Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) have been shown to be more effective at reducing fits in lower quantities than long chain fats. The MCT diet is calculated using the desired energy intake for the child's age and size.

Calculation of MCT diet

60% of total energy is derived from MCT, the remainder of the energy allowance can be distributed in two ways:

1. 60:11:19:10 - MCT oil: (saturated fat: carbohydrate + protein).
2. 60:40 - MCT oil: (saturated fat + carbohydrate + Protein).

Construction of the diets

• Both of these diets are practically interpreted through the inclusion of a specific quantity of skimmed milk plus MCT oil in the form of Liquigen (MCT/water emulsion, SHS); the remainder of the diet is given in the form of exchanges.

• MCT oil is used for cooking.

• For the MCT 1 diet protein exchanges based on one egg (6g protein + 6g fat) or 50g meat (12g protein + 10g fat) are used to ensure the correct amount of protein. Carbohydrate is regulated by a 10g carbohydrate exchange system (Table 3).

• For the MCT 2 diet the 40% of the energy intake that is derived from protein, fat and carbohydrate is interpreted by 100kcal exchanges (Table 4). It is important that 2 - 3 exchanges which include protein are taken.

Modification of these diets because of practical difficulties has resulted in the development of other regimens.

continue to   The John Radcliffe diet
return to   UK ketogenic diet protocols
return to   MCT oil

(checked: )
(update 1.1:18 July 2002)
(issue 1: 25 August 1997)