MCT and beta-hydroxybutirate protect cognitive and synaptic functions


Medium-Chain Fatty Acids Improve Cognitive Function and Support In Vitro Synaptic Transmission During Acute Hypoglycemia (1)

The brain can use alternative fuels such as monocarboxylic acids, lactate, and ketones to maintain energy homeostasis (2-8). Fasting or hypoglycemia causes adaptive changes in the brain, including an enhanced ability to utilize alternative fuels. The work conducted by joined teams from Yale School of Medicine, State University of New York, Winthrop University Hospital, Long Island, Department of Psychology, State University of New York, and University at Albany studied how alternative energy substrates influenced cognitive and synaptic functions disturbed by hypoglycemia.

Impaired verbal memory, digit symbol coding, digit span backwards, and map searching was observed during insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Medium-chain triglycerides given in a drink produced higher free fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels and returned cognitive performance to normal levels without adversely affecting adrenergic or symptomatic responses to hypoglycemia.

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