Medium-chain triglycerides are a type of fat molecule
containing 6-12 carbon atoms, MCT is normally present in our diet in very small
quantities and there are few natural sources that contain MCT. Most fats are
long-chain triglycerides (LCT). MCT is usually synthesized from coconut oil.
MCT consists of a glycerol backbone with three medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA)
attached to it. This is in part the result of the small molecular size of MCT.
MCTs are more soluble in water. This greater water solubility and smaller
molecular size have consequences for its metabolism.
MCT plays a role in lowering weight and decreasing metabolic
syndrome, abdominal obesity, and inflammation. MCT provides about 8.3 calories
per gram of MCT. Because of their reduced chain length, MCTs are more rapidly
absorbed by the body and more quickly metabolized as fuel. The result of this
accelerated metabolic conversion is that instead of being stored as fat, the
calories contained in MCTs are very efficiently converted into fuel for
immediate use by organs and muscles [3].
MCTs are thus a good choice for anyone who has increased
energy needs, such as following major surgery, during normal or stunted growth,
to enhance athletic performance, and to counteract the decreased energy
production that results from aging.
Beetroot extract is rich in dietary nitrates that help with
blood flow to muscles while supporting oxygen uptake in the muscles. We use a
standardized beetroot extract developed to support endurance & performance
and it provides a high concentration of natural dietary nitrate. It is
manufactured using a proprietary process to obtain a high-potency extract with
minimal oxalate content. Beetroots are naturally low in calories and are a
great source of nutrients, including fiber, folate, and vitamin C. They also
contain nitrates and pigments that may help lower blood pressure and improve
athletic performance.
Our Formulation
Unived’s MCT Beet–216™ is a blend of 70% Medium Chain
Triglycerides from 100% Virgin Coconut Oil with Beetroot Extract standardized
to 6.5% dietary nitrates. Each serving provides 4669mg pure MCTs (70% C-8 &
30% C-10) and 216mg pure dietary nitrates.
The easy-to-mix powder blends easily into hot & cold
beverages. It is keto-friendly, vegan, and unflavoured, and no added sugar
supplement.
Mode of Action:
1. Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs):
- Increases fat oxidation and energy expenditure.
A study showed that MCT supplement given to athletes raised
their serum concentration of fatty acids and enhance their oxidation rate, and
the oxidation rate reached 72% thus showing that MCT is an alternative source
of energy for exercising [2].
- Increases mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism under
high-temperature conditions.
A study indicates that receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha
(PGC-1α), a key regulator of energy metabolism and mitochondrial membrane ATP
synthase (ATP5α) was significantly upregulated by MCT. A significant increase
in protein levels of PGC-1α and ATP5α was also observed. These indicate that
MCT improves skeletal muscle function through mitochondrial biogenesis &
metabolism under high-temperature conditions [1]. Increased mitochondrial
biogenesis and metabolism is mediated through the activation of Akt and AMPK
signaling pathways [1].
- Has glycogen-sparing action due to oxidation of fat.
A single study demonstrated a positive effect of MCT
supplementation. After intake of 45 grams of MCT, there was a proven reduction
of glycogen oxidation rate, thus sparing muscle glycogen [2].
- Aid appetite control and weight management.
Enhance
thermogenesis and contribute to enhanced metabolism to burn more calories. A
number of studies support the benefits of using MCTs in weight loss programs to
boost energy levels and increase fatty acid metabolism to aid in reducing fat
deposits and producing ketone bodies. Ketones are also one of the two
substances that the brain can utilize for energy [3].
- Supports healthy lipid metabolism and prevents metabolic
derangements.
MCTs
reduce levels of cholesterol in the liver and other tissues. MCTs have also
been reported to act as antioxidants and reduce tissue requirements for Vitamin
E [3].
- It fuels physical exertion.
MCTs are beneficial for fueling physical exertion, given
their high energy density content, rapid rate of absorption, and quick
metabolic conversion into cellular energy [3].
It is mobilized in the post-exercise recovery phase to
rebuild muscles and prevent the breakdown of proteins that can occur when the
body is putting a maximum demand on the body’s energy reserves [3].
2. Dietary Nitrates from Beetroot Extract
- Once ingested, dietary nitrates are converted to nitrite and
then to bioactive Nitric Oxide (NO) in tissues and blood under physiological
hypoxia. Increased levels of NO in tissues and peripheral circulation results
in vasodilation which increases blood flow and improved oxygen transport to
muscles during exercise. NO also improves mitochondrial biogenesis, and glucose
uptake in muscle, and enhances muscle contraction and relaxation processes. NO
reduces oxygen consumption during submaximal exercise [4]. - It is known that NO has an important role in the adaptation
processes under hypoxic conditions, the vasodilatory effects of NO may favor
oxygen delivery, and supplementation with beetroot juice could be effective in
reducing the ergolytic effects of hypoxia on cardiorespiratory endurance [4].
References:
1. Wang Y, Liu Z, Han Y, Xu J, Huang W, Li Z. Medium Chain
Triglycerides enhances exercise endurance through the increased mitochondrial
biogenesis and metabolism. PLoS One. 2018 Feb 8;13(2):e0191182. doi:
10.1371/journal.pone.0191182. PMID: 29420554; PMCID: PMC5805166.
2. Gomes, Rodrigo Vitasovic, and Marcelo Saldanha Aoki.
"Does medium chain triglyceride play an ergogenic role in endurance
exercise performance?." Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte 9
(2003): 162-168.
3. Ward Dean, “Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). Beneficial
Effect on Energy, athlerosclerosis and Aging,” Nutrition Review.org – April 22,
2013. https://nutritionreview.org/2013/04/medium-chain-triglycerides-mcts/
4. Domínguez, Raúl, et al. "Effects of beetroot juice
supplementation on cardiorespiratory endurance in athletes. A systematic
review." Nutrients 9.1 (2017): 43.
5. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mct-oils
