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What is MCT oil?
Oil is an excellent energy source for a horse. It is gentle on the stomach and has a high energy content, meaning that even a small amount of oil can have a significant effect.
MCT - The finest fatty acids
What are MCT oils and how do they differ from other oils?
Oils are made up of fatty acids, which are chains of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. In general, fatty acids are classified into different groups based on their physical properties. This can depend on their saturation level, and many are familiar with the terms; saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. Another way to categorize fatty acids is by their chain length, that is, how many carbon atoms are in the chain. There are short (2-4 carbon atoms), medium (6-12), long (14-18), and very long (20-24). The length of the fatty acid plays a significant role in how it is absorbed and metabolized (converted into usable energy in the body). MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides, and these are fatty acids of medium length (6-12 carbon atoms) that have particularly beneficial properties.
The carbohydrate of fats
A common feed oil, which consists of long fat chains, is broken down in the horse's small intestine. In order to be absorbed by the body, the long fatty acids must first be broken down by bile, among other things. The broken-down fatty acids are then absorbed by the lymphatic fluid, transported to the liver via the blood, and converted into energy. MCT oils, on the other hand, are more water-soluble and are absorbed earlier than other fatty acids, as they, due to their structure, do not need bile to be broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream. Through the blood, these fine fatty acids are directly transported to the liver, where they are quickly and easily converted into ketones. Ketones are a fantastic fuel for the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles, especially if you want to avoid quick carbohydrates and fluctuations in blood sugar.
MCT oil can more easily enter cells than other fatty acids because it does not require the enzymes typically needed for cells to absorb energy. Once inside the cell, the fatty acids are utilized by the mitochondria (the cell's powerhouses, where energy production occurs) and converted into usable energy. Since MCT oil is absorbed both faster and more efficiently than other oils, the horse receives a quick energy boost. It can be compared to the effect of energy from carbohydrates, but with the advantage of avoiding blood sugar fluctuations. The body gets an extra energy boost without the need for sugar or starch..
Energy and recovery
MCT oil is an excellent supplement to provide to the horse directly after an intense training session. After a hard effort, we want to help the horse restore its energy balance to optimize recovery and, in turn, get the most out of the training. We can assist the horse in faster recovery by quickly replenishing its energy stores after a workout. This means that the horse will be able to benefit more from the training, reduce the risk of injuries, and be ready for the next training session sooner, regardless of the training form.
When should MCT oil be used?
MCT oils can be used as a regular oil, providing an increased energy intake in a gentle way. For example, it can be used for a hard-to-feed horse that needs to gain weight. MCT oil can also be used as an energy supplement for horses that you don't want to give more quick carbohydrates in the form of sugar and starch, but that still need more energy and endurance for work.
The difference between a regular feed oil and MCT oil is that MCT allows for a faster effect from intake to the body receiving energy, and MCT oil acts more like glucose as an energy source. The advantage of using MCT oil as an energy source compared to a glucose-based energy source is that MCT oil does not cause fluctuations in blood sugar, and the energy the horse receives is experienced as more stable. Horses that easily get "too much energy in their head" from a starch-based energy source do not experience this with an MCT-based energy source.
Would you like tips on how to best help your horse recover after an intense workout? Here, successful harness racing trainer Jerry Riordan shares his best trick.
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