Medium Chain Triglycerides Market by Type (Caproic Acid, Caprylic Acid, Capric Acid, and Lauric Acid), Source (Coconut Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, and Others), Application (Dietary Supplements, Pharmaceuticals, Food and Beverages, Beauty and Personal Care Products, and Others), and Regional Analysis (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022–2031

Global Medium Chain Triglycerides Market Analysis

The Global Medium Chain Triglycerides Market Size was $1,566.7 million in 2021 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 6.6%, by generating a revenue of $2,959.9 million by 2031.

Global Medium Chain Triglycerides Market Synopsis

The increasing demand for medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) is majorly attributed to the rising demand for MCT in various applications such as dietary supplements and beauty & personal care products. Enhanced standard of living along with the rising adoption of a healthy lifestyle by consumers is augmenting the demand for dietary supplements across the globe. There is a rising inclination by consumers toward using ketogenic supplements such as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), to achieve intermittent ketosis without sticking to a tough ketogenic diet. MCT supplementation is an affordable and simple ketogenic intervention, proven to benefit both people with normal cognition and those suffering from mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and other illnesses. Many studies have shown that MCT supplementation of a regular diet has a significant effect on cognition, both in healthy individuals and those suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and other neurological disorders. In addition, substituting other dietary fats with MCTs may offer remarkable metabolic advantages in individuals with type 2 diabetes. All these aspects are expected to augment the demand of the market during the forecast period.

When ingested or administered intravenously, MCTs are generally safe for most people. However, they may result in adverse effects such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, bloating, and intestinal gas. These factors are likely to hinder market growth during the forecast period.

The rise in demand for beauty and personal care products across the globe is expected to offer ample growth opportunities. MCT is a natural emollient that gives skin a silky texture and is non-greasy. It is highly versatile and suited for many skin types. Typical applications of MCT for personal care are lip care, hair care, skin care, cosmetics, and massage products.

Medium Chain Triglycerides Market Overview

Lipid molecules known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are more easily oxidized and absorbed than most lipids. MCTs contain a glycerol molecule connected to 3 fatty acid chains varying between 6-12 carbons in length. MCTs are more readily taken into the bloodstream from the digestive tract than most other lipid molecules, which demand a difficult digesting process. MCTs occur naturally in dairy products and whole foods, but they are also manufactured for their value as a healthier dietary fat.

COVID-19 Impact on Medium Chain Triglycerides Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had a moderate impact on the medium chain triglycerides market. During the initial two quarters of 2020, the dietary supplements, personal care, as well as food and beverage industries were impacted across the world. The use of MCTs is significant for various applications in the food & beverage, personal care, and dietary supplements industries. However, due to lockdowns, social distancing, quarantine, travel bans, and supply chain disruptions, this industry's growth was hampered severely. This in turn, ultimately impacted the medium chain triglycerides market. However, post-pandemic, the demand from the above industries recovered significantly and is expected to increase further. In addition, due to increased health awareness, consumers increasingly opting for premium goods, which further facilitates producers to use MCTs in their food items. Increased health awareness is related to COVID-19, which facilitates consumers to buy more private-label products. Due to more health awareness after the outbreak, consumers are exploring more healthy diets.

Rising Adoption of MCTs as a Substitute to Fats in Diets to Drive the Market

MCTs are naturally present in palm kernel oil, milk fat, and coconut oil. Interest in MCTs as a substitute for fats in diets has increased significantly in the last few years. MCTs oil possesses a lot of these fats and has several health benefits. Salad dressings, baking, and soups may all be prepared with MCT oil. Further, it can be used to lightly fry food, mainly oil-absorbent items such as mushrooms, tomatoes, aubergines, or marrow. For individuals who cannot digest other forms of fat, MCTs provide a source of fat. Because the body can more quickly convert these fats into ketone bodies, they may also aid in weight loss. MCT oil has become a prevalent supplement among bodybuilders and athletes.

Availability of Other Substitutes such as Mineral Oils in Cosmetic Applications May Limit the Market Growth

Mineral oils are frequently used in cosmetic applications because they provide a wide range of viscosity options that enable viscosity regulation of a formulation, they have protective and lubricating properties that prevent skin dehydration, and they are stable. In comparison to MCTs, mineral oil is a less expensive moisturizing agent, making it a crucial component of traditional skincare and beauty products. Mineral oils have been safely used in cosmetics for more than 100 years. Compared to MCTs, they are more well-tolerated and haven't been linked to any allergies.   

Rising Demand from Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics Industry is Anticipated to Offer Lucrative Growth Opportunities

There are numerous uses for MCTs. They can be utilized as a base for pharmacological agents with a variety of dosage forms available of a drug – such as tablets, capsules, soft gel capsules, lotions, ointments, and creams. People who cannot properly digest foods use MCTs. This includes individuals who are sensitive to gluten or lactose, who have unintentional weight loss, or who require more calories for other medical conditions. MCTs don't have any carbs or protein. In the creation of cosmetics, medium-chain triglycerides are also employed as emollients and transporters. During the projection period, all of these elements are anticipated to present attractive prospects.

Global Medium Chain Triglycerides Market, by Type

Based on type, the market is further divided into caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid. Among this, the caprylic acid sub-segment held largest market share in 2021 and is anticipated to show a fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

Global Medium Chain Triglycerides Market Size, by Type, 2021

The caprylic acid sub-segment is anticipated to show the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Coconut and palm kernel oil both contain caprylic acid, a saturated fatty acid with an 8-carbon chain. Caprylic acid is a medium-chain fatty acid and possesses excellent antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics make caprylic acid an effective treatment for various ailments such as skin diseases, digestive issues, yeast infections, and excessive cholesterol. Caprylic acid functions as a ketogenic substance and is designed to get around problems with metabolism. Caprylic acid in the diet is safe and the most common side effects of this prescription meal are moderate digestive issues and diarrhea.

Global Medium Chain Triglycerides Market, by Source

Based on source, the global medium chain triglycerides market has been divided into coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and others. Among these, the coconut oil sub-segment accounted for largest market share in 2021 and is anticipated to show a fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

Global Medium Chain Triglycerides Market Share, by Source, 2021

The coconut oil sub-segment is expected to have the fastest growth during the forecast period. MCTs are most commonly extracted from coconut oil as more than 50% of the fat in coconut oil comes from MCTs. Fractionation is a method used to create MCT oil from coconut oil. This isolates the MCT from the coconut oil and concentrates it. MCT oil has grown in popularity as a dietary supplement in the last few years due to a variety of health advantages, including improved athletic performance, increased energy, and weight loss. In addition, the popularity of the ketogenic diet and the increasing studies on the advantages of coconut oil are some of the major factors contributing to the growth of MCT oil.

Global Medium Chain Triglycerides Market, by Application

Based on application, the global medium chain triglycerides market has been divided into dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, beauty and personal care products, and others. Among these, the dietary supplements sub-segment accounted for largest market share in 2021.

Global Medium Chain Triglycerides Market Growth, by Application, 2021

The dietary supplements sub-segment is expected to have the fastest growth during the forecast period. MCT aids in enhancing a person's metabolism, which may lead to weight loss. It can also aid in boosting athletic performance by reducing lactate levels. In addition, MCT oil can help to increase the strength of old and weak people. Ketones are a carb-free energy source for the brain that MCT can aid the body in producing. MCT might potentially be utilized to treat skin infections. The lauric acid in MCT acts as an antibacterial agent, eradicating bacteria and viruses by dissolving their cell walls. Owing to all these advantages of MCT, their use in dietary supplements is expected to increase during the forecast period.

Global Medium Chain Triglycerides Market, Regional Insights

The medium chain triglycerides market was investigated across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Global Medium Chain Triglycerides Market Size & Forecast, by Region, 2021-2031 (USD Million)

North America Dominated the Medium Chain Triglycerides Market in 2021

The North America region dominated the global medium chain triglycerides market in 2021. The rise in demand for medium chain triglycerides in this region is majorly attributed to growing demand for dietary supplements, cosmetics, and beauty products among millennials. Numerous major dietary supplements providers are present in the U.S. In addition, busy lifestyles, robust per capita income, and increasing health consciousness is expected to augment the demand for dietary supplement in this region. This in turn, ultimately offers excellent opportunities in this region.

Global Medium Chain Triglycerides Market Competitive Scenario

Joint ventures, investment, merger & acquisition, product development, and technological development are the common strategies followed by major medium chain triglycerides market players. For instance, in 2021, Croda International PLC acquired Alban Muller, to grow its portfolio of active ingredients utilized in personal care products and cosmetics.

Some of the leading players in the medium chain triglycerides market are BASF SE, DuPont, Lonza Group Ltd., Croda International Plc, P&G Chemicals, Wilmar International Ltd., Stepan Company, Sternchemie GmbH & Co. KG, Koninklijke DSM N.V., and Emery Oleochemicals.