16th May 2023
A form of fat molecule made up of medium-chain fatty acids is known as a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). They can be found naturally in some foods such as dairy products, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil. Due to their shorter chain length than other dietary lipids, MCTs are distinctive.
Long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), which are present in the majority of dietary lipids, have longer chains than MCTs, which typically have fatty acids with 6 to 12 carbon atoms. This variation in chain length has an impact on how the body breaks down, absorbs, and processes MCTs. MCTs have gained popularity in recent years due to their various applications in the food and beverage, dietary supplements, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries.
The Global Medium-Chain Triglycerides Market is projected to reach 1335.3 million USD by 2030 from 812.9 million USD in 2022 growing at a CAGR of 6.4% in the forecast period of 2023-2030. The demand for and growth of the medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) market is influenced by several variables. The following are some significant market factors for medium-chain triglycerides:
Growing Interest in Good Fats: The demand for medium-chain triglycerides has increased as people become more health-conscious and look for healthier alternatives to conventional fats and oils. Due to their simple digestion, rapid energy supply, the potential for weight management, and support for the ketogenic diet, MCTs are regarded as a healthy kind of fat.
Expanding Uses in the Food and Beverage Sector: MCTs are widely used in the food and beverage sector, where they are incorporated into a range of goods. The rising need for functional foods and beverages including energy bars, sports drinks, coffee creamers, and other items that need fast energy release and improved nutritional profiles is what is driving the market for MCTs.
Increase in Ketogenic and Low-Carb Diets: In recent years, the ketogenic diet, which places a strong emphasis on high fat intake and low carbohydrate consumption, has experienced a considerable increase in popularity. MCTs are sought-after ingredients for those on ketogenic or low-carb diets because of their critical role in promoting and maintaining ketosis. The need for MCTs has increased as these diets are being adopted more widely.
The key service providers in this market include BASF SE, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Dupont, Lonza Group Ltd, Musim Mas Holdings, Croda International Plc, P&G Chemicals, Acme Hardesty Company, Wilmar International Limited, Stepan Company, Sternchemie GmbH & Co. KG, Emery Oleochemicals Group, KLK Oleo, Nutricia, Connoils, Now foods, Barleans, Jarrow formula's, Nutiva, Henry Lamotte Oils GmbH.
The parent business of IOI Oleo GmbH, IOI Oleo, joined DKSH in February 2022. DKSH will offer IOI Oleo's oleochemical specialty products business development, marketing, sales, logistics, and distribution services in Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam.
ABITEC and DKSH revised their contract in September 2021 to expand the distribution of specialty lipids throughout Europe. The agreement enhances an already strong partnership between the two businesses and seeks to increase and expand their presence in these developing countries.
The Global Medium-Chain Triglycerides market is segmented based on Source, Form, Fatty Acid type, and application. Based on Source Medium-Chain Triglycerides market is further segmented into Palm, Coconut, and other sources. Based on Form Medium-Chain Triglycerides market is further segmented into Dry and Liquid. Based on fatty acid type Medium-Chain Triglycerides market is further segmented into Caproic Acid, Caprylic Acid, Lauric Acid, and Capric Acid. Based on application Medium-Chain Triglycerides market is further segmented into Nutritional Supplements, Personal Care Products, Pharmaceutical Products, Sports Drinks, Infant Formula, and Other Applications (flavorings, fragrances, and industrial).
In 2020, the market for medium-chain triglycerides was led by the dry-form category. The powder form of medium-chain triglycerides can dissolve in water and is white or off-white in color. This powder is made from materials like palm oil, coconut oil, or palm kernel oil. It is combined with other nutritious components to create a variety of nutritional formulae, including newborn formula, weight-management products, and sports nutrition.
The primary application segment, which generated the largest share of the overall revenue, was dietary and health supplements. The ability of medium-chain triglycerides to lessen and prevent the occurrence of several diseases, including cardiovascular, Alzheimer's, Chyle Leaks, and gastrointestinal disorders, makes them a common ingredient in the formulation of many health and dietary supplements. Regular intake of medium-chain triglycerides raises metabolism, lessens fat buildup in adipose tissue, and leads to decreased food intake, all of which help to lower obesity rates. Additionally, it is utilized in the preparation of sports nutrition supplements that are eaten during workouts to increase endurance, reduce body fat, and increase lean muscle mass.
In terms of fatty acid type, the medium-chain triglycerides market was dominated by the caprylic acid sub-segment in 2021. Caprylic acid is one of the fatty acids included in coconut oil. It is an antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory medium-chain fatty acid. These characteristics could make caprylic acid an efficient remedy for a number of diseases. The antioxidants in skin care products are strengthened by caprylic acid, which also functions as an antioxidant for the skin. Additionally, it is employed as a disinfectant in a few healthcare fields and as an antimicrobial pesticide for surface sanitization in the dairy and food industries. During the anticipated period, these are also expected to have a significant impact on the size of the market for medium-chain triglycerides.
Due to the growing popularity of nutritional food products, North America has become the market for medium-chain triglycerides with the highest revenue generation. Due to the large sales and purchase rates of this product, the United States contributes a sizable portion of this market. In addition, the rising demand for processed and confectionary food items will contribute to significant growth in Europe over the next few years.
Globally, the Asia Pacific area has one of the quickest rates of growth for the consumption of medium-chain triglycerides. Demand for medium-chain triglycerides including caprylic, capric, and lauric triglycerides is rising in the region due to increased usage in the cosmetics, personal care, and food and beverage sectors. The top three nations that consume the most medium-chain triglycerides are China, India, and Japan. The demand for nourishing foods and goods is rising in the area as a result of busy lifestyles and rising disposable incomes. Additionally, the market in the Asia Pacific region is expanding due to the rising use of personal care and cosmetics goods such as lotions, gels, creams, and cosmetics for women.
The demand for healthy fats is expected to rise in the coming years, and applications for medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are expected to expand in the food and beverage, nutraceutical, and dietary supplement industries, as well as in the food and beverage industry. MCTs provide a flexible solution that fits changing dietary tastes and lifestyles as consumers become more health conscious and look for useful ingredients. Additionally, the market is anticipated to grow as a result of technological developments in extraction and production techniques as well as the expanding distribution networks. The market for medium-chain triglycerides is positioned for continued development and innovation as demand for MCTs rises and their uses vary across industries, opening up opportunities for producers, suppliers, and stakeholders.