MCT oil: Have you heard of it?

Updated on June 30, 2026

Summary: MCT Oil: Do You Know About It?

MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil is a type of fat primarily derived from coconut oil that is characterized by its rapid digestion and the body’s ability to quickly convert it into energy. Unlike most other dietary fats, it is less likely to be stored as body fat, which explains its benefits for supporting energy, concentration, and physical performance.

Lynn Goneau notes, however, that MCT oil is not a medical treatment and that people with liver problems should consult a healthcare professional before consuming it regularly.

Easy to add to coffee, smoothies, yogurt, or salad dressings, it should be introduced gradually to avoid digestive discomfort. She specifically recommends New Roots’ MCT Energy, a pure, flavorless formula made in Quebec.

1. What is MCT oil?

• MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) are fats primarily derived from coconut oil.
• They are quickly absorbed and converted into energy by the liver.
• They provide quick fuel for the brain and muscles, helping to improve concentration.

2. Why use it?

• Unlike many other dietary fats, MCTs are less likely to be stored as body fat.
• They can help support:
  • mental energy;
  • concentration;
  • physical endurance.
• Some research suggests that they are generally well tolerated by people with fatty liver disease, but they are never a substitute for medical treatment.

3. How can you incorporate them into your diet?

• Add a small amount to:
  • to coffee or tea;
  • to a smoothie;
  • to Greek yogurt;
  • on cooked vegetables or in a salad dressing.
• Avoid cooking at high temperatures.
• Start with about 1 teaspoon per day and increase gradually to minimize digestive discomfort.

4. Lynn’s Recommendation

• MCT Energy by New Roots is a 100% pure, flavorless MCT oil that’s easy to incorporate into meals or drinks.
• It’s a Quebec-based company known for the quality of its supplements.
• For personalized guidance, Lynn offers naturopathic consultations at La Boîte à Grains (Gréber location), by appointment.

About the Author

Lynn Goneau, Certified Naturopath

Specializing in:

• Digestive Health
• Hormonal Health
• Stress and Fatigue
• Memory and Concentration
• Weight management

Frédéric Bisson, radio host on 104.7 FM

Host at the Cogeco network’s 104.7 FM radio station. Frédéric Bisson has been hosting the show *L’Outaouais Maintenant* from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. every weekday since February 27, 2023.

Transcript

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7 FM:

In this last week before my vacation, Lynn has chosen an explosive, controversial topic, but I understand her because even I, at first, when I heard about it, thought to myself, “Come on, so I have to gain fat to lose weight?” Hello, Lynn.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Hi, Fred.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Just to remind everyone, you’re a naturopath at La Boite à Grains, and today we’re talking about an ingredient that’s gaining popularity but that many people aren’t familiar with yet. It’s basically fat, but it’s a special kind of fat. It’s MCT oil.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Yes, that’s right. It stands for medium-chain triglyceride. Basically, it’s a type of fat found mainly in coconut oil. But what makes it interesting is that it’s very easy to digest and is quickly used by the body to provide fast yet steady energy. So it’s a bit like a quick fuel for the muscles and the brain, which, in turn, helps improve concentration.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Yes, that’s right. So we’re giving our body what it needs right away. So there’s not necessarily a need for the body to produce it on its own. So why would someone add oil, fat, or MCT oil to their diet? Because for years we’ve been told, “Be careful—there’s too much fat in there.”

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

That’s actually an excellent question because MCT oil is very different. Unlike most other dietary fats, MCTs are absorbed very quickly and then sent directly to the liver, where they’re converted into energy. They’re therefore less likely to be stored as body fat. You can think of it a bit like kindling in a fireplace. It catches fire quickly and provides energy almost immediately. That’s why many people use them to support their mental energy, concentration, and even physical endurance.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

So it’s not fat like in French fries.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Those are the bad fats.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Exactly—when you consume them, they build up in your body; it’s like pouring oil on a fire.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

It may seem surprising, but some research suggests that MCTs are generally better tolerated by people with fatty liver disease because they’re quickly used for energy, as we explained earlier. However, fatty liver disease remains a serious medical condition. MCTs are not a treatment. So anyone with a liver problem should check with their doctor or pharmacist before consuming them regularly. But not all fats behave the same way—MCTs aren’t the kind of fat your body stores. They’re the kind of fat your body burns quickly for fuel. That’s what makes the difference.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

So if we want to try MCT… how do you use it?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

It’s easy to use in your daily routine. You can add it to your morning coffee or tea for a quick energy boost, mix it into a protein smoothie, or stir it into plain Greek yogurt. That’s how I consume it. Or you can simply drizzle it over a salad or cooked vegetables. You can even mix it into a homemade salad dressing—that’s ideal—and it’s best to avoid cooking it at high temperatures because MCT oil is more delicate than some other oils. It’s especially important to start slowly. One teaspoon a day is enough to start with for some people; too much at once can really cause digestive discomfort like bloating. Think of MCT oil as an energy supplement rather than a cooking oil. A small amount can make a really big difference for some people.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

So, you know, tomorrow morning, if I buy a bottle, I’m not just going to pour it into my coffee.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

No, definitely not, Fred. Start slowly. Your stomach will really appreciate your patience. It’s so good for the brain. I, for one, notice the difference when I use it.

Frédéric Bisson - 104.7FM Host:

Right. There are a few brands out there. So what do you recommend?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

MCT Energy by New Roots. It’s a 100% pure liquid formula with no taste at all, because we all know that MCT oil doesn’t taste like coconut oil. No, it’s nothing like that. It has absolutely no taste, so it’s easy to mix into just about anything. And sometimes, I even just take a spoonful straight into my mouth. It’s not even oily.

Frédéric Bisson - 104.7FM Host:

Two, it’s not as bad as omega-3.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

That’s not even in the same league—New Roots is a Quebec-based company known for its high-quality supplements.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Lynn, if someone wants to schedule a consultation with you, are you available this summer?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Yes, I am available. You can reach me through the La Boîte à Grains website. My office is located at La Boîte à Grains on Gréber Street. All my contact information is listed on the site. Just send me a quick hello via email. Then I’ll suggest some time slots, and we’ll go over each person’s health together.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Yes, that’s right. Because everyone is so different. Have a great summer.