Today's best MCT oil is the cleanest, fastest-acting performance fuel ever developed.
Researching how medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can power your brain, body and overall life performance? There are a lot of MCT products on the market, and in this article we're going to reveal why Performance Lab MCT is the best you can buy.
The short version: Performance Lab MCT is the highest quality MCT oil supplement ever developed. It works efficiently without the gastric distress and other side effects associated with cheap MCT sourced from inferior coconut oil and palm oil.
That means you can get all the best MCT oil benefits -- for brain energy, cognition, fasted performance, fat loss and more -- in an ultraclean, ultra-convenient format.
In this guide, we cover the performance benefits of taking MCT oil, with and without nootropics, as well as our analysis of the Best MCT Oil for More Brainpower.
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What is an MCT Oil Supplement?
Naturally sourced from coconut oil and palm kernel oil, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are a class of healthy fatty acids. They are identified by their medium-length carbon chains.
More compact than long-chain triglycerides (LCT), yet more complex than short-chain triglycerides (SCT), MCTs hit the sweet spot for boosting brainpower by being short enough to provide fast-acting, easy-to-digest energy fuel without also having the burning, digestive issues that tend to come with SCTs.
As a dietary supplement, MCT oils provide a pure, distilled concentrate of palm oil and coconut oil's best MCTs for promoting energy and curbing unhealthy food cravings.
Note: While palm oil also supplies MCT, it supplies considerably less than coconut oil. Palm oil has also been criticized for its association with eco-destructive practices, and seems to be declining in popularity.
For this article, we'll primarily be referring to MCTs in the context of organic coconut oil, not those derived from palm oil or other plant-based MCT sources.
How Do MCTs Work To Improve Brain Power?
Once digested, medium-chain triglycerides from sources like coconut and palm kernel oil metabolize into ketones, which work as an alternative fuel for brain energy production when glucose levels are low.
Ketones, like glucose, convert to ATP energy in the brain mitochondria.
To those interested in the keto diet, this likely sounds familiar: by emphasizing high-fat, low-carb intake, the keto diet promotes the use of fat-sourced ketones for energy instead of glucose, the body's primary energy fuel.
By raising ketones, medium chain fatty acids provide a brain energy fuel without any of the usual side effects associated with stimulants.
But take note: though generally safe, not all MCTs are recommended for supplementation.
The Four Different Types of MCTs
Altogether, there are four different types of medium-chain triglycerides:
- C6 – Caproic Acid
- C8 – Caprylic Acid
- C10 – Capric Acid
- C12 – Lauric Acid
Generally, the three C's – caproic, caprylic, and capric – are viewed as the key active ingredients in MCT oil, whereas C12 (lauric acid) is typically left out of the conversation.
In terms of brain health and fitness supplements, C12 doesn't serve much of a purpose. Instead, C12 lauric acid is often reserved for skincare products, due to C12's antimicrobial properties.
Of the three C's (otherwise known as “capra fatty acids”), two are regarded for their contributions to peak human performance:
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C8 (caprylic acid) is preferred for possessing the greatest ketogenic potential
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C10 is valued for promoting mitochondrial energy activity
Though C6 does quickly convert to energy fuel, MCT oil products tend to avoid this MCT due to C6's association with throat-burning sensations and gastric upset.
C8 MCT oil products exist that may be combined with nutrients to best burn fat. For example, Bulletproof MCT oil takes this strategy, supplying C8 only. Similarly, there are C10 MCT oil formulas designed to boost energy cleanly and naturally.
The best MCT oils on the market, however, supply the two most important medium chain fatty acids combined together: C8 and C10.
Which is Best Option: MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil?
If coconuts are naturally rich in medium chain fatty acids, then why are MCT oils preferred over coconut oil?
The answer to the best oil debate essentially comes down to three factors:
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MCT Ratio matters for health benefits: though coconut oil supplies all the MCTs you need, the MCT composition of coconut oil provides a high concentration of C12 (~50%), the inferior MCT, and a low concentration of the superior C8 and C12 MCTs (~13%);
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MCT oils are higher quality: both raw and genetically modified coconut oils lack the shelf-stability of premium MCT oils and may go rancid more quickly over time.
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Coconut oil is linked to gastric distress: MCT oils are far easier and more comfortable on the digestive system than coconut oil.
The fatty acid chain matters. Coconut oil also contains long-chain triglycerides (saturated fatty acids, also called LCTs). Palm oil, another typically derived MCT source, supplies LCTs as well. Olive oil is another healthy fat that supplies long-chain fatty acids like LCT.
As a fuel source, LCT saturated fat is decent, but they're also widely available and not as beneficial as MCTs when it comes to fueling performance.
So if you are taking coconut oil for energy, remember that you will need to consume an unrecommended high quantity of coconut oil to obtain any MCT benefits. At the same time, you'll be subjecting yourself to potential health concerns and digestive side effects associated with its saturated fats.
Unrefined coconut oil is notorious for its many negative digestive side effects, including diarrhea, cramps, gas and general gastric distress.
Ultimately, coconut oil and palm oil are good for cooking, skincare, haircare and other natural health applications, but they are not great for cognitive performance enhancement.
By providing a pure, distilled concentration of the coconut MCTs that matter most to cognitive performance and fitness, MCT oils are superior to coconut oil.
Ultimately, they deliver the full benefits of MCT oil to increase energy, promote fat burning & weight loss, optimize a ketogenic diet and enhance performance.
Why Take an MCT Oil Supplement?
So, we now know why pure, distilled and high quality MCT oil is superior to plain coconut oil, but the question still remains...
Why take an organic MCT oil supplement at all?
What distinguishes medium chain triglycerides from other brain supplements, like nootropics?
How does adding MCT oils to your daily routine improve brainpower, especially if you're already taking nootropics?
When taken daily and consistently, a high quality MCT oil may offer a lot of different benefits. For example:
MCT Oils & Brain Energy
Despite making up only 2% of your total body weight, the brain consumes roughly 20% of your total body energy. Aside from being an incredibly fat organ, the brain is also very demanding when it comes to energy expenditure.
By raising ketones, an alternative energy source to glucose, and promoting mitochondrial energy efficiency, the medium chain fatty acids in MCT oil help to promote energy levels in the brain and support cognitive endurance.
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MCT Oil & Ketogenic Fat Loss
The production of ketones, or ketogenesis, is the primary goal of both the keto diet and MCT oil powder, capsule and liquid supplements.
MCT oil is an incredibly useful tool for succeeding at the keto diet and optimizing weight loss.
It's also one of the better weight loss supplements overall, as the benefits of MCT oil include appetite satiation, workout energy and metabolic enhancement. Pure MCT oil may seem one dimensional, but it has many health benefits.
Either way, keto or not, organic MCT oil for weight loss is helpful for encouraging the body to convert fat into energy.
MCT Oil & Intermittent Fasting
Athletes and exercisers, whose glucose requirements are generally above average, often turn to intermittent fasting instead of keto.
Because intermittent fasting doesn't necessarily require any calorie or carbohydrate restrictions, the intermittent faster may incur the metabolic benefits of ketosis during their eating schedule's fasting period while still enjoying a series of hardy meals during the designated feeding period.
Even so, maintaining the willpower to perform high levels of activity, especially exercise, is often difficult on an empty digestive system.
Thankfully, by increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism, organic MCT oil may help maintain both brainpower and willpower during an intermittent fast.
It also may help to enhance exercise endurance, further advancing all fitness and weight loss goals.
MCT Oil & Body Composition
It's easy to shun body fat. But this is a mistake: if our bodies lacked a mechanism to store food as fat fuel for later, our species would have been wiped out early by famine.
However, the problem we're facing in the First World is the opposite of famine: an overabundance of food on every street corner. Our famine-oriented bodies are not prepared for our food-abundant world, and it shows in our unhealthy body composition.
By encouraging the body to use stored fat as energy, MCT oil dietary supplements may help return our bodies to a more natural composition, bringing us also to a healthier, more natural state of mind.
Different Types of MCT oil supplements
There are a lot of different MCT products on the market today, as the supplement has gained popularity in recent years. Some different MCT oil types include:
MCT oil powders
Presented in free-flowing powder form, these supplements deliver medium chain triglycerides in a versatile and convenient format. The best MCT oil powder products will be clean-label, avoiding the use of artificial flavors and preservatives. MCT oil powder supplements can also be blended with other powders, including in sports nutrition applications.
MCT oil capsules
Arguably even more convenient than MCT oil powder, the best MCT oil capsules can be carried easily, and do not need to be added to foods or liquids in order to be consumed. The best MCT oil capsules are easy to swallow, odorless and tasteless, which is preferred by some consumers.
Unflavored MCT oil
On its own, MCT has a smooth, silky texture that enhances foods and beverages without adding much flavor. For those on a ketogenic diet, who may be using pure MCT oil as a cooking oil and culinary ingredient for weight loss, unflavored is the best bet.
Flavored MCT oil
Medium chain triglyceride oil products may be presented in flavored form across several different supplement genres. This trend ranges from vanilla-flavored MCT oil coffee creamers to garlic-infused coconut oil intended for cooking.
The best MCT oils across all these subsets tend to avoid adding unnecessary flavors, or any other added ingredients for that matter. They instead seek a pure representation of the MCTs naturally found in organic coconuts.
And if they go one step further than regular MCT oil, they isolate C8 and C10 from lauric acid (c12) so you get the best MCTs for health, only.
Improve Your Nootropic Results with MCT Oil
In addition to boosting brainpower, organic MCT oil ensures the bioavailability of fat-soluble nootropics.
Ever wondered why nootropic supplements recommend taking their formula with a meal? This is mainly to assist with the digestion and absorption of fat-soluble nootropics.
Nootropics classify as either fat-soluble or water-soluble. Water-soluble nootropics may be easily mixed with water and typically possess a high oral bioavailability without requiring a “fatty” solvent, such as milk or (even better) MCT oil.
Because MCT oil improves brainpower on its own, stacking MCT oil with nootropics in general, whether water-soluble or fat-soluble, is an effective way to boost the cognitive enhancement results of your nootropic stack.
If you take nootropics with water, add a squirt of MCT oil to the mix. It may help enhance the absorption of any fat-soluble nootropics you are taking.
Mind Lab Pro® Nootropics with Organic MCT Oil
Though Mind Lab Pro® is specially designed with formula synergy in mind, a few Mind Lab Pro® nootropics that may benefit by the addition of MCT oil (or an organic coconut oil) include:
Bacopa Monnieri Extract
An ancient Ayurvedic adaptogen best taken with a fat source to maximize the absorption of its bio-active bacosides.
Prized herbal nootropic Bacopa monnieri is best known for its fat-soluble bacosides. Bacopa possesses multiple nootropic benefits, ranging from antioxidant neuroprotection, neurotransmitter use, and memory enhancement.
More on Mind Lab Pro® Bacopa Monnieri here.
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Hericium erinaceus is an edible cognitive enhancing mushroom most commonly associated in the nootropic world with promoting nerve growth factor (NGF), a neurotrophic factor involved in the development of new neurons.
The potential benefits of this fungus divide into two categories:
- Neuroregeneration via promoting NGF and myelination of new neurons;
- Neuroprotection via fighting irregular proteins associated with cognitive decline.
Due to the fat-soluble nature of Lion's Mane Mushroom's bio-active constituents, taking Lion's Mane with MCT oil may improve its bioavailability.
More on Mind Lab Pro® Lion's Mane Mushroom here.
Citicoline (CDP Choline)
Though water-soluble, possessing an oral bioavailability greater than 90%, Citicoline (CDP Choline) is a smart nootropic to stack with MCT oil, due to their different approaches to promoting brain energy.
Both citicoline and MCT oil supply precursor nutrients that promote cognitive performance, yet while MCT oil provides brain energy fuel, citicoline enhances the brain's natural ability to produce energy.
Similar to good MCT oil, citicoline is a brain energizer product that works without the crash of stimulants
Best MCT Oil in 2024
Performance Lab® MCT stacks the most keto-active MCT (C8) with capric acid (C10), an effective MCT for supercharging mitochondrial energy activity in the brain. All sourced from 100% organic coconuts.
By focusing solely on the MCTs that matter and delivering them in a pure liquid format, Performance Lab® easily qualifies as the best overall MCT Oil product on the market.
When it comes to ranking the best MCT oil supplement, it's important to not only consider what's in the oil but also what's absent from the oil.
It's also strengthened by its inclusion of C8 and C10, the best MCTs for brainpower, and the exclusion of C6 and C12, the MCTs that are a little too short and too long to qualify as the “best.”
To Buy, Visit:
www.performancelab.com
But that's not all this organic MCT oil does to qualify as the best.
To better understand why this is the best MCT oil, let's take a closer look at the formula.
Made from Organic, Non-GMO coconuts
Derived from 100% organic coconuts, Performance Lab® MCT oil supplies:
- C8 – Caprylic Acid, 7.1g: comprising 60% of this formula, caprylic acid is the most powerful of the four MCTs;
- C10 – Capric Acid, 5.1g: comprising the remaining 40%, capric acid works particularly well at promoting and protecting healthy mitochondria activity.
While the “bulletproof” style ketogenic diet solely relies on C8 MCT oil, Performance Lab® MCT boosts C8's energy fueling efforts with C10's mitochondrial energy support. It supplies both C8 and C10.
Combined, these MCTs and the ketones they increase work to 9-10:
- Increase brain mitochondria numbers
- Energy boost via optimizing cells' mitochondria
- Enhance neuron and mitochondria resistance to oxidative stress
- Increase calorie-burning and appetite control, a perfect oil for weight loss
- Maintain energy and motivation during high-intensity exercise
- Maximize ketogenic diet results and help to burn fat
Performance Lab® MCT is also set apart by its notable lack of synthetic additives, harmful preservatives, or animal byproducts. It even comes in a BPA free plastic bottle.
Performance Lab® MCT is purely organic MCT oil derived from non-GMO coconut oil, extracted with hexane-free technology, and distilled 3X for purity.
From the ingredients to the “Other Ingredients,” Performance Lab® MCT is the cleanest MCT oil product in the world. Safe for daily, long-term use.
Who takes Performance Lab® Organic MCT Oil?
Anyone looking for a clean, caffeine-free, energy-efficient fuel source for enhanced brain function and metabolic activity may benefit by taking Performance Lab® MCT.
For those committed to intermittent fasting or fasted training, this MCT oil product is a particularly effective tool for maintaining competitive energy levels while promoting thermogenic calorie burning.
How to take Performance Lab® MCT
MCT oil is a versatile liquid. You can take MCT oil as dietary fats in salad dressing, as a smoothie additive, or with the coffee you use to down to your nootropic pills. Adding MCT oil to foods infuses a healthy fat that helps you perform better.
So how much MCT oil to take? The official directions for Performance Lab® MCT are:
"Take one tablespoon daily as needed for mind-body vitality. Take straight or add to coffee, shakes, smoothies, drinks, dressings, and sauces. Best when used daily and consistently."
Where to buy Performance Lab® Organic MCT Oil
To buy Performance Lab® MCT, visit: www.performancelab.com
In addition to MCT oil, all Performance Lab® products are sold exclusively through www.performancelab.com - the official website for Performance Lab®'s comprehensive and diverse list of health and fitness supplements.
Our Final Thoughts on MCT Oil Supplements - Which are the best organic options and are they effective?
+ Performance Lab® combines the most effective nootropics for brainpower with the best MCT oil for more brainpower.
By nourishing our fatty brains with an energizing source of healthy fats, Performance Lab® MCT oil is up for all cognitive challenges.
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Both as a standalone supplement and as part of a comprehensive nootropic stack, MCT oil may significantly bolster both short-term and long-term cognitive performance.
To those committed to an intermittent fasting, or fasted training, MCT oil is virtually a must-have fuel source of energy for both mental and physical endurance.
In other words: Performance Lab® may help you achieve the performance results you desire before you burn out by the effort.
To get the best deal on Mind Lab Pro®, click here.
BONUS – The Ultimate Brainpower Stack (with MCT Oil)
One way to keep your brain energy levels up: add MCT oil to your daily routine. Another way: Mind Lab Pro®.
However, the best way to boost brainpower involves stacking multiple brain boosters with MCT oil in a complete, comprehensive brainpower stack.
To achieve ultimate brainpower, stack Mind Lab Pro® and Performance Lab® MCT with:
Performance Lab® Energy - Best Energy Supplement
Stim-free antioxidant complex that restores malfunctioning mitochondria for optimized energy production and efficiency.
Ingredients: Acetyl L-Carnitine (from Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL), Microencapsulated Bio-Enhanced® R-Lipoic Acid, MicroActive® Q10 (Coenzyme Q10), BioPQQ® (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone [PQQ]), BioPerine® Black Pepper Extract (Piper nigrum) (fruit) (95% piperine).
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Taking a unique stim-free approach to energy enhancement, Performance Lab® Energy truly boosts cell energy. Combine with Mind Lab Pro®'s nootropics and Performance Lab® MCT oil brain fuel, Performance Lab® Energy to up your cognitive energy.
To Buy, Visit:
www.performancelab.com
Performance Lab® Caffeine+ is the BEST Natural Caffeine Boost
Ultramodern, performance-enhanced caffeine balanced by a restorative B-complex and nootropic amino acids.
Ingredients: NutriGenesis® Caffeine Balance B-Complex: Riboflavin+ (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B6+, Folate+ (Vitamin B9), Vitamin B12+; Natural Caffeine (from Coffea robusta seeds), Suntheanine® L-Theanine, Ajipure® L-Tyrosine
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Paired with Mind Lab Pro® and Performance Lab® MCT, Performance Lab® Caffeine+ is ideal caffeine pill, low-dose by design which enables users to stack as many pills per serving as needed. It also restores what caffeine takes away.
To Buy, Visit:
www.performancelab.com
