Medium-chain fatty acids: Functional lipids for the prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome

• Published in: Pharmacological research Vol. 61; no. 3; pp. 208 - 212
• Main Authors: Nagao, Koji, Yanagita, Teruyoshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2010
• Subjects: Animals; Dietary Fats - administration & dosage; Dietary Fats - therapeutic use; Fatty Acids - administration & dosage; Fatty Acids - physiology; Functional Food; Humans; Lipid metabolism; Medium-chain fatty acid; Medium-chain triglyceride; Metabolic syndrome; Metabolic Syndrome - diet therapy; Metabolic Syndrome - metabolism; Metabolic Syndrome - prevention & control; Obesity; Treatment Outcome; Triglycerides - administration & dosage; Triglycerides - physiology; Triglycerides - therapeutic use; Type 2 diabetes; Type 2 diabetes; Obesity; Medium-chain triglyceride; Medium-chain fatty acid; Lipid metabolism; Metabolic syndrome
• ISSN: 1043-6618; 1096-1186; 1096-1186
• DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2009.11.007

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic disorders, such as abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and impaired fasting glucose, that contribute to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome is complicated and the precise mechanisms have not been elucidated, dietary lipids have been recognized as contributory factors in the development and the prevention of cardiovascular risk clustering. This review explores the physiological functions and molecular actions of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in the development of metabolic syndrome. Experimental studies demonstrate that dietary MCFAs/MCTs suppress fat deposition through enhanced thermogenesis and fat oxidation in animal and human subjects. Additionally, several reports suggest that MCFAs/MCTs offer the therapeutic advantage of preserving insulin sensitivity in animal models and patients with type 2 diabetes.