Stepan Company’s Lipid Nutrition business continues to evaluate clinical studies that support the association of MCTs with nutrient absorption and gut health benefits.
 
MCTs, or medium chain triglycerides, have been around for decades, used as nutritional therapy and for supplementation in the sports health category. MCT applications in nutritional products have expanded to address many health needs, and their incorporation into products marketed to health-conscious consumers has grown significantly. “Today, the available MCTs in Stepan’s NEOBEE are crossing into use among other groups—gut health and nutrient absorption,” said Jenifer Heydinger Galante, PhD, senior research manager with Stepan Lipid Nutrition. In fact, new research shows that when formulated with prebiotics or probiotics, MCTs may help make the gut healthier by improving intestinal permeability and modifying gut microbiota (Nutrients, 2016). “This is exciting news because MCTs are often used to help in various treatments for certain gastrointestinal diseases or conditions suffered by millions of people.”
 
Dr. Heydinger Galante added, “In addition, NEOBEE MCTs may provide solutions for faster and more efficient absorption of vitamins and minerals.” Supported by research, MCTs may enhance the absorption of certain minerals and fat-soluble vitamins including calcium (The Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 1992; Nutrition Research, 1991), vitamin E (International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 1978), and vitamin K (Japanese Pat. 63185922 (Aug. 1, 1988), T. Nakamura, D. Yoshihara, and M. Yanai (to Snow Brand Milk Products Co., Ltd.)), as well as magnesium and phosphorous (Nutrients, 2016). Most recently, a study also suggested that MCTs strongly improve the bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils and marine phospholipids (Lipids in Health and Disease, 2017).
 
As the demand grows for MCTs, Stepan Lipid Nutrition aims to find ways to make consuming MCTs more convenient while remaining a premium product. NEOBEE MCTs are RSPO mass balance-certified products, made with a patented purification process using plant-sourced ingredients, which does not interfere with complex flavor profiles. The emulsified NEOBEE MCTs are odorless, tasteless, and extremely stable, the company said.
 
“NEOBEE MCTs offer a safe, simple, affordable solution for many bioavailability problems,” stated Dr. Heydinger Galante. “We are committed to supporting ongoing research about MCTs and will continue to provide high-quality products to companies that seek to offer healthy and nutritional products to consumers.”