An interventional study of MCT Beverage and LCT Beverage in Ketone Body, Lipid Metabolism and Glucose Response, sponsored by University of Milan. Recruiting at 1 site in Italy. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 40 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-07-21.
Sponsored by University of Milan · Not applicable, Interventional, and Basic science
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), delivered in different formulations, on beta-hydroxybutyrate response (as a marker of ketone body production), lipid metabolism, and glucose responses in healthy adults.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Do MCTs influence beta-hydroxybutyrate responses, lipid metabolism, and glucose responses differently compared to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs)?
Do different types of MCTs (natural sources containing C8 to C12 versus synthetic formulations containing only C8 and C10) lead to different beta-hydroxybutyrate, lipid, and glucose responses?
Does the form in which MCTs are consumed (e.g., powders or incorporated into foods) influence beta-hydroxybutyrate production, lipid metabolism, and glucose responses?
Researchers will compare five different lipid formulations to evaluate their effects on postprandial beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, blood lipid levels, and glucose.
Participants will:
Consume five different test products on separate study visits. Provide blood samples for up to five hours after each intake for metabolic measurements.
This randomized crossover study is designed to evaluate the metabolic effects of five different lipid-based formulations in healthy adults. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are known to be rapidly absorbed and metabolized, promoting the production of ketone bodies, which can serve as an alternative energy source. However, metabolic responses to MCTs may vary depending on their fatty acid composition and the form in which they are consumed.
The study compares different lipid formulations, including long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), synthetic MCTs composed of C8 and C10 fatty acids, and MCTs derived from natural sources such as coconut oil (containing C8 to C12 fatty acids). In addition, the study evaluates the impact of the food matrix by comparing similar lipid compositions provided in different forms, including reconstituted powders and a solid food product.
Participants attend multiple study visits after an overnight fast and consume each test product in a randomized order. The amount of each product is adjusted to provide a standardized lipid dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight, and a washout period of at least 7 days is applied between visits.
During each visit, blood samples are collected over a period of up to 5 hours after product consumption. Primary metabolic outcomes include postprandial beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations (as a marker of ketone body production), glucose response, and triglyceride response. Secondary outcomes include circulating fatty acid profiles, ghrelin concentrations, and subjective appetite ratings assessed using visual analogue scales.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants receive all five test products in a randomized crossover design. The order of administration is randomized, and each product is provided in an amount adjusted to deliver a standardized lipid dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight. A washout period of at least 7 days is applied between interventions.
Other: MCT Beverage · Other: LCT Beverage · Other: Synthetic MCT Powder · Other: Natural MCT Powder · Other: MCT Biscuit
Beverage containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Administered in a quantity adjusted to provide a lipid dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight.
Beverage containing long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). Administered in a quantity adjusted to provide a lipid dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight.
Powder formulation containing synthetic medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) composed of C8 and C10 fatty acids, reconstituted in water before consumption. Administered in a quantity adjusted to provide a lipid dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight.
Powder formulation containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) derived from coconut oil (containing fatty acids from C8 to C12), reconstituted in water before consumption. Administered to provide a lipid dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight
Biscuit containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) derived from coconut oil. Administered in a quantity adjusted to provide a lipid dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight.
Beta-hydroxybutyrate postprandial response
Beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations measured at baseline and at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 300 minutes after consumption of each test product to assess the metabolic response over time
Time frame: Up to 300 minutes post-ingestion
Glucose postprandial response
Serum glucose concentrations measured at baseline and at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 300 minutes after consumption of each test product to assess the metabolic response over time.
Time frame: Up to 300 minutes post-ingestion
Triglyceride postprandial response
Serum triglyceride concentrations measured at baseline and at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 300 minutes after consumption of each test product to assess the metabolic response over time.
Time frame: Up to 300 minutes post-ingestion
Fatty Acid Postprandial Response
Serum fatty acid concentrations measured at baseline and at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 300 minutes after consumption of each test product.
Time frame: Up to 300 minutes post-ingestion
Ghrelin postprandial response
Blood ghrelin concentrations measured at baseline and at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 300 minutes after consumption of each test product.
Time frame: Up to 300 minutes post-ingestion
Subjective appetite ratings (VAS)
Subjective appetite assessed using visual analogue scales (VAS) at baseline, immediately after product consumption, and at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 300 minutes post-ingestion.
Time frame: Up to 300 minutes post-ingestion
Plan to share: No
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University of Milan