A comparison of the satiating properties of medium-chain triglycerides and conjugated linoleic acid in participants with healthy weight and overweight or obesity

Purpose Inconsistent evidence exists for greater satiety after medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) compared to long-chain triglycerides (LCT). Furthermore, the mechanisms are poorly understood and effects in people with a healthy weight and those with overweight/obesity have not been compared. This study aimed to compare appetite responses in these groups and examine the mechanisms behind any differences. Methods Fifteen participants with healthy weight (BMI: 22.7 +/- 1.9 kg center dot m(-2)) and fourteen participants with overweight/obesity (BMI: 30.9 +/- 3.9 kg center dot m(-2)) consumed a breakfast containing either 23.06 g vegetable oil (CON), 25.00 g MCT oil (MCT), or 6.25 g CLA and 16.80 g vegetable oil (CLA). Appetite, peptide YY (PYY), total ghrelin (TG), beta-hydroxybutyrate, and gastric emptying (GE) were measured throughout. Energy intake was assessed at an ad libitum lunch and throughout the following similar to 36 h. Results Neither MCT nor CLA decreased ad libitum intake; however MCT decreased day 1 energy intake (P = 0.031) and the 48-h period (P = 0.005) compared to CON. MCT delayed GE (P <= 0.01) compared to CON, whereas CLA did not. PYY and TG concentrations were not different (P = 0.743 and P = 0.188, respectively), but MCT increased beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations compared to CON (P = 0.005) and CLA (P < 0.001). beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were higher in participants with overweight/obesity (P = 0.009). Conclusion Consumption of MCT reduces energy intake in the subsequent 48 h, whereas CLA does not. Delayed gastric emptying or increased beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations may mediate this.

Automated summary

There is inconsistent evidence for greater satiety after consuming medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) compared to long-chain triglycerides (LCT). This study compared appetite responses in individuals with healthy weight and overweight/obesity after consuming MCT or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). The results showed that MCT reduced energy intake over a 48-hour period, possibly due to delayed gastric emptying and increased beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations.