Use of Medium Chain Triglycerides in Malabsorption

Abstract

The use of triglycerides containing medium chain fatty acids was investigated in a group of 12 patients with malabsorption. Medium chain triglyceride (MCT) therapy resulted in a significant decrease in steatorrhea in 9 patients and in 6 of these there was a minimal but definite gain in weight. Severe and disabling diarrhea was improved in 6 patients. The most striking improvement was observed in 5 patients with regional enteritis and lesser degrees of improvement in patients with scleroderma, carcinoma of the pancreas, pancreatic insufficiency, and Laennec''s cirrhosis. Two patients developed increased diarrhea and abdominal pain while receiving MCT therapy. There was no significant change in blood glucose, plasma NEFA [nonesterified fatty acids], and serum insulin levels in 10 normal subjects after ingestion of 30 ml. of MCT oil. MCT therapy may be a valuable nutritional adjunct in patients with malabsorption.