Does MCT Oil Help with Constipation?

Of course! MCT oil does help with constipation. Thanks to its pure content of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

MCTs are so small that our body can easily and quickly digest them. Upon digestion, the triglycerides then separate into their individual glycerols and MCFAs (medium-chain fatty acids).

Glycerols gather fluid to help soften the stools while MCFAs provide energy to help stimulate your intestinal muscle contraction. In short, both components combine to trigger bowel movement.

And that’s what make MCT oil good for constipation.

You can also take coconut oil for constipation since coconut oil carries MCTs too. It’s just that the laxative effect from MCT oil is relatively stronger.

That’s because MCT oil contains solely MCTs whereas coconut oil holds only about 60% MCTs.

Which is why when I put one tablespoon of MCT oil in my soy milk, I felt the urge to poop more strongly than putting in the same amount of coconut oil.

Athletes “Say” MCT Oil is Good for Constipation

Another evidence that shows MCT oil does help with constipation comes from complaints made by some athletes.

These people are always crazy about improving their athletic performance. When they learn that MCTs can provide them with a boost of energy during workouts, they would dash for MCT oil over coconut oil. They only want purely MCTs.

This edible fractionated coconut oil never fails to give them the runner’s trot. They then blame it for breaking their performance instead.

Having said all that, if you have difficulty in moving bowels and you need a relief right now, use MCT oil for constipation.

Add one tablespoon to your diet. If you need a stronger laxative effect, increase the dose to 2 tablespoons and add to your beverages like coffee or soy milk. Your wish should come true.

Just to remind you that you may get stomach cramp or nausea if you ingest too much MCT oil. Such stomach discomfort can last for several hours.

So, try not to do that unless you’re really very desperate for an explosive dump.

But if you prefer coconut oil instead of MCT oil to help with your constipation since you know that coconut oil has more benefits, then you must make sure to include more of it in your diet.

This is to make sure you have enough MCTs for a good constipation relief since as said earlier, coconut oil has lesser MCTs than MCT oil.