MCT Wellness is a metabolism-support supplement sold by Gundry MD, the brand of health and wellness products by cardiologist Dr. Steven Gundry.
Formulated with the MCT caprylic acid along with bioflavonoids, MCT Wellness is said to provide numerous benefits, such as helping to support a healthy metabolism, increase your energy, and promote clear mental sharpness.
So does MCT Wellness live up to these claims? To answer that question, we’ll thoroughly review the product formulation based on what the current medical research has found about the benefits of these ingredients.
We’ll also share some MCT Wellness reviews from real customers so that you can get their take on the results of this supplement.
What Are The MCT Wellness Ingredients?
The MCT Wellness formulation combines the MCT caprylic acid with a prebiotic and several fruit extracts. Let’s get into the details on each ingredient.
MCT Prebiotic Blend
The MCT Prebiotic Blend inside MCT Wellness consists of C8 MCT Oil Powder and acacia gum.
MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides. Triglycerides are composed of a glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acid chains. In the case of medium-chain triglycerides, the fatty acid chains are medium in length, typically containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Caprylic acid has eight carbon atoms and, therefore, is classified as a medium-chain fatty acid.
Since MCTs are shorter in length than most other fats, they can “take a shortcut” in the body and instantly be used as powerful energy.
There’s also research that suggests MCTs may help promote weight loss through several mechanisms.
One way MCTs contribute to weight loss is by helping you feel full for longer and, therefore, helping to resist the urge to snack.
Additionally, studies show that MCTs create ketones, which can help your body to burn fat and calories.
For example, in The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials was conducted to compare the effects of MCTs, specifically C8:0 and C10:0, to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) on weight loss and body composition in adults.
The conclusion of this meta analysis states, “Replacement of LCTs with MCTs in the diet could potentially induce modest reductions in body weight and composition without adversely affecting lipid profiles.”
The MCT oil in MCT Wellness is combined with acacia gum, a natural prebiotic fiber derived from the sap of the Acacia tree.
Acacia gum feeds the healthy gut bacteria and supports your body’s digestive health.
A 2021 in vitro (test tube) study published in the journal ACS Omega found that acacia gum “significantly promotes Bifidobacteria proliferation similar to fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) while inhibiting the Clostridium histolyticum group, commonly associated with gut dysbiosis.”
In simpler terms, this means acacia gum helped the good bacteria (Bifidobacteria) grow, and stopped the bad bacteria (Clostridium group) that can cause problems in the gut.
MitoHeal
Another ingredient in MCT Wellness is called MitoHeal, a trademarked combination of redcurrant and blackcurrant extract that supports the hair, skin, and nails from within.
In a double blind, placebo controlled study, 500 mg of MitoHeal once per day was shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve facial brown spots, improve skin coarseness, support mood and healthy stress response, and improve sleep quality.
Unfortunately, there’s only 400 mg of MitoHeal included in the MCT Wellness formula, making this a suboptimal dose.
CogniGrape
CogniGrape is a powder extract from red grape juice containing high concentrations of active grape polyphenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins.
There’s some research indicating that these compounds may improve cognitive function such as attention, language, and immediate and delayed memory.
What Are The Benefits of MCT Wellness?
After reviewing the various ingredients used in MCT Wellness, we’ve summarized the benefits you may notice with this product:
Increased Satiety
Both the MCT oil powder and acacia gum prebiotic are known to help increase satiety. By helping you to feel full for longer, this may help to reduce the urge to snack or overeat.
More Energy
MCT helps increase energy levels by providing a rapid source of fuel that’s efficiently converted into ketones, which can be readily utilized by the body as a source of energy.
What Are The MCT Wellness Side Effects?
Like any dietary supplement, there is a possibility of experiencing side effects.
The side effects that are typically associated with MCT oil powder may include gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating any supplements into your routine to ensure they align with your individual health needs and medical conditions.
Where to Buy MCT Wellness?
MCT Wellness is sold on the brand’s website (gundrymd.com), as well as on Amazon.com.
How Much is MCT Wellness?
On the brand’s website, MCT Wellness costs $79.95 USD for a 30 day supply (the member price is $49.95).
On Amazon.com, MCT Wellness costs $57.95 USD for the same amount.
Our Verdict: Is MCT Wellness A Hoax?
While we wouldn’t call MCT Wellness a “hoax”, we don’t believe it’s worth the high cost. If you’re interested in the health benefits of caprylic acid, regular MCT oil would be much more cost effective.
Pros
- MCT oil and acacia gum may help promote satiety
- MCT may help increase energy levels
- Some MCT Wellness reviews mention that the product helped with weight loss
- 90-Day Money Back guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
- Suboptimal dose of MitoHeal
- Several reviews mention that the product did nothing
What Are Some Alternatives to MCT Wellness?
If you’re looking for alternatives to MCT Wellness, check out our reviews for these metabolism-supporting supplements:
- Obvi Collagen Burn Review: Obvi Collagen Burn is claimed to help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism, curbing your appetite, improving your energy and mood, and supporting healthier hair, skin, and nails.
- Balance of Nature Review: The Balance of Nature Fiber and Spice supplement combines fiber to help you feel full for longer with spices that are known to increase metabolism.
- Field of Greens Review: Field of Greens is a greens powder that promises benefits like boosting your immune system, supporting your metabolism, and getting natural sources of vitamins and minerals.
References:
ACS Omega. 2021 Jul 20; 6(28): 17782–17797.
Clin Exp Dermatol. 2022 Dec;47(12):2269-2272.
J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015 Feb;115(2):249-263.
