What is the role of MCT oils in CBD products?
Well, are you interested in making the most out of your CBD tinctures, softgels or supplements? MCT oil could be just what you’re looking for. As you’re probably well aware, there are several ways to take CBD. You might also be aware that the method of ingestion you use can determine how much CBD the body actually uses, as well as how quickly you feel the effects.
Are you someone that prefers taking your CBD in the form of a supplement? Why wouldn’t you? CBD softgels and other supplements provide an easy, familiar way to take CBD while getting a precise serving size each and every time.
The role MCT oils play in CBD products can be pretty significant, especially if you prefer CBD supplements over other methods of delivery. MCT oils work to increase the benefits of CBD by increasing CBD’s bioavailability and allowing more CBD to reach the bloodstream than it would otherwise.
What is MCT Oil?
Before we get too deep into the role MCT oils play in CBD products, it’s important to have a good understanding of exactly what MCT oils are.
MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil is made up of one or more MCTs, which are a type of saturated fatty acids that contain 6-10 carbons. As its name indicates, MCT oil contains medium-length chains of saturated fatty acids known as triglycerides.
Interest in MCT oils amongst health-conscious individuals has skyrocketed in recent years as they are easily digestible. The way the body processes these fats is also linked to several health benefits.
Coconut oil is the most abundant source of MCTs — more than half of the fat found in coconut oil is from MCTs. Palm oil is another good source. Other oils that contain MCTs include olive, sesame, soybean and avocado.
The Benefits of MCT Oil
Aside from its use with CBD products, MCT oil is often used as a supplement on its own that is added to salad dressings, smoothies and other recipes. Why are people adding MCT to their diets for ultimate health and wellness? Check out the science-based benefits of MCT oil for yourself:
MCTs serve as a source of rapid energy as they enter cells without being broken down
MCTs can help boost immunity
MCTs could help increase metabolic health
MCT oil has shown to help maintain a healthy weight
What is the Role of MCT Oil in CBD Products?
Of the many ways to take CBD, ingesting it in the form of softgels or tablets is extremely popular. While not everyone is familiar with taking a tincture, almost everyone has taken a pill at some point in their life.
While popping a CBD supplement is a familiar and easy method of delivery, ingesting CBD this way is known to take effect slower than other methods of ingestion. This is because CBD must first pass through the digestive tract and liver before reaching the bloodstream.
Not only can this take longer for CBD to work, but some CBD can become lost in the digestive process. Think of it like this. When you take an oral supplement, the active ingredients contained in that supplement are absorbed within the digestive system. Compounds are broken down in the stomach, then absorbed by the small intestine before making their way to the liver.
It’s in the liver that you can lose CBD. First-pass metabolism is a process where CBD is broken down into more than 100 various metabolites, a lot of which aren’t used by the body and are instead quickly expelled. This process decreases the amount of CBD, thus reducing its bioavailability. In fact, a 2009 study found that oral consumption of CBD has a bioavailability of 4–20%. Basically, this means that if you take a 100mg capsule of CBD, only 4–20mg will actually reach the bloodstream.
Here is where MCT oil steps in. MCT oil acts as a carrier for CBD so more of the beneficial cannabinoid ends up reaching the bloodstream. Blending CBD and MCT oil is done specifically to increase the bioavailability of CBD. How exactly does this work?
MCT helps CBD completely avoid the first pass metabolism process. This allows more CBD to reach the bloodstream. Because CBD and other cannabinoids are fat soluble, they are most effective when taken with saturated fats, such as MCT oils.
Simply put, the role of MCT oil in CBD products is to allow a larger concentration of the CBD in your supplement to be absorbed into the bloodstream and begin acting quickly.
Credits: Joyorganics