Acute Effects of MCT Formulations on Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Response, Lipid Profile, and Glucose Levels in Healthy Adults
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: MCT Beverage, LCT Beverage, Synthetic MCT Powder, Natural MCT Powder.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Ketone Body, Lipid Metabolism, Glucose Response. Basic parameters: 18 years — 40 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Italy
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Acute Effects of Different Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Formulations on Ketone Body Production, Plasma Lipid Profile, and Glucose Levels in Healthy Adults: a Randomized Crossover Study
Overview
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), delivered in different formulations, on beta-hydroxybutyrate response (as a marker of ketone body production), lipid metabolism, and glucose responses in healthy adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do MCTs influence beta-hydroxybutyrate responses, lipid metabolism, and glucose responses differently compared to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs)? Do different types of MCTs (natural sources containing C8 to C12 versus synthetic formulations containing only C8 and C10) lead to different beta-hydroxybutyrate, lipid, and glucose responses? Does the form in which MCTs are consumed (e.g., powders or incorporated into foods) influence beta-hydroxybutyrate production, lipid metabolism, and glucose responses? Researchers will compare five different lipid formulations to evaluate their effects on postprandial beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, blood lipid levels, and glucose. Participants will: Consume five different test products on separate study visits. Provide blood samples for up to five hours after each intake for metabolic measurements.
Detailed description
This randomized crossover study is designed to evaluate the metabolic effects of five different lipid-based formulations in healthy adults. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are known to be rapidly absorbed and metabolized, promoting the production of ketone bodies, which can serve as an alternative energy source. However, metabolic responses to MCTs may vary depending on their fatty acid composition and the form in which they are consumed.
The study compares different lipid formulations, including long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), synthetic MCTs composed of C8 and C10 fatty acids, and MCTs derived from natural sources such as coconut oil (containing C8 to C12 fatty acids). In addition, the study evaluates the impact of the food matrix by comparing similar lipid compositions provided in different forms, including reconstituted powders and a solid food product.
Participants attend multiple study visits after an overnight fast and consume each test product in a randomized order. The amount of each product is adjusted to provide a standardized lipid dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight, and a washout period of at least 7 days is applied between visits.
During each visit, blood samples are collected over a period of up to 5 hours after product consumption. Primary metabolic outcomes include postprandial beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations (as a marker of ketone body production), glucose response, and triglyceride response. Secondary outcomes include circulating fatty acid profiles, ghrelin concentrations, and subjective appetite ratings assessed using visual analogue scales.
Interventions
- Other MCT Beverage
Beverage containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Administered in a quantity adjusted to provide a lipid dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight. - Other LCT Beverage
Beverage containing long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). Administered in a quantity adjusted to provide a lipid dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight. - Other Synthetic MCT Powder
Powder formulation containing synthetic medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) composed of C8 and C10 fatty acids, reconstituted in water before consumption. Administered in a quantity adjusted to provide a lipid dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight. - Other Natural MCT Powder
Powder formulation containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) derived from coconut oil (containing fatty acids from C8 to C12), reconstituted in water before consumption. Administered to provide a lipid dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight - Other MCT Biscuit
Biscuit containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) derived from coconut oil. Administered in a quantity adjusted to provide a lipid dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight.
Primary outcome measures
- Beta-hydroxybutyrate postprandial response [Time frame: Up to 300 minutes post-ingestion]
- Glucose postprandial response [Time frame: Up to 300 minutes post-ingestion]
- Triglyceride postprandial response [Time frame: Up to 300 minutes post-ingestion]
Secondary outcome measures (3)
- Fatty Acid Postprandial Response [Time frame: Up to 300 minutes post-ingestion]
- Ghrelin postprandial response [Time frame: Up to 300 minutes post-ingestion]
- Subjective appetite ratings (VAS) [Time frame: Up to 300 minutes post-ingestion]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Healthy adult participants
- Age between 18 and 40 years
- Ability to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Alterations in glucose or lipid metabolism
- Diseases requiring the use of medications that affect glucose or lipid metabolism
- Reported or diagnosed malabsorption conditions
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- N/A
- Model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
Study locations
Italy · 1 center
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status and the development of Dieta — Milan
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07718048 · 101/25