TriPlex MCT-3 Oil FAQ
1. What are the unique properties of our MCT-3 Oil?
Its unique characteristics include:
- 93% MCFA composition that includes Lauric Acid
- Remains liquid even at 45ᵒ F, increasing its potential applications
- Retains all the known benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil
- 100% pure and all natural containing NO trans-fatty acids or cholesterol
2. Is the Lauric acid added to your MCT-3 Oil, or is there special processing that maintains the Lauric acid levels it has?
In our MCT-3 oil, we do not add Lauric acid to the oil. When we go through the process of fractionation, where we remove all the long chain fatty acids, as well as some of Lauric Acid - but we keep some Lauric Acid in it.
3. Is MCT oil considered fractionated coconut oil?
Yes, MCT oils are fractionated coconut oil (or a blend of palm kernel oil). MCT oil is fractionated oil, but not all fractionated oil is MCT oil. Like Virgin Coconut Oil, there are lots of different ways to make MCT oils, and they all contain various levels of MCFAs. CocoTherapy MCT-3 Oil is derived only from our organic coconut oil.
4. What is fractionation?
Fractionation is a method of distilling oil to separate different types of fats that are naturally found in oils. Fractionated coconut oil is produced through fractionation. This involves extracting and isolating the MCTs from coconut or palm kernel oil.
Fractionation is possible due to the different melting points of various fatty acids. For example, Lauric acid and long chain fatty acids have higher melting points than caprylic and capric acid.
Other MCT Oil manufacturers remove all Lauric Acid from their MCT Oils, so that only Capric and Caprylic acids remain.
5. How is TriPlex MCT-3 different from other MCT oils?
MCT Oil is made through a process called fractionation. Fractionation is a method of distilling oil to separate different types of fats that are naturally found in oils.
Oftentimes, when MCT oil is made, other companies use chemicals, solvents or hexanes during distillation to produce more oil and to deodorize the oil. Also, they may use excessive heat to fractionate their oils.
For our MCT-3 oil, we first start by using our own therapeutic-grade (High Lauric Acid) coconut oil to create our MCT-3 oil. Other MCT oil brands use RBD (refined, bleached, deodorized) coconut oils, coconut oils made from Copra, or a blend of coconut & palm kernel oils, which have been made with solvents, hexanes, and chemicals.
The high potency of our MCT-3 Oil is achieved through a proprietary process of steam hydrolysis and eventually cooled with most of the Long Chain Fatty Acids removed. We melt our coconut oil very gently just until just above the melting point of the various MCFAs we are separating. Then, it's left to cool, and the solid fraction of the oil is separated from the liquid.
We don’t use any chemicals, solvents, or hexanes during hydrolysis. The result is a crystal clear coconut oil that contains no trans-fatty acids or cholesterol and remains liquid even at temperatures of around 45 0 F.
Other MCT Oil manufacturers remove all Lauric Acid from their MCT Oils, so that only Capric and Caprylic acids remain. We make sure we have some Lauric Acid that remains in our fractionated oil.
Other MCT oils are odorless and tasteless and do not have the smell or taste of coconut. This is because they are made with RBD oil (refined, bleached, and deodorized). CocoTherapy TriPlex MCT-3 oil, still retains the smell and taste of coconut, as it's made from our organic, virgin (unrefined) coconut oil.
6. What is the main difference between the Triplex MCT-3 Oil and CocoTherapy Virgin Coconut Oil?
The main difference is the levels of Medium Chain Fatty Acids and the speed of ketone conversion and length of bioavailability.
CocoTherapy TriPlex MCT-3 Oil
Total Medium Chain Triglycerides - 93%
Caprylic Acid (C8) (min) 39%
Capric Acid (C10) (min) 35%
Lauric Acid (C12) (min) 8%
CocoTherapy Therapeutic Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Total Medium Chain Triglycerides - 65%
Caprylic Acid (C8) (min) 12%
Capric Acid (C10) (min) 7%
Lauric Acid (C12) (min) 53%
Caprylic Acid and Capric acid increase blood ketones in 1.5 hours and are elevated for only around 3 hours. Lauric Acid increase blood ketones in 3 hours and stay elevated for around 8 hours.
7. Which is better for brain health: TriPlex MCT-3 Oil or CocoTherapy Virgin Coconut Oil?
Both oils are excellent for brain function support, however they are metabolized by the body differently because of the levels of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). The main difference is the speed of which the MCFA is converted to Ketones. Capric and Caprylic are converted much quicker than Lauric Acid. However, it is burned off by the body at a faster rate as well.
TriPlex MCT-3 Oil is provides faster ketone levels. Blood ketones peak in 1.5 hours, so it provides immediate brain food. However, total ketone elevated time is only 3 hours. MCT-3 Oil provides high blood ketone levels for quick brain food and energy needs. MCT-3 is good for “brain-fog”, as a quick “pick-me up”, both physically and mentally (For example, it can be used as needed - training, dog trials, agility trials, etc.)
CocoTherapy Virgin Coconut Oil is also converted to ketones, but at a slower rate. Because Lauric Acid is converted at a slower rate, blood ketones peak in 3 hours. However, total ketone elevated time is 8 hours. Furthermore, if some of the lauric acid is not converted immediately by the liver, it will travel directly to the brain and be converted to ketones by the brain itself, increasing brain ketone levels. 1 Virgin Coconut Oil supports brain health by reducing brain inflammation and degeneration. Duration is a crucial factor when it comes to degenerative brain diseases. Inflamed brain needs a steady source of ketones to reduce inflammation and prevent brain degeneration.
So for:
- Over-all brain health and function - MCTs are good because it provides ketones quickly
- For brain INFLAMATION, bacterial or microorganisms that have crossed blood brain barrier, and canine cognitive disorders, Lauric Acid is more beneficial. This is because Lauric Acid is antibacterial and antimicrobial, and ketones stay in the body longer.
8. Who is the TriPlex MCT-3 Oil best for (target audience)?
Because MCT-3 Oil is rapidly converted to energy, it is best for animals with specific energy needs, such as athletic/sporting dogs or highly active dogs, convalescent pets, and senior pets with low energy. It is also great for over-weight pets. Because of rapid ketone conversion, it is great for senior dogs for brain food.
9. What is the best way to give MCT-3 Oil?
Give MCT-3 Oil orally by mixing in food. Give 1/2 teaspoon per 10 lb body weight. We suggest to divide the daily does into 2 meals. Start slowly and increase gradually.
10. Can I give both MCT-3 Oil and CocoTherapy Virgin Coconut Oil to my pet?
Yes! We suggest to give the MCT-3 Oil in the morning, with breakfast, and Virgin Coconut Oil in the evening with dinner. This will provide a rapid source of energy and sustained blood ketone levels.
11. Can I use MCT-3 Oil topically?
Yes! MCT-3 Oil contains high levels of Caprylic Acid, which kills yeast. It is anti-fungal and good for maintaining yeast/candida balance. You can use a small spray bottle and spray the oil directly on affected areas.
12. What are the other applications of MCT-3 Oil?
Because our MCT-3 Oil remains liquid at low temperatures, it can be used as an excellent carrier oil for essential acids and CBD/hemp oils.
13. How does MCT-3 Oil act as a carrier for cannabinoids (CBD or hemp oil)?
Cannabinoids are fat soluble, meaning they break down and dissolve in oil rather than water. Because of this, cannabinoids are most effective when consumed with fat, increasing their bioavailability. Because MCT-3 contains MCFAs, it triggers a rapid release of cannabinoids because the MCFAs are rapidly metabolized into energy by the liver. This facilitates faster processing and use by the endocannabinoid system.
14. Is it more beneficial to take CBD Oil with MCT-3 Oil?
Yes. While CBD oil by itself can be absorbed, it is done so much more efficiently when it is ingested along with a carrier oil. Since cannabinoids (like CBD and THC) from the cannabis plant are fat-soluble (meaning they dissolve in oil rather than water), infusing them in a saturated fat enhances their bioavailability drastically.
It's important to note that most CBD Oil products are mixed with coconut oil or MCT oils.
15. If I give my pet CBD/Hemp Oil for anxiety, won’t the MCT-3 Oil “cancel” the calming effect of the CBD oil?
No. CBD/Hemp Oil works with the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating a variety of physiological and cognitive processes (ie: appetite, pain-sensation, emotions, and mood). MCFAs in MCT-3 oil or coconut oil enhances the absorption of CBD/hemp oils, thereby increasing their bioavailability, and in turn promotes the calming/anti-anxiety effect of the cannabinoids. When MCT-3 is metabolized by the liver and converted into energy, it is used by the body for it’s physical energy needs.
16. For anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-microbial properties, which is better: MCT-3 Oil vs Virgin Coconut Oil?
MCT-3 Oil: Caprylic Acid is anti-fungal: therefore, it’s better for killing yeast.
Virgin Coconut Oil: Lauric Acid is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-microbial. Better for immune system, bacterial infections, etc. (ie: MRSA) also, cuts, scrapes, wounds, etc.