Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are
fatty acids that contain in their chain:
- 6 to 12 carbon atoms in an absorption/physiological context
- 8 to 10 carbon atoms in an nutrition/biochemical context
MCFFAs are generally absorbed more rapidly than
long-chain fatty acids. Once absorbed, MCFAs can travel relatively directly through the portal vein to the liver, rather than being predominantly packaged into chylomicrons and transported through the lymphatic system like LCFAs.
Examples of MCFAs are:
- caproic acid: 6 carbons
- caprylic acid: 8 carbons
- capric acid : 10 carbons
- lauric acid*: 12 carbons
* Lauric acid is considered a medium-chain fatty acid in a nutritional context, while it is considered a long-chain fatty acid in an absorption/physiology context.
Common sources of MCFAs are:
- coconut oil
- palm kernel oil
- dairy