MCT, ketogenic diets and fat loss

With the launch of the latest addition to our Trim® product line, Trim® SuperBurn, we thought it was a great opportunity to break down the science behind MCT, ketogenic diets and fat loss and explore the benefits and uses of ketone supplements.

 

Ketosis

 

Let’s start with ketosis.  What exactly is Ketosis? Ketosis is a metabolic process that occurs when the body does not have enough glucose for energy, so it turns to your stored fat for fuel. A fasting state begins about two hours after a meal as blood sugar decreases and starts to normalize. The drop in blood sugar causes insulin levels to also decline triggering another hormone, glucagon, which releases glycogen and fatty acids to fuel the body until the fasting state is broken.

 

Ketosis is a normal process during fasting, or when on a strict low-carb diet, to keep us going when we go without food for long periods of time. In the past it was considered that the brain could only use glucose for energy, but now we know that once in ketosis, the body actually prefers ketones (the result of the body burning fat for energy or fuel) over glucose. Since the body has several weeks of calories stored as fat, it can spare protein and use fat to generate glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis. Burning fat for fuel causes less oxidative damage to cells making it possible for cells to be much more efficient in energy production than when it comes from glucose.

 

When in ketosis there are lower levels of insulin in the body causing greater fat breakdown (lipolysis) when compared to a normal diet when insulin levels are much higher. Also, when insulin is brought to low levels, beneficial hormones are released in the body, such as growth hormone and other powerful growth factors. When in ketosis, the generated ketones, along with high protein intake, also become a very effective natural appetite suppressant.

 

Ketogenic diet

 

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low carbohydrate diet (i.e. Atkins, Paleo etc.) in which carbohydrate intake is dropped to just 2 to 4 percent of daily caloric intake with remaining calories coming from natural fats  (meats, fish, butter, olive oil etc.).   Over time, the body becomes “keto-adapted” to consuming such a high fat diet and efficiently produces and burns ketones.  Studies show that the ketogenic diet appears to improve glycemic control. However, ketogenic diets contain very high amounts of fat, which is likely to adversely affect blood lipids and digestion.

 

Studies  have shown that ketogenic diets result in more pronounced improvements in weight loss and metabolic efficiency than low-calorie diets. But Ketosis is only a temporary solution, because once a person goes without food for a long period of time regardless of the quantity of protein intake, the body will eventually start breaking down muscle to create glucose for the brain and body.  Certain ketone supplements can work synergistically with the body’s own ketone production and  is enhanced with the use of medium chain triglycerides (MCT – coconut oil).

 

Healthy Fats

 

Fat is a more concentrated source of energy than both protein and carbohydrates.  Consuming sufficient amounts of healthy fats in the right form is essential for several functions of the body and mind. It helps bolster the immune system, enhance brain function, reduce cardiovascular disease, increase energy and performance, and is a key factor in regulating body weight. You also need fat to absorb several antioxidants, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, and to aid in the formation of hormones.

 

Bad fats are the trans fats (trans fatty acids), which are abundant in foods that contain vegetable oil. These fats are associated with heart disease and diabetes, especially when also consuming high carbohydrate diet.

 

Healthy fats include some saturated fats and unsaturated fats, which include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Both mono and polyunsaturated fats, when eaten in moderation and used to replace trans fats, can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

 

One type of polyunsaturated fat is omega-3 fatty acids, which are found most notably in fish, walnuts, almonds, and flaxseed. One common source of monounsaturated fats is avocados. Most of an avocado’s calories are in the form of fiber and healthy fat.  

 

Coconut oil is also a healthy saturated fat made up mostly of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) , which your body can manage better than the longer-chain fats found in vegetable oils and fatty meats. These medium chain fatty acids go straight from the digestive tract to the liver, where they are turned into ketone bodies and provide a quick source of energy.

 

Medium Chain triglycerides (MCT)

 

The fatty acids found in medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are called medium-chain fatty acids.  MCTs are naturally abundant in the milk of cows, goats, sheep and other mammals.  MCT is a common food ingredient and one of the fatty acids from coconut oil.

 

Studies have shown that consumption of MCT as part of a weight-loss plan improves weight loss  and can be successfully included in a weight-loss diet.

 

MCTs have been shown to provide weight management support by increasing energy, increasing fat intake and suppressing appetite, which leads to decreased food intake. This results in a loss of body weight, by reducing fat mass, but not lean muscle mass.  Individuals following carb restrictive diet programs often find MCTs are easier and more effective.

MCTs provide ketones as an alternative energy source for the brain, resulting in cognitive improvements including elevated mood and cognitive and daily activity performance.

 

Medical studies also support that MCTs improve mental function for people suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, as well as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and stroke patients

 

Beta Hydroxybutyrate (BHB

 

Beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body which provides sustained energy for the brain, heart and muscles and is produced and burned under special metabolic conditions such as fasting and ketogenic diets. When the body is has limited carbohydrate stores, such as during prolonged exercise or after fasting, ketones are particularly valuable energy sources.  BHB has been proven to support weight management, cognitive health, and athletic performance. BHB supplementation is good for people on low-carb diets and people looking to lose fat and increase lean muscle mass.

 

BHB and MCT are used by the body in complementary ways that provide sustained energy and decreased appetite.

 

MCTs vs ketogenic diet

 

A key advantage to MCTs, is that ketones can be generated without the need to follow intensely restrictive ketogenic diets.  Typically there is a two week keto-adapt phase with ketogenic diets to get to a state where the body is using ketones as the main energy source.  Weight management, sustained energy and cognitive benefits are achieved more rapidly without any keto-adapt phase with MCTs.  Excessive protein consumption is forbidden with ketogenic diets, but is acceptable with MCTs.

 

Exogenous ketones or ketone supplements

 

Exogenous ketones circumvent the need for dietary restriction to put the body into a state of ketosis. These are essentially a ketone molecule or a precursor to a bioidentical ketone molecule that when it’s consumed, the ketones are liberated into the bloodstream and used by the brain, heart and peripheral tissues, which elevates blood levels of ketones beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate, reduces hepatic glucose output and assists with the transport and utilization of glucose into tissues. When the body is fat and keto adapted, it will more efficiently transport and utilize ketones as an energy source for the brain and heart.

 

About Trim® SuperBurn™

 

Trim® SuperBurn™ contains a potent combination of nutrients for enhanced metabolic efficiency, improved cognitive function, sustained energy, enhanced athletic performance and appetite suppression.  Achieve a keto-adapted state without a ketogenic diet.  Health and nutrition experts agree that the key ingredients in Trim® SuperBurn™ are the most effective for fat burning, energy and metabolism function.

• • CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) helps reduce fat deposits, improving body composition and lean muscle mass as well as improving immune function. CLA also appears to aid in lowering cholesterol and boosting metabolism.
  • Garcinia Cambogia is a dietary aid used as an appetite suppressant and to help inhibit the absorption of fat, cholesterol and triglycerides. 
  • Green Tea Leaf Extract helps reduce inflammation, increase good cholesterol, helps boost metabolism and can improve concentration and mental focus without the crash.

 

• Guarana Seed Extract is used for weight loss, to enhance athletic performance, as a stimulant, and to reduce mental and physical fatigue.

• Magnesium Beta Hydroxybutyrate improves cognition, reduces hunger and provides the benefits of a ketogenic diet without the carb restriction.  Magnesium Beta Hydroxybutyrate provides instant, sustained energy fuel for exercise and stimulates “metabolic shift” away from glucose dependence.

• Citrus Aurantium (Bitter Orange) is used in dietary supplements as an aid to fat loss and appetite suppression, and contains generous amounts of Vitamin C.

• Yerba Mate Leaf is a natural form of caffeine used to relieve fatigue, improve mood and to boost metabolism.

 

Trim® SuperBurn™ Quick Facts:
Product Benefits: Doctor formulated Trim® SuperBurn™ is the ultimate fat burner for sustained energy and weight loss support with beta hydroxybutyrate that provides the benefits of a ketogenic diet without carb restriction.When/How to Use: 4 Capsules dailyWho Uses: Ideal for active individuals on low-carb diets and people looking to improve body composition (increase/maintain muscle mass, lose fat).
Product Ingredients: Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL, Garcinia (Garcinia cambogia) fruit extract, Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), Guarana (Paullinia cupana) seed extract, Green tea (Camellia sinesis) leaf extract, Magnesium beta hydroxybutyrate, Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) fruit extract, Yerba mate (llex paraguariensis) leaf extract.  OTHER INGREDIENTS: Vegetable magnesium stearate, hypromellose and water.
Size: 30-Day supply includes 120 capsules
Suggested Retail Price/Availability: $39.95; online at Priority You MD, TrimNutrition.com and TeleWellnessMD.com.