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MCTs: A “Fat”tastic Acronym

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FACT CHECKED
  Published on August 5th, 2019
  Reading time: 2 minutes
  Last modified January 9th, 2023
mcts, medium-chain triglycerides, monocarboxylate transporters

Key Takeaways:

  • MCTs is an acronym for 1) medium-chain triglycerides and 2) monocarboxylate transporters.
  • Monocarboxylate transporters are transmembrane proteins that allow ketone bodies to cross the blood–brain barrier.
  • During the keto-adaptation process, it is important for the expression and density of these proteins to be upregulated so the body can become more sensitive to ketones and use them efficiently.

Across the globe, there is an ingredient flooding the market on product labels under the acronym “MCTs,” which is short for medium-chain triglyceride. These MCTs are an important and staple ingredient in a ketogenic diet because they offer fast-absorbing fatty acids that produce ketones and energy. However, there is another critical and fat-friendly term that also possesses this three-letter acronym with just as many benefits: monocarboxylate transporters.

mcts and ketone bodiesMonocarboxylate transporters are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in energy metabolism, specifically with respect to the utilization of ketones. [1] Despite their expression in a variety of cell tissues, their notable location on the blood–brain barrier (BBB) must be emphasized. [1] [2] Staying true to its name, these proteins serve as “transporters” of specific metabolic byproducts/substrates, which among ketone bodies also includes lactate and pyruvate. [1] [3] Expressed in a tissue-specific manner, most of these transporters also require that protons (H+) be carried along with the indicated byproducts to maintain a critical electrochemical gradient to ensure physiological processes can occur. [3] The body’s incredible “dual-fuel” mechanism—the ability to provide energy via both glucose and ketone bodies—can be dictated by environmental and nutritional factors as well as those induced by metabolic dysfunction or other pathophysiologies. [3] [4] More specifically, under certain conditions when glycolysis is unable to occur with efficiency, the utilization of ketone bodies and presence of monocarboxylate transporters, specifically in brain tissue, become of utmost importance. Therefore, it is crucial to understand that conditions such as those above can also influence the expression of these transporters. [3]

There is no shortage of evidence showing that numerous cellular processes and enzymatic changes occur when energy metabolism switches and adapts to ketone utilization. [4] With respect to monocarboxylate transporters, as their density of expression begins to grow, the uptake of ketone bodies as a fuel source increases, thus promoting adaptation. [4] While medium-chain triglycerides do play a role in ketone production, they surely are not the only important “MCTs” when it comes to expediting our time to nutritional ketosis. [5]

Dr. Ashley E. Holly holds a B.A. in Microbiology from Miami University and a Ph.D. in Regulatory Biology from Cleveland State University/Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute. During her graduate work in the Department of Molecular Cardiology, Ashley investigated the molecular mechanisms and signal transduction pathways for the activation of cell adhesion molecules called integrins. Her comprehensive training includes structural, biochemical, and cellular biology techniques with a research focus in Vascular Biology. Her current interests include dietary intervention as a therapeutic treatment option as while obtaining a deep molecular understanding of the mechanisms for such application. Adopting the Ketogenic lifestyle, Ashley’s personal mission is to educate as many people as possible on its immense benefits as well as understanding its therapeutic application at the molecular level. Dr. Holly’s thirst for knowledge and desire for continuous growth both personally and professionally has resulted in the pursuit of an MBA degree while maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle as a competitive physique athlete.  

References

1.

Pierre, K., & Pellerin, L. (2009). Monocarboxylate transporters. Encyclopedia of neuroscience, 961-965.

2.

Saunders, N. R., Liddelow, S. A., & Dziegielewska, K. M. (2012). Barrier mechanisms in the developing brain. Frontiers in pharmacology, 3, 46.

3.

Vijay, N., & E Morris, M. (2014). Role of monocarboxylate transporters in drug delivery to the brain. Current pharmaceutical design, 20(10), 1487-1498.

4.

Prins, M. L. (2008). Cerebral metabolic adaptation and ketone metabolism after brain injury. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, 28(1), 1-16.

5.

Harvey, C., Schofield, G. M., Williden, M., & McQuillan, J. A. (2018). The Effect of Medium Chain Triglycerides on Time to Nutritional Ketosis and Symptoms of Keto-Induction in Healthy Adults: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2018.

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