What are the side effects of MCT oil for babies?

Understanding MCT Oil and Its Side Effects for Babies
Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil has gained popularity as a dietary supplement, particularly among adults seeking energy boosts and weight management. However, when it comes to infants, the use of MCT oil raises important questions about safety and potential side effects.
What is MCT Oil?
MCT oil is derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil and consists of medium-chain fatty acids. These fats are metabolized differently than long-chain fatty acids, providing a quick source of energy. While MCT oil is often touted for its benefits in adult diets—such as enhancing athletic performance and supporting weight loss—its application in infant nutrition is less clear.
Potential Side Effects in Babies
The introduction of MCT oil into a baby’s diet can lead to several side effects, many of which mirror those experienced by adults. Commonly reported issues include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. These gastrointestinal disturbances can be particularly concerning for infants, whose digestive systems are still developing and may not handle new substances as robustly as those of older children or adults.
Moreover, the risk of gastrointestinal upset is heightened in babies, as their bodies are more sensitive to dietary changes. Parents should be cautious, as even small amounts of MCT oil can lead to these adverse reactions. The oil’s rapid absorption and metabolism can sometimes overwhelm an infant’s digestive system, leading to discomfort and distress.
Considerations for Use
While MCT oil is generally considered safe for adults, its use in infants should be approached with caution. There is limited research specifically addressing the safety of MCT oil for babies, and healthcare professionals often recommend avoiding it unless prescribed for specific medical conditions, such as certain metabolic disorders. In such cases, it is crucial that any supplementation is closely monitored by a pediatrician.
Parents should also be aware that introducing any new supplement or oil into an infant’s diet should be done gradually and under medical supervision. This approach helps to monitor for any adverse reactions and ensures that the baby’s nutritional needs are being met appropriately.
Conclusion
In summary, while MCT oil may offer benefits for adults, its side effects in babies—such as gastrointestinal discomfort—warrant careful consideration. Parents should consult healthcare providers before introducing MCT oil into their infant’s diet, ensuring that any potential risks are weighed against the intended benefits. As with any dietary change, the health and well-being of the child should always come first.

What are the symptoms of too much MCT oil?

Digestive problems: For some people, taking too much MCT oil can lead to stomach pain, cramping, gassiness, bloating, and diarrhea, according to research published in Practical Gastroenterology. Experts think that because MCT is metabolized without enzymes, the fat for some people can overtax the digestive system.

Does MCT oil help babies gain weight?

Milk fortification enhances milk’s calorie density, which in turn reduces the need for feedings. 22 According to the results of the current research, infants fed MCT-fortified breast milk gained an average weight per kilogram per day and on tenth day 15.8 of average weight gain in Group D amongst MCT added infants.

What are the disadvantages of MCT oil?

Some of the negatives include:

• It has a lot of calories. This can cause you to gain weight.
• Large amounts of saturated fat may raise your cholesterol.
• MCTs may stimulate the release of hunger hormones, making you overeat.
• High doses could lead to fat buildup in the liver.

What is MCT in infant formula?

Fats in formula can contain triglycerides with long chain fatty acids or shorter medium chain fatty acids (MCTs). MCTs are more easily absorbed by the newborn infant with an immature digestive system. LCTs are still important for development of visual acuity and development of cell membranes and the brain.

Is MCT oil safe for infants?

For use in the dietary management of intractable epilepsy using the ketogenic diet or for fat malabsorption such as cystic fibrosis or chronic liver disease. MCT Oil is not a source of essential fatty acids or fat soluble vitamins. Suitable for infants, children and adults.

Can MCT cause weight gain?

Risks of taking MCT oil
The following issues may be a concern: Weight gain: A tablespoon of MCT oil contains roughly 120 calories and 14 grams of fat. If you’re adding it to your diet instead of using it as a replacement for other fat sources, the extra calories could result in extra pounds, Jones says.

What are the side effects of MCT oil for kids?

MCT can cause diarrhoea, stomach pain or vomiting in some children. These side effects are usually short-lived and tend to settle after a few days once the body gets used to it.

Can we massage a baby with MCT oil?

Conclusion: The results indicate that preterm infant daily massage with MCT oil is an effective intervention for weight gain that should be recognized as part of low-birth-weight infant developmental care.

How does MCT oil affect the brain?

Our bodies rapidly convert MCTs into ketones, which can be used as an energy source by the brain. No studies have yet found that MCTs can prevent dementia, but some evidence suggests that there may be short-term cognitive benefits from taking MCTs, including for patients with dementia.

Who should avoid MCT?

High triglycerides: Using MCT oil may increase the number of triglycerides in your blood. 14 For this reason, people with high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) or heart disease may need to avoid taking MCT oil.