NANP Board Practice Exam

What differentiates medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) from other fats in terms of absorption?

1. Absorbed directly from the digestive tract

2. Lack of need to be metabolized

3. Longer digestion period

4. Require insulin for absorption

The correct answer is: Absorbed directly from the digestive tract

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have a unique property in terms of absorption compared to other fats. They are absorbed directly from the digestive tract into the portal circulation, which allows them to bypass the standard lipid transport pathway that involves longer-chain triglycerides. This direct absorption means that MCTs can quickly provide energy since they are rapidly transported to the liver where they can be utilized or converted into ketones. The other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics of MCT absorption. For instance, the notion that MCTs lack the need to be metabolized overlooks the fact that they are still metabolized, albeit efficiently and quickly. The option regarding a longer digestion period contradicts the rapid absorption properties of MCTs. Lastly, the requirement of insulin for absorption is more relevant to glucose and other carbohydrates rather than fats, including MCTs, which are processed differently. Thus, the ability of MCTs to be absorbed directly from the digestive tract is a key differentiator from other types of fats.