Does MCT Oil Break Intermittent Fasting?

Written by Andrew Brewer. ⚕️Reviewed and fact checked by our medical team.

Does MCT Oil Break Intermittent Fasting

There are tons of dietary supplements out there that claim to offer weight loss solutions. From multivitamins to fish oils, you’ve probably encountered some form of weight loss supplement. But do any of these supplements truly work and help the body process food to lose weight?

Let’s take a look at one of the most popular dietary supplements: MCT Oil. How does MCT oil affect the body and process fats? For some, MCT oil helps the body process fats in a way that it was unable to naturally. MCT oil is a necessity for their body to receive the nutrients it needs. But how will this affect an intermittent fast?

Key Takeaways

  • MCT oil is a dietary supplement made from medium-chain triglycerides and is often used by people who have trouble processing fats naturally.
  • While MCT oil technically breaks fast, small doses are unlikely to trigger insulin production or significantly impact calorie intake, making it a useful supplement for those who want to lose weight while intermittent fasting.
  • MCT oil has been linked to weight loss benefits and can help boost energy levels, making it a good choice for those who are trying to lose weight and stay energized.
  • The effectiveness of MCT oil varies depending on the individual’s needs and dietary restrictions, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding this supplement to your diet.
  • MCT oil can be a useful addition to an intermittent fasting regimen, but it’s important to understand the specific guidelines for incorporating it into your routine.

What is MCT Oil?

It is an oil made from the Medium Chain Triglycerides fat. Typically, it is made from coconut or palm kernel oil and is taken as a dietary supplement. If you have trouble taking in fats through the normal routes, then MCT oil might be prescribed by your doctor. It’s a safe and effective dietary supplement that helps people with dietary restrictions.

It’s unsure of how effective MCT oil is, but for many, it’s the only way for them to take in certain fats. It provides the necessary nutrients that your body might not be able to receive otherwise. MCT oils help the body break down fats that might take a while to process and deposits the nutrients directly into the bloodstream. It’s a useful oil for those who need it, but how does it affect intermittent fasting?

How MCT Oil Affects Your Fast?

There are a few answers to this question. Will MCT oil break your fast? Technically speaking, yes. Anything other than water will break your fast. However, clinically speaking, your body doesn’t exit the intermittent fasting state until it’s reached a certain number of calories or insulin production has been triggered. Small doses of MCT oil are unlikely to trigger either of these conditions meaning your fast will not be broken.

If you take MCT oil while fasting, chances are you will not break your fast. However, if you’re partaking in a traditional fast, anything that isn’t water will break the process. It all depends on the type of fast you’re partaking in. For weight loss purposes, MCT oil doesn’t break your intermittent fast. For health or religious reasons, MCT oil will likely break your fast depending on the condition.

That doesn’t mean MCT oil is bad for you it can help your body out tremendously with your weight loss ambitions.

Benefits of MCT Oil

Anyone who struggles to process fats naturally will likely be recommended to take MCT oil. It helps the body break down fats and the body easily deposits the MCT oil directly into the bloodstream. MCT oil fats are much smaller than normal fats which makes them easier to process while still providing you with the substances your body needs.

You could feel more energetic when taking MCT oils as the direct breakdown of the fats in the supplement can offer more usable energy. If your body can’t naturally process fats, then you could be lacking energy which makes the day drag on. With MCT oils, the energy supply is there and you can easily make it through the day.

MCT oils have even been tied to weight loss benefits which makes them a stunning pair with intermittent fasting. Some studies have found that patients who take MCT oil supplements had an easier time losing weight thanks to the assisted fat processing offered. The fat count in an MCT oil isn’t enough to break your fast and even helps lose weight easier making it the perfect supplement for intermittent fasting.

Don’t forget to check our top 10 intermittent fasting apps here to make your intermittent fasting journey easier.

FAQ

  • Does MCT oil break intermittent fasting?

MCT oil contains calories but does not contain protein or carbohydrates, the primary macronutrient that can break a fast. Therefore, consuming MCT oil during an intermittent fast is generally safe.

  • How does MCT oil affect fasting?

MCT oil is a type of fat quickly metabolized by the liver and converted into ketones, which can provide energy to the body and brain during a fast. Consuming MCT oil may enhance the benefits of fasting, such as promoting ketosis and reducing appetite.

  • How much MCT oil can I consume during a fast?

No specific amount of MCT oil is recommended during a fast, as individual needs may vary. However, it is generally recommended to start with a small amount, such as 1-2 teaspoons, and gradually increase the amount as tolerated.

  • Can MCT oil kick you out of ketosis?

No, MCT oil is a source of ketones and can help promote ketosis. In addition, MCT oil may increase blood ketone levels, providing energy to the body and brain during a fast.

  • Should I consume MCT oil before or after my fast?

Consuming MCT oil during the fast is generally recommended rather than before or after. Consuming MCT oil before the fast may break the fast while consuming it after the fast may provide different benefits than consuming it during the fast.

  • Can I add MCT oil to my coffee during a fast?

Yes, adding MCT oil to coffee during a fast is common. However, it is important to note that adding other ingredients, such as cream or sugar, may break the fast.

Andrew Brewer

Andrew Brewer

Andrew Brewer started Fastingapps.com to give people the guidance that he never received when he was first starting. His goal is to make your goals achievable and to offer you only the best fasting apps that the internet has to offer. You're not on your own - Andrew and the entire family of reviewers at Fastingapps.com are here with you every step of the way!