Key Takeaways:
Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil acts as a cannabidiol (CBD) carrier oil, stabilizing the CBD and preventing all of the CBD from being completely broken down during the digestion process before reaching the bloodstream.
CBD is fat-soluble, meaning CBD is dissolved in fatty oils and is broken into smaller molecules that are easier to absorb in the body. So, taking CBD along with MCT oil provides more efficient and effective absorption of CBD.
MCT oil has become increasingly popular among athletes and wellness enthusiasts, but MCT oil also plays an important role in many CBD products, acting as something called a carrier oil. Individually, CBD and MCT oil have several potential benefits, but when paired together, they’re the perfect duo.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of CBD and MCT oil and why they’re so commonly paired together in CBD products.
Research of the potential benefits of CBD and MCT oil has continued to grow over the past several years. While MCT oil has a long history of studies and clinical trials for various ailments and conditions, CBD has remained rather underexplored until recently. After the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD products, CBD research has grown significantly and continues to align with strong anecdotal evidence suggesting CBD may have the potential to alleviate mild anxiety, promote restful sleep, and reduce everyday aches and pains.
Made from a type of fat called medium-chain triglycerides, MCT oil is a health supplement and is derived from coconut oil or palm oil. It’s a clear, flavorless liquid that is commonly added to coffee and even used in cooking. There are four different types of MCTs: caproic acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, and lauric acid, each of which has varying potential effects and are found in varying amounts in MCT oil.
MCT oil has gained popularity as a health supplement over the past five years with anecdotal evidence and emerging research suggesting potential benefits ranging from increased energy, appetite control, and weight loss.
Well-known for its ability to bypass the digestive tract, MCT oil heads straight to the liver to be broken down. Because of this, it's commonly used as a “vehicle” for substances like CBD.
Fat-soluble compounds, like CBD and other cannabinoids, can’t travel directly into the bloodstream. Instead, your digestive tract sends them into fatty tissues to be distributed throughout your body via the lymphatic system.
Carrier oils are used to stabilize and increase the bioavailability of CBD, where bioavailability refers to the amount of the active ingredient (in this case, CBD) that is preserved through the digestion process and can reach your bloodstream.
Because CBD is fat-soluble, it makes sense to pair it with a fat like MCT oil. Due to the shorter length, MCT oil is more easily digested than longer-chain fatty acids. MCT oil is considered one of the best CBD carrier oils because its shorter structure allows the oil, and whatever else is in it, to be absorbed more quickly into the digestive system without first needing to be broken down into smaller pieces.
There are other carrier oils out there like olive oil, avocado oil, and hemp seed oil, but MCT oil is the most common for a reason—its thin consistency and absorptive qualities, in addition to its own unique potential benefits, make it an ideal CBD carrier oil.
At Feals, we’re dedicated to providing a simple, healthy, and better way to feel better—and we’re here to help you find that. We provide thoughtful, high-quality hemp-based CBD products designed to help you keep a clear head and lead a balanced life while feeling your best.
Our CBD oils contain only full-spectrum hemp and MCT oil and are triple-tested to ensure we are providing the highest quality and most effective oils possible.
If you still have questions about the benefits of CBD and MCT oil, our customer service team would love to answer any questions you may have. Just give them a call.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.