Why You Should Take Your CBD with MCT

What Is Molecular-CBD? - Goldfish Amsterdam blog



 There is a lot of buzz around something called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), with everyone from dieters, to nutritionist, to research scientists touting its benefits.  And now, with its increasing popularity, the CBD community has also embraced this unique and health giving fatty acid, most often incorporating it into CBD products as a base or carrier oil for CBD extracts.


But, as with most things popular, there is also plenty of confusion and misinformation surrounding this miracle supplement.  Here we discuss what MCT is, what MCT oil can help with, but also why using CBD and MCT oil together, might be more beneficial than using each on their own.


What is MCT oil

All dietary fats consist of molecules that are composed of individual carbon atoms linked into chains ranging from 2 to 22 carbon atoms in length where the number of carbons in the fatty acid chain actually impacts how the body digests and assimilates the fat you consume. 

So, where long chain triglycerides (LCTs) consist of 13 to 18 carbons require bile, enzymes and chylomicrons for the body to absorb them, MCTs (which only have 6-12 carbon atoms) digest rapidly and go directly to the liver.  This is also why MCTs are considered to be one of the most efficient energy sources making it popular among athletes, Keto enthusiasts, and health-conscious eaters.  

However, MCTs also has a range of other benefits due to the way it is metabolized by the liver.  Because of an extremely low glycogenic response and its ability to mediate insulin functioning, MCT is thought to be able to help with things such as:

  • Fat loss and weight maintenance
  • Raise metabolic function and improve digestion
  • Increased energy levels and cognitive functioning
  • Balancing hormones 
  • Improve mood 
  • Absorption and bioavailability of fat soluble nutrients


How MCT boosts CBD

One of the most common ways to ingest cannabidiol (CBD) is by adding to a carrier oil such as hemp oil or olive oil.  Although it is a simple and effective way to ingest CBD, it is a slow delivery method because, when a supplement such as CBD is taken orally, the active ingredients need to first be broken down in the stomach, then absorbed by the small intestine and then only is it sent to the liver for metabolization.  

Once in the liver, what is known as the “first pass metabolism” happens during which the supplement, in this case CBD, is broken down into its metabolites.  These metabolites are not always used by the body and simply gets excreted.  In the case of CBD, this means that the amount of CBD that actually reaches the bloodstream (the CBD’s bioavailability) is vastly reduced.

When a MCT carrier oil are combined with CBD, the liver sees the MCT oil and bypasses the first pass metabolism, directly metabolizes the oil into energy and depositing the CBD into the bloodstream.  In short, because of the rapid metabolism of the MCT oil in the liver, the bioavailability of the CBD is increased and put to use right away.


Benefits of CBD and MCT Oil

But, MCT oil not only helps to get a greater concentration of CBD into the blood stream, it also has other benefits when taken together.  When combining the health benefits of both MCT and CBD, they work together synergistically because cannabinoids such as CBD are fat soluble, also making them most effective when consumed with saturated fats. 

In addition, scientists have found that when CBD and MCT oils are being used in combination, they can be an even more effective treatment for things such as:

  • Celiac and liver diseases where digestion may be inhibited
  • Preventing seizures in children
  • Controlling and mediating diabetes by reducing blood sugar and improving insulin function
  • Improving and increasing muscle mass and control
  • Improving metabolic function and reducing the burn of sugars due to an increase in fatty acid metabolic functioning


In Conclusion

Even though research in the area of CBD together with MCT oil is in its infancy, what we do know is promising. But, because MCT Oil needs to be synthesised, only the highest quality products should be bought when MCT is included. Before buying any CBD + MCT product, it is important to not only look at the price, but to also make sure you buy from a reputable European company.  

Our Goldfish Amsterdam CBD oils with MCTs are guaranteed to be of the highest quality and from sustainable resources.  We also guarantee that all our products are free from THC, and third-party laboratory tested, in addition to all our ingredients are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and allergens.  

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