Mittelkettige Triglyceride und deren Einsatz in der Ernährungsmedizin

Mittelkettige Triglyceride (MCT) sind Glycerinester von gesättigten Fettsäuren mittlerer Kettenlänge (C6:0–C12:0). Sie unterscheiden sich grundlegend von den üblichen langkettigen Fettsäuren in Nahrungsfetten sowohl in ihren biochemischen und physikalischen Eigenschaften als auch hinsichtlich Resorption, Transportmechanismus und zellulärem Metabolismus. Aufgrund dieser Unterschiede haben MCT einen wichtigen Stellenwert in der Ernährungsmedizin. Trotz der hohen Bekanntheit von MCT im Bereich der klinischen Ernährungstherapie, existieren zahlreiche Forschungslücken. Zudem werden immer neue Indikationsgebiete für die Verwendung von MCT entdeckt. Der Artikel gibt eine breite Übersicht zu MCT, ausgewählten Anwendungsgebieten und aktuellen Forschungsthemen.

Abstract

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are glycerol esters of saturated fatty acids with medium chain lengths. MCTs fundamentally differ from regular dietary fats in their biochemical and physical properties, as well as in terms of absorption, transport mechanisms, and cellular metabolism. Due to these differences, MCTs hold significant importance in nutritional medicine. Despite the high recognition of MCTs in the field of clinical nutrition therapy, numerous research gaps still exist. Furthermore, new indications for the use of MCTs are continually being discovered. This article provides a comprehensive overview of MCTs, selected applications, and current research topics.

Schlüsselwörter

MCT - LCT - KET - Epilepsie - Alzheimer

Keywords

MCT - LCT - KET - Epilepsy - Alzheimer's disease

Publication History

Article published online:
13 August 2025

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