Weight gain of rats fed medium-chain triglycerides is less than rats fed long-chain triglycerides

Weight gain was measured in rats fed test diets with two types of fat: corn oil and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). These diets were selected because fatty acids from corn oil enter the circulation as chylomicrons through the lacteals. Fatty acids from medium-chain triglycerides reach the liver directly through the portal circulation. Weight gain was normal when the diet contained MCT, but was increased with the higher percentage of corn oil in the diet. Caloric intake was lowered, but its conversion to fat was higher on the high-fat diets. Serum triglycerides, but not glucose, were higher in both male and female rats fed the MCT compared to the corn-oil diet. These experiments suggest that the route by which nutrients are absorbed plays a role in regulating body-fat storage.