Medium-chain triglycerides are an inexpensive, well-tolerated fat the body absorbs fast and partly turns into a backup fuel for brain and muscle. The most reliable effect is a mild, short-lived rise in that fuel. Modest weight and early-memory benefits are real but small; digestive upset is common, and cholesterol may edge upward. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| LDL cholesterol | <100 mg/dL (lower if high risk) | Main marker MCTs may push upward |
| ApoB | <80 mg/dL (lower if high risk) | Counts atherogenic particles; more precise than LDL alone |
| Total & HDL cholesterol | Total <200; HDL >50 (W) / >40 (M) mg/dL | Context for LDL changes and overall lipid shift |
| Triglycerides | <90 mg/dL | Detects unfavorable fat handling |
| Fasting glucose | 75–90 mg/dL | Tracks glycemic effect, relevant on a low-carb regimen |
| HbA1c | <5.4% | Longer-term glucose control |
| Blood beta-hydroxybutyrate | 0.3–1.0 mmol/L (targeting mild ketosis) | Confirms the intended ketone effect and flags excess |
| ALT / AST | ALT <25 (M) / <22 (W) U/L | Reassurance given heavy hepatic delivery |
Cadence: Baseline, then 8–12 weeks after reaching target dose, then every 6–12 months if continued