The fitness and wellness world has seen a surge in the popularity of MCT oils. With so many options available, it can be challenging to discern which products offer genuine quality and benefits. MCT Wellness powder from Gundry MD aims to provide energy, mental clarity, and support weight loss. Founded in 2015 by Dr. Steven Gundry, Gundry MD offers a wide range of products focused on weight management. Let's take a closer look at MCT Wellness powder to determine how it measures up.
What is MCT Wellness Powder?
Gundry MD MCT Wellness powder is an MCT powder formulated with caprylic acid, a medium-chain fatty acid metabolized quickly and converted into ketones for energy. While MCT oils typically come in liquid form, this product is available in powder form for easy dissolution.
Gundry MD is known for its focus on heart health through weight management, and MCT Wellness is designed to be a source of energy while aiding fat burning. The company also offers other supplements, such as Lectin Shield, Probiotics, and Polyphenol Rich Olive Oil.
The MCT Wellness powder distinguishes itself with two unique flavors: Watermelon Lemonade and Raspberry Medley. Most MCT oils are unflavored, making them versatile additions to coffee or smoothies, or they come in flavors like vanilla or caramel to replace coffee creamer.
How Does MCT Wellness Work?
MCT oil is often consumed in the morning to provide an energy boost during fasting. MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides, are fats composed of medium-chain fatty acids (MDFAs). The four common MDFAs are caproic acid (C6), caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10), and lauric acid (C12).
Read also: Explore the benefits of Tupelo Wellness
The shorter the chain, the easier it is for the body to digest. Caproic acid (C6), the shortest, is rarely included in MCT oils due to its unpleasant odor and flavor. Caprylic acid (C8), the second shortest, is flavorless and odorless, making it a common ingredient in MCT oils. Capric and lauric acid (C10 and C12) have longer chains and require more time to digest.
Gundry MD's MCT Wellness powder is made solely from caprylic acid (C8), allowing it to be quickly metabolized and turned into ketones. This process provides a source of quick energy and boosts fat burning through thermogenesis.
The Science Behind MCT Oil
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fatty acids with 6-12 carbon chains (C6-C12). Caprylic acid (C8) is the most ketogenic MCT. Taking C8 MCT with high-carb meals dampens ketone production. Grape and currant polyphenols are being studied for antioxidant and cognitive support, though results vary by extract type, dose, and population. Most MCT studies use 18-42g of MCT daily.
Pros and Cons of MCT Wellness Powder
What We Liked
- Increased energy: MCT Wellness powder provides a noticeable boost in energy.
- Increased mental clarity: Users report enhanced mental clarity after consuming the product.
- Flavor options: The availability of different flavors makes it easy to consume.
- Easily dissolves: The powder form dissolves easily in beverages.
- Added benefits: Additional ingredients provide further health benefits.
- Powder form: The powder form is more convenient than liquid MCT oils.
What We Didn't Like
- No unflavored option: The lack of an unflavored option limits its versatility.
- Expensive: The product is more expensive than many other MCT oil options.
- Not transparent about ingredients: The proprietary blend obscures the exact amounts of each ingredient.
Benefits of MCT Wellness Powder
The benefits of MCT Wellness powder include:
- Mental clarity: The currant extracts contribute to enhanced mental clarity.
- Satiety: Users report feeling satiated for longer periods.
- Heightened energy: The product provides a caffeine-like energy boost without the jitters.
Many people use MCT oil for an early morning energy boost, and this product delivers. Adding it to a morning glass of water can provide a noticeable perk.
Read also: Research on MCT & Weight
Price and Value
One drawback of MCT Wellness powder is its price. At $57.95 on Amazon for 30 servings, it is more expensive than many other MCT products. However, the inclusion of red grape extract, redcurrant, and blackcurrant extract provides additional nutrients, including vitamins C and K, antioxidants, bioflavonoids, and polyphenols. These extracts support brain health, mood, and energy levels, potentially justifying the higher price.
Ingredients
MCT Wellness powder includes several key ingredients:
- Caprylic Acid (C8): This medium-chain fatty acid is quickly digested and metabolized into ketones without adding a foul flavor or scent. It also has antimicrobial benefits and may help manage high cholesterol, digestive issues, yeast infections, and certain skin conditions.
- Extracts of Blackcurrant and Redcurrant: These extracts are rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that may help with inflammation, blood sugar control, heart disease risk reduction, and cancer prevention. They also support immunity.
- Red Grape Extract: This ingredient mimics calorie restriction and can help reduce inflammation, improve immunity, and maintain healthy heart rate and glucose levels.
Other ingredients include acacia gum, malic acid, citric acid, natural flavor, enzymatically modified stevia, fermented Rebaudioside-M, and silica.
Transparency Concerns
Because MCT Wellness powder uses a proprietary blend, there isn't complete transparency about the ingredient amounts. While the main ingredients are known, the exact dosages and their effectiveness remain unclear. More transparency would help consumers determine if the amounts are sufficient to provide health benefits.
Flavors
MCT Wellness powder offers two flavor options: Raspberry Medley and Watermelon Lemonade. These flavors make it a refreshing addition to a glass of water. However, they are not suitable for coffee and limit the types of smoothies it can be added to. An unflavored option would increase its versatility.
Read also: Explore the foundations of a healthy lifestyle
Bioavailability
MCT Wellness powder is highly bioavailable due to its use of caprylic acid (C8), which is quickly digested and turned into ketones. The powder form is also convenient and less messy than liquid MCT oils.
Quality
The quality of MCT Wellness powder is commendable. It is keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, and undergoes various quality controls. The MCT oil is derived from pure coconut oil, ensuring high quality and sustainable sourcing. The product contains no fillers or sugars.
FAQs About MCT Wellness Powder
Can MCT Wellness Help You Lose Weight?
Yes, MCT Wellness can help you lose weight by activating the metabolism to burn more fat through thermogenesis. However, it should be combined with a healthy diet and exercise. Consuming MCT oil alone may lead to weight gain, as it is a fat that must be burned through activity.
When Will You Begin to See Results?
Users may feel increased energy and mental clarity within the first week. Weight loss may take longer and requires consistent use with a balanced diet and exercise. The antioxidant and fatty acid effects on overall and brain health may be seen over years of continued use.
Are There Any Side Effects?
There are generally no side effects when MCT Wellness is consumed as directed with a balanced diet and exercise. However, some individuals may have an allergy to MCT oil, resulting in itchy skin, rashes, or stomach issues. Overconsumption of MCT oil can lead to digestive issues, bowel discomfort, and diarrhea.
MCT Wellness vs. Other MCT Products
When comparing MCT Wellness to other MCT products, several factors come into play:
Cost Comparison
Plain C8 oils deliver significantly more MCT per dollar and offer transparent dosing. MCT Wellness is premium-priced with a unique polyphenol blend but unclear MCT dosing.
Ingredients
MCT Wellness combines C8 MCT oil with grape/currant polyphenols and acacia fiber, designed to boost ketones, energy, and gut health. However, the proprietary blends obscure exact MCT amounts.
Effectiveness
While MCT Wellness contains C8 MCT, which research suggests can support modest weight loss when combined with calorie control and exercise, it's not a standalone solution.
Dissolvability
Many users report clumping issues with MCT Wellness, requiring warm water and vigorous mixing to dissolve the powder.
Key Considerations
- MCT Content: Lower calories per serving (30 vs. 120) and less MCT per serving (estimated 3-5g vs. 14g) compared to plain C8 oils.
- Cost: Higher cost per gram ($1.50-$2.67 vs. $0.09) compared to plain C8 oils.
- Dietary Compatibility: Suitable for ketogenic diets but produces lower ketone levels if high-carb meals are consumed.
- Potential Side Effects: Allergic reactions (coconut allergy) are possible.
Final Verdict
MCT Wellness delivers a convenient, flavor-forward way to consume C8 MCT with added polyphenols and prebiotic fiber. However, the proprietary blends obscure exact MCT dosing, and polyphenol amounts are below clinical doses used in research. It's a well-made product with solid ingredients but premium-priced for what you get. If convenience and flavor justify the cost, the 90-day guarantee makes it low-risk to try.