Understanding the Different Grades of MCT Oil for Optimal Health

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

MCT oil contains four distinct types of fatty acids, each with a different length and metabolic effect on the body. To choose the right supplement for your health goals, it's essential to understand the different grades of MCT oil, primarily distinguished by their carbon chain length.

Quick Summary

This article explains the various grades of MCT oil based on fatty acid chain length, detailing the benefits and drawbacks of C6, C8, C10, and C12. It covers the manufacturing process and offers guidance on how to select the best type for energy and cognitive function.

Key Points

MCT Grades are Fatty Acids: Different grades of MCT oil correspond to specific medium-chain fatty acids, primarily C6, C8, C10, and C12.
C8 is Rapid Energy: Caprylic acid (C8) is prized for its extremely fast conversion into ketones, providing a quick and potent energy boost for the brain and body.
C10 Offers Sustained Benefits: Capric acid (C10) provides a more sustained release of energy and has notable antimicrobial properties.
C12 is Less Efficient for Energy: Lauric acid (C12) is the primary fat in coconut oil but is metabolized more slowly, offering less of a rapid, ketogenic effect.
Blends Offer Balance: Many commercial MCT oils are blends of C8 and C10, which provide a good balance of rapid and sustained energy at a more affordable price.
Avoid C6 Grades: Caproic acid (C6) is typically excluded from quality supplements due to its unpleasant taste and tendency to cause digestive upset.

The Science Behind MCT Oil Grades

MCT stands for Medium-Chain Triglycerides, a type of fat composed of fatty acid chains containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Unlike longer-chain fats, MCTs are rapidly digested and absorbed, traveling directly to the liver where they are quickly converted into ketones—a fast and efficient source of energy for both the brain and body. The specific composition, or grade, of MCT oil is determined by which fatty acids are isolated and concentrated during manufacturing, a process called fractionation. This targeted extraction creates different products with varying properties and potency.

The Four Main Types of MCTs

There are four principal medium-chain fatty acids that can make up an MCT oil, denoted by the number of carbon atoms in their chain. Not all are equally desirable in supplements.

Caproic Acid (C6): The Undesirable Grade. With a chain of just 6 carbons, C6 is absorbed incredibly quickly. However, it is largely excluded from quality MCT supplements due to its extremely foul, goat-like odor and taste. It is also well-known for causing severe digestive issues, including stomach upset and gas, and is therefore best avoided.
Caprylic Acid (C8): The Quick Energy King. Composed of 8 carbon atoms, C8 is highly prized for its rapid conversion into ketones. It is considered the most ketogenic and potent of the MCTs, providing a quick boost of clean energy for enhanced cognitive function and athletic performance. Pure C8 oil is often sold at a premium and is a top choice for those seeking maximum brain-fueling benefits.
Capric Acid (C10): The Steady Support. With a 10-carbon chain, C10 is also very beneficial and ketogenic, but converts to energy slightly slower than C8. It provides a more sustained and steady release of energy and possesses strong antimicrobial properties. Many affordable and effective MCT oils are blends of C8 and C10, offering a balanced profile of both quick and prolonged energy.
Lauric Acid (C12): The Longest Medium Chain. While technically an MCT with 12 carbon atoms, C12 (the primary fatty acid in coconut oil) is metabolized much more slowly, behaving more like a long-chain fatty acid. This makes it a less efficient source for rapid energy and ketone production compared to C8 and C10. C12 is known for its antimicrobial benefits but offers far less of the fast energy boost that people seek from concentrated MCT oils.

How MCT Oil is Manufactured

The creation of concentrated MCT oil is a meticulous process that isolates the most desirable fatty acids. The general steps are as follows:

Sourcing: Raw material, typically coconut oil (preferred) or palm kernel oil, is collected.
Hydrolysis: The triglycerides in the raw oil are broken down into their constituent fatty acids and a glycerol backbone.
Fractional Distillation: The fatty acids are heated and separated based on their boiling points. The desired medium-chain fatty acids (primarily C8 and C10) are collected, leaving behind less useful ones like C6 and longer chains like C12.
Re-esterification: The isolated C8 and/or C10 fatty acids are re-combined with a glycerol molecule to form the final MCT oil product.
Refinement: The oil is filtered and deodorized, resulting in a tasteless, odorless product that is liquid at room temperature.

How the Grades of MCT Oil Differ


Characteristic	C8 (Caprylic Acid)	C10 (Capric Acid)	C12 (Lauric Acid)	C8/C10 Blend	Coconut Oil (Unrefined)
Metabolism Speed	Very Fast	Fast	Slow	Fast to Moderate	Slow
Ketone Production	Highest	High	Low	High	Very Low
Energy Type	Quick & Potent	Sustained	Less Efficient	Balanced	Less Efficient
Brain Fuel	Most Direct	Less Direct	Insignificant	Direct	Very Low
Price	Premium	Moderate	Inexpensive	Moderate	Low
Primary Use	Fast Ketogenic Boost	Sustained Energy, Antimicrobial	General Health	Balanced Energy, Cost Effective	Cooking, General Use

How to Choose the Right Grade of MCT Oil

Selecting the best MCT oil depends on your specific health objectives and tolerance. Understanding the grades will help you make an informed decision.

For Maximum Ketone Production and Cognitive Enhancement: If your primary goal is a fast and powerful energy boost for mental clarity and ketogenic performance, a pure C8 MCT oil is the optimal choice. While more expensive, it offers the most potent effect.
For Balanced Energy and Value: A blend of C8 and C10 provides a great balance of rapid and sustained energy at a more accessible price point. This is an excellent all-purpose choice for those new to MCT oil or for daily use in coffee or smoothies.
For General Health and Cooking: If your interest is in the broader benefits of coconut oil, but not specifically the fast energy of ketones, you can stick with unrefined coconut oil. Just know that you will not experience the rapid, ketogenic effect of a concentrated C8 or C10 product due to its high C12 content.
Consider Source and Purity: Always prioritize MCT oil sourced from coconuts over palm oil to avoid contributing to deforestation. Look for products that are hexane-free and third-party certified for quality and purity. Reputable brands will clearly state the fatty acid composition on their label.

Conclusion

In summary, the key distinction between the different grades of MCT oil lies in the specific medium-chain fatty acids they contain, namely C6, C8, C10, and C12. C8 and C10 are the most beneficial for rapid and efficient energy conversion into ketones, with C8 being faster and more potent, while C10 offers a more sustained effect. C12 is a less efficient source of quick energy, and C6 is largely avoided due to its undesirable properties. By understanding the composition of each grade, consumers can select a product that best aligns with their energy goals, budget, and overall health needs. Whether you choose a pure C8 oil for a potent cognitive boost or a balanced C8/C10 blend for everyday use, focusing on coconut-derived and high-purity options will ensure you get the highest quality supplement. Learn more about the science of MCTs at Healthline.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, they are different. While MCT oil is often derived from coconut oil, it is a concentrated form created through a process called fractionation. Coconut oil contains a mixture of fatty acids, including a high percentage of C12, while pure MCT oil is concentrated with the more rapidly absorbed C8 and C10 fatty acids.

For those on a ketogenic diet seeking the most potent and rapid ketone production, a pure C8 MCT oil is the most effective. C8 is converted to ketones more efficiently and quickly than other MCTs.

C6 MCT oil (Caproic Acid) is typically avoided in supplements due to its strong, unpleasant taste and smell. It is also known to cause digestive distress, including stomach discomfort and gas.

Yes, but with limitations. MCT oil has a relatively low smoke point compared to many cooking oils, so it's best suited for low-heat applications like salad dressings, smoothies, and adding to coffee. Refined MCT oil generally has a higher smoke point than unrefined coconut oil.

MCT oil is the liquid form of medium-chain triglycerides. MCT powder is created by spray-drying the oil with a carrier agent, like acacia fiber. The powder is easier to mix into beverages and carry on the go, while the liquid oil is more concentrated by volume.

The most reliable way is to check the product label or the manufacturer's website. Reputable brands will clearly state the ratio of C8 and C10 fatty acids in their product. If a product simply says 'MCT oil' without specifying the composition, it may contain less potent C12.

Individual tolerance and desired effects can vary, making it important to find a suitable amount that aligns with personal needs. It is often recommended to start with a small amount and gradually increase as tolerated.