Can medium-chain fatty acids pass the blood-brain barrier?

People often ask what the difference is between regular MCT oil, Bulletproof XCT and Brain Octane.

The difference is made by the different fatty acids it contains. All the oils mentioned contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

– MCT ? Fatty acids with chain length C8, C10, C12
– “XCT” ? C8, C10
– “Brain Octane” ? C8

Apparently, the C8 fatty acid (called octanoate or octanoic acid / caprylic acid) is the only medium-chain fatty acid that can pass through the blood-brain barrier and act as an additional energy carrier for brain cells, without the detour via ketone body formation.

The other medium-chain fatty acids are first metabolized to ketone bodies and can then be available to the brain as an energy source.

Always stay up to date with our Newsletter.

Literature:

“Energy Contribution of Octanoate to Intact Rat Brain Metabolism Measured by 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ” https://www.jneurosci.org/content/23/13/5928.full

Brain uptake and metabolism of [1-11C]octanoate in rats: pharmacokinetic basis for its application as a radiopharmaceutical for studying brain fatty acid metabolism. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/8534586/

Photo: Shutterstock.com / vitstudio

This article was written by

Marina Lommel

Marina gründete Foodpunk nach ihrem Abschluss in Ernährungswissenschaften und ist aktuell CEO des Unternehmens. Während ihres Studiums arbeitete sie in verschiedenen Bereichen, darunter in der Wissenschaftsredaktion beim Radio, Redaktion beim TV und Uni-Wissensmagazin sowie im Labor am DZNE in der Parkinsonforschung. Marina ist außerdem Autorin von 5 ernährungswissenschaftlichen Sachbüchern.

Similar posts by Foodpunk

11 minutes reading time

Hormones from adipose tissue

The fatty tissue? This is for saving. It stores fat. This is what most people know about adipose tissue.

1 minute reading time

Reader Question of the Month – Can children also eat xylitol?

Are children also allowed to eat xylitol? In this post you will learn the answer!

4 minutes reading time

What is a refeed suitable for? – The daily bite of knowledge

A refeed is useful for all people who follow a very low-carbohydrate diet (under 30-50 g of carbohydrates per day) for a longer period of time and do this diet for more fitness, well-being and a weight loss.

20 minutes reading time

All about ketogenic diet & 3 day plan to get started

Want to start a ketogenic diet? Then this article is a must for you.

4 minutes reading time

How are carbohydrates structured?

Sure! Carbohydrates are pasta, rice, potatoes. Everybody knows it! But do you really know what a carbohydrate molecule looks like?

3 minutes reading time

Your skin eats with you! – The daily bite of knowledge

Have you ever thought about the substances you put on your skin every day? They should not be underestimated, because the skin eats with you.

Coffee and half a coconut, next to it a wooden spoon with coconut oil

8 minutes reading time

What is this Bulletproof diet anyway?

The Bulletproof diet is a high-fat diet, based on the Paleo diet.

Immunsystem stärken Grünkohlsalat / Boost your immune system with kale salad

3 minutes reading time

5 tips for a bear strong immune system

If you want to give your immune system a real power boost, take these 5 food punk tips to heart.

8 minutes reading time

How do ketone bodies become energy?

Ketone bodies are produced in the liver and then enter the blood. They are small and well soluble in water. This allows them to be wonderfully transported throughout the body.

Back to overview