一篇研究裡發現MCTs會增加飽足感、六篇發現到有體重的減少，還有四篇是有發現到有增加熱量燃燒的現象。

In another review of 12 animal studies, 7 reported a decrease in weight gain and 5 found no differences. In terms of food intake, 4 detected a decrease, 1 detected an increase and 7 found no differences.

在另一篇結合了12項的動物研究的文獻回顧裡，其中有七篇有發現到有減少增重的幅度，但其他五篇並沒有發現有任何的變化。以食物攝取來說，其中有四篇是有減少的現象，有一篇是增加的，而剩下的七項研究則是沒有任何的改變。

In addition, the amount of weight loss caused by MCTs is actually very modest.

也就是說，MCTs幫助減重的幅度並不是非常地大。

A review of 13 studies found that on average the amount of weight lost on a diet high in MCTs was only 1.1 lbs (0.5 kg) over 3 weeks or more when compared to a diet high in LCTs.

在一篇收集了13項相關研究的文獻回顧中，我們發現，採用高含量的MCT的飲食，經過三周以上的時間後，所減的體重只比採用LCT含量高的飲食多1.1磅〈0.5公斤〉。

Another study found that a diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides resulted in a 2-lb (0.9-kg) greater weight loss than a diet rich in LCTs over a 12 week period.

另一篇研究有發現，在經過12周後，採用富含MCT的飲食的人所減的體重，只比採用富含LCT的多2磅〈0.9公斤〉而已。

Further high-quality studies are needed to determine how effective MCTs are for weight loss and what amounts need to be taken to experience benefits.

我們仍需要更多更進一步的研究，去探討MCTs對人體的減重效果，還有最適合的攝取量。

BOTTOM LINE:
A diet high in medium-chain triglycerides may help with weight loss, although the effect is generally quite modest.

結論：高MCT含量的飲食可能會幫助減重，雖然一般來說，它的效果真的沒有很大

Evidence for MCTs Enhancing Exercise Performance is Weak

攝取MCTs會增強運動表現的證據其實是薄弱的

MCTs are thought to increase energy levels during high-intensity exercise and serve as an alternative energy source, sparing glycogen stores.

MCTs被認為在高強度的運動下，是會增加能量水準而且可以作為人體替代的能量來源、具有肝醣在體內的效果。

This may positively affect endurance and have benefits for athletes on low-carb diets.

由此可見，MCTs對於那些採用低醣飲食的運動員在體能和運動表現上，似乎是有正面的效果。

One animal study found that mice fed a diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides did much better in swimming tests than mice fed a diet rich in LCTs

一項動物研究發現，小鼠在使用完富含MCT的一餐後，它的游泳表現比使用完富含LCT的表現來得好。

Additionally, consuming food containing MCTs instead of LCTs for 2 weeks resulted in longer duration of high-intensity exercise among recreational athletes

此外，使用含有MCTs的食物來替代含有LCTs的食物的業餘運動員，經過兩周之後，他們的體能會比其他人來得好。

Although the evidence seems positive, there are not enough studies available to confirm this benefit, and the overall link is weak.

雖然這樣的證據都算正面的，但目前沒有足夠的證據能確認MCTs有這樣的效益，而且攝取MCTs與增強運動表現這兩件式的關聯是薄弱的。

BOTTOM LINE:
The link between MCTs and improved exercise performance is weak and more studies are needed to confirm these claims.

結論：MCTs與運動表現的改善之間的關聯性其實是很薄弱的，而且我們還需要更多研究去證實這些說法

Other Potential Health Benefits of MCT oil

其他潛在的健康效益

The use of medium-chain triglycerides and MCT oil has been associated with several other health benefits.

中鏈脂肪酸與MCT油的攝取與以下的健康效益有關

Cholesterol 膽固醇

MCTs have been linked to lower cholesterol levels in both animal and human studies.

在動物與人體實驗中發現MCTs與降低膽固醇水準有關。

For example, calves consuming MCT-rich milk had lower cholesterol than calves fed LCT-rich milk.

例如：當小牛喝下富含MCT的牛乳後，比喝下富含LCT的牛乳來得低。

Several studies in rats have linked coconut oil to improved cholesterol levels and higher antioxidant vitamin levels

另外，有許多老鼠的實驗中也發現，椰子油與改善膽固醇水準及較高的抗氧化維生素水準的提升有關。

A study in 40 women found that consuming coconut oil along with a low-calorie diet reduced LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol, compared to women consuming soybean oil.

在一項40位女性的研究中發現，採用低熱量飲食的方式下，相較於攝取大豆油的女性，攝取椰子油的女性會減少低密度膽固醇〈LDL〉且會增加高密度膽固醇〈HDL〉。

Improvements in cholesterol and antioxidant levels may lead to a reduced risk of heart disease over the long term.

在長時間下，膽固醇與抗氧化的水準的改善會讓降低心臟病風險。

However, it is important to note that some older studies report that MCT supplements had no effects or even negative effects on cholesterol.

然而，一些較早期的研究顯示，MCT的補充品對於膽固醇是沒有效果甚至是會有負面效果。

One study in 14 healthy men reported that MCT supplements negatively affected cholesterol, increasing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

在一項14名健康男性的研究中發現MCT補充品會負面地影響膽固醇，增加總膽固醇及低密度膽固醇〈LDL〉。

BOTTOM LINE:
Diets high in MCT-rich foods like coconut oil may have benefits for cholesterol levels. However, the evidence is mixed.

結論：食用富含MCT的食物可能對膽固醇水準是有效益的，但是很多相關的研究結果是相當分歧的

Diabetes 糖尿病

MCTs may also help lower blood sugar levels. In one study, diets rich in MCTs increased insulin sensitivity in adults with type 2 diabetes.

MCTs可能也會幫助血糖水準的降低。在一項研究中發現，採用富含MCT的飲食方式的第二型糖尿病的成人患者會有胰島素敏感度〈sensitivity〉的增加。

Another study in 40 overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes found that supplementing with MCTs improved diabetes risk factors. It reduced body weight, waist circumference and insulin resistance.

在另一項實驗對象為40個過重且罹患第二型糖尿病患者的研究中發現，使用MCTs作為補品改善了糖尿病風險因子。它減輕了受試者的體重、腰圍及胰島素阻抗。

However, evidence for the use of medium-chain triglycerides in diabetes is limited. More research is needed to determine its full effects.

然而，MCT在糖尿病中的使用的證據是受限的。還需要更多研究去判別它的效益

BOTTOM LINE:
MCTs may help lower blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance. However, more research is needed to confirm this benefit.

結論：MCT可能藉由降低胰島素阻抗，進而幫助降低血糖水準。然而，仍需要更多研究來證實這樣的效益

Brain Function 腦部功能

MCTs produce ketones, which act as an alternative energy source for the brain and can therefore improve brain function.

MCTs生產酮體，所謂酮體，就是作為腦部的一種替代能源並可以因此改善腦部的功能。

Recently there has been more interest in the use of MCTs to treat or prevent brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

近年來，MCTs用在治療或預防腦部疾病像是阿茲海默症及癡呆〈dementia〉越來越受到關注。

One major study found that MCTs improved learning, memory and brain processing in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. However, this was only effective in people containing a particular gene, the APOE4 gene.

一項大型的研究顯示，MCT對於罹患輕度或中度阿茲海默症的病患，有學習、記憶及腦部處理功能的改善。然而，這只能對有含有一種稱為APOE4的特殊基因的病人才有效。

Overall, the evidence is limited to short studies with small sample sizes, so more research is needed.

整體來說，證據的力度是受到了短期的研究與較小的樣本數的限制，所以需要更多的相關研究才能確認是否有這方面的效益。

BOTTOM LINE:
MCTs may improve brain function in people with Alzheimer's disease who have a particular genetic make-up. More research is needed.

結論：MCTs可以改善那些罹患阿茲海默症的病人中同時擁有特殊基因者。但是還需要更多的研究才能確定MCT有這樣的效益。

Other Medical Conditions 其他醫療狀況

Because MCTs are an easily absorbed and digested energy source, they've been used for years to treat malnutrition and disorders that hinder nutrient absorption.

因為MCTs是個容易被吸收與消化為能量來源，多年來已被用來治療營養不良與阻礙營養吸收的症狀。

Conditions that benefit from medium-chain triglyceride supplements include diarrhea, steatorrhea (fat indigestion) and liver disease. Patients undergoing bowel or stomach surgery may also benefit.

可以從MCT獲得改善的症狀，包含腹瀉〈diarrhea〉、脂肪瀉〈steatorrhea〉與肝臟疾病。那些動過腸胃手術的病患也可以在攝取完MCT後獲得改善。

Evidence also supports the use of MCTs in ketogenic diets treating epilepsy.

有實驗證據支持採用生酮飲食治療癲癇的病患使用MCTs來做治療。

The use of MCTs allows children suffering from seizures to eat larger portions and tolerate more calories and carbs than on classic ketogenic diets.

相較採用生酮飲食，使用MCTs可以讓罹患癲癇的小孩可以吃更多的食物並能夠攝取較多的熱量及醣類

BOTTOM LINE:
MCTs are effective at treating a number of clinical conditions including malnutrition, malabsorption disorders and epilepsy.

結論：MCTs可能對許多疾病的治療，像是營養不良、吸收障礙和癲癇等都有效果

Dosage, Safety and Side Effects 用量、安全性及副作用

MCT oil appears to be safe for most people.

或許對大部分人體來說，MCT油安全無害的。

It is not clear what dose is needed to obtain potential health benefits, but many supplement labels suggest 1–3 tablespoons daily.

目前對於要攝取多少才會讓身體獲得潛在的健康效益，關於這部分仍不清楚。不過有很多相關產品的瓶標上，不約而同地建議每日攝取1到3大匙。

There are currently no reported adverse interactions with medications or other serious side effects.

而到目前為止也還沒發現對人體有任何不良的藥物治療反應或是其他嚴重的副作用。

However, some minor side effects have been reported and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and an upset stomach.

然而，目前已經發現到一些輕微的副作用，包括噁心〈nausea〉、嘔吐〈vomiting〉和腸胃不適〈an upset stomach〉。

These can be avoided by starting with small doses, such as 1 teaspoon, and increasing intake slowly. Once tolerated, MCT oil can be taken by the tablespoon.

上述所提及的副作用是可以透過在一開始可以先服用比瓶標上還更小一些的用量，像是一大匙，然後攝取量在慢慢的增加。一旦身體可以適應MCT油，你就可以開始按瓶標上的建議用量做攝取。

Type 1 Diabetes and MCTs 第一型糖尿病與MCTs

Some sources discourage people with type 1 diabetes from taking medium-chain triglycerides due to the accompanying production of ketones.

有些研究依據攝取MCT會伴隨著生成酮體的原因，不建議第一型糖尿病的患者使用它。

It is thought that high levels of ketones in the blood may increase the risk of ketoacidosis, a very serious condition that can occur in type 1 diabetics.

一般認為，在血液裡高的酮體水準可能會增加酮酸中毒的風險，而酮酸中毒正是第一型糖尿病患者的一個非常嚴重的疾病。

However, the nutritional ketosis caused by a low-carb diet is completely different than diabetic ketoacidosis, a very serious condition caused by a lack of insulin.

然而，低醣飲食所引起的酮症〈ketosis〉，是完全與胰島素缺乏所引起的糖尿病型酮酸中毒不同。

In people with well-controlled diabetes and healthy blood sugar levels, the amount of ketones remain within a safe range even during ketosis.

保持良好控制糖尿病情與具健康血糖水準的人，在酮症這樣的症狀下，酮體的數量可以維持在一定的範圍內。

There are limited studies available that explore the use of MCTs in type 1 diabetes. However, some have been conducted with no harmful effects

到目前為止，對於MCT在第一型糖尿病的用途的相關研究仍然有限。但有部分研究顯示，MCT並無有害的反應。

BOTTOM LINE:
MCT oil is safe for most people, but there are no clear dosage guidelines. Start with small doses and gradually increase your intake.

結論：MCT油對許多人來說是安全的，但目前並沒有任何相關的安全用量指南。那麼我們建議您，可以先從較小的用量開始使用，然後再慢慢增加你的攝取量

Take Home Message 建議