Did you know fats can protect your brain?

Oxidative stress is the imbalance of pro-oxidant species and antioxidant species. Too many oxidative species present can result in cellular damage. The brain in particular is susceptible to oxidative stress due to its high energy demand and limited antioxidant capacity. It is hypothesized that a reduction in reactive oxygen species in the brain may slow down the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and sustain brain health.

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) MCT oil or powders are saturated fatty acids with 6-12 carbons, but in articular the carbon 8-10 MCTs have particular relavance and are usually administered as as medium-chain triglycerides present in coconut oil. MCFAs are easily absorbed and metabolized in the mitochondria of the liver to produce ketone bodies which positively affect energy metabolism throught the body but it is the brain which has a high energy demand and afinity to ketones as fuel source and signnalling molecule. MCTs readily cross the blood-brain barrier to fuel and may also protect primary neurons from oxidative stress and accumulation of toxic proteins including beta-amyloid plaques that are indicative of brain degradation and Alzheimer’s disease.

One MCT of particular interest is decanoic acid, which is a 10-carbon saturated fatty acid. Decanoic acid significantly reduced reactive oxygen species levels compared to long-chain fatty acids in two different neuroblastoma cell lines. Researchers are still trying to figure out what makes C10 - decanoic acid special in its neuroprotective effects that set it apart from other MCTs. 

In summary, an upregulation of catalase activity in neuronal cells by the MCFA decanoic acid (C10) has been previously shown. Our study presents the novel finding that this, probably in combination with additional cellular mechanisms, results in the reduction of oxidative stress and in the attenuation of H2O2-induced cell death. Importantly, these effects seem to be independent of the MCFA metabolization into ketone bodies. Thus, besides secondary plant ingredients, MCFAs might substantially contribute to the neuroprotective and cognition-enhancing effects of CO. Similarly, the beneficial effects of MCTs for cognitively impaired patients might not only be based on increased levels of circulating ketones, but also on the individual antioxidative effects of MCT-derived MCFAs. Latter are able to cross the blood–brain-barrier and might play a role in promoting neuronal health. In addition to various other health effects caused by MCFA intake, also detrimental effects for the myocardium have been reported after excessive MCFA consumption Thus, further studies are needed to assess the potential of MCFAs for pharmacological and/ or nutritional interventions.

Ref:

Mett J, Müller U. The medium-chain fatty acid decanoic acid reduces oxidative stress levels in neuroblastoma cells. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):6135. Published 2021 Mar 17. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-85523-9