MCT Wellness is an MCT-based powder made by cardiac-surgeon-turned-supplement-maker Steven Gundry. But this particular MCT powder distinguishes itself from most of the market’s other MCT-based in two major ways.
For one, it contains several extra ingredients…two, it makes claims that you wouldn’t normally associate with a product in its category.
But does MCT Wellness deliver?
Let’s take a closer look.
The Brand Behind MCT Wellness
I’ve reviewed several of Gundry MD’s other products in the past (including Primal Plants and Vital Reds), so I’m fairly familiar with this brand and the man behind it.
Steven Gundry MD is a former cardiac surgeon who segued into the wellness marked once he realized that certain nutritional problems were behind many of the western world’s modern health conditions.
Gundry went on to found an exclusive private practice, the Center for Restorative Medicine, while also reaching the masses through his supplement brand. In addition, Dr. Gundry has penned several best-selling books, including ‘Plant Paradox: the hidden dangers in ‘healthy’ foods that cause weight gain’.
But let’s focus on Gundry MD’s supplemental products for now.
Among the many products in his lineup are reds blends, probiotics, and weight loss supplements. Many of these products are designed around Dr. Gundry’s belief in leaky gut, a digestive disorder that may allow irritating food particles to enter the bloodstream.
Other supplements I have reviewed you may be interested in:
MCT Wellness: A Basic Overview
MCT Wellness is a powdered MCT product designed to mix into smoothies or drinks.
Its primary active ingredient is a “uniquely potent blend of caprylic acid — one of the most powerful medium-chain triglycerides known to man — and bioflavonoids”.
Gundry claims this formula can boost metabolism, increase energy levels, and promote cognitive function.
That’s just the start of the brand’s marketing claims, however.
Gundry says MCT Wellness can also help you:
- Get a “fat-burning furnace” metabolism
- Keep your mind sharp and focused
- Experience a noticeable energy boost
- Experience lasting energy (even on busy days)
- Possess a more radiant, ‘glowy’ complexion
- Look as good as you feel
In case you haven’t noticed, these are some strong claims.
Let’s test their accuracy by seeing if MCT Wellness’s ingredients measure up.
MCT Wellness: What’s In It?
MCT Wellness is made in a GMP Certified Facility and tested for quality, purity, and precision by 3rd-party facilities.
Each jar of MCT Wellness contains 30 one-scoop daily servings.
Each serving contains:
- 30 calories
- 2.5g fat
- 3g carbohydrates
- 2.5g dietary fiber
- An MCT prebiotic blend (5500mg) comprised of C8 MCT oil powder and acacia gum
- MitoHeal (400mg), a blend of Redcurrant and Blackcurrant Extract
- CogniGrape (250mg), a proprietary Red grape Extract
MCT Wellness’s inactive ingredients include malic acid, natural flavor, “enzymatically modified” stevia, citric acid, silica, and Reb. M from fermented sugarcane.
As you may have noticed from the bullet points listed above, all of MCT Wellness’s active ingredients are held within proprietary blends. That means none of these active ingredients have their quantities precisely disclosed.
We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again: the lack of disclosure caused by proprietary blends is a serious problem.
Technically we can’t know if MCT wellness contains 5499mg of C8 MCT oil and 1mg of acacia gum…or 1mg of MCT oil and 5499mg of acacia gum!
Here are the MCT Wellness supplement facts:
MCT Wellness: Top (Potential) Benefits
Gundry MD recommends mixing one scoop of MCT Wellness into your favorite beverage.
You can incorporate it into the water, coconut milk, coffee, tea, or practically anything else.
Have it between meals or with a meal — the brand says this formula digests easily enough that it doesn’t matter.
Theoretically, at least one scoop daily may be enough to deliver several tangible health benefits. (We can’t know for sure, however, due to the problematic proprietary blends mentioned above.)
C8 MCT Oil Powder
Also known as caprylic acid, C8 MCT oil is a special type of MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil. While all medium-chain fats are pro-metabolism, pro-thyroid, and pro-ketosis, 8-carbon MCTs may help you get into ketosis even faster than the rest.
Perhaps this ingredient explains why so many MCT Wellness users report having more energy. (Source)
Acacia Gum
Acacia gum, also known as gum arabic, is a naturally-occurring, fibrous gum often used as a binder or filler.
While it may have some cholesterol-lowering properties, I’m guessing its role here has more to do with regulating MCT Wellness’s consistency.
Redcurrant and Blackcurrant Extract
Redcurrant and blackcurrant extracts are among nature’s best sources of a standout class of antioxidants called polyphenols. (Source)
More specifically, these extracts are rich in quercetin.
There may not be enough of these extracts in MCT Wellness, however; a typical dose is somewhere in the 1,000mg range, while this product contains only 400mg in total.
Related: Best polyphenol supplements
Red Grape Extract
Red grape extract is another potent antioxidant source.
This one is especially rich in resveratrol, the healthspan-increasing compound famously found in red wine.
True to its proprietary name (CogniGrape), the red grape extract may reduce one’s chance of experiencing cognitive decline as one gets older. Most studies use a slighter higher dosage than the 250mg present in MCT Wellness, however. (Source)
MCT Wellness: Potential Side Effects
MCT Wellness may produce mild side effects in some new users, primarily due to its C8 MCT oil content.
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Does MCT Wellness Have Good Customer Reviews?
It does indeed!
One older customer reports feeling younger and less bloated:
I’m 68 and have been struggling with recent weight gain. As a small petite person even a small gain has a huge effect on energy levels and looks. My frustration was [that] I wasn’t consuming much food, but I was STILL gaining weight, I felt sluggish, bloated, and had brain fog. In just a few weeks the bloating is gone, more regular bowel movements, and my energy level has noticeably increased. I feel years younger.
Another happy customer says MCT Wellness works almost like a probiotic:
Have been doing a morning dose for almost two weeks now. Feeling more energy and not feeling hungry even after eating. I started this primarily for weight loss, but am very happy with the other benefits. I had been using a probiotic for regularity, but MCT has made me very regular without diarrhea or constipation. “Perfect Poops” with no struggle. Now that’s something to write home about………..well maybe not. But it makes me happy.
Last but not least is another person who seems to confirm MCT Wellness’s pro-metabolic effects. This customer also notes that it tastes good.
I have noticed that I have more energy which is important because I don’t usually have much energy. I have lost a few pounds and I also don’t have the desire to just eat for the sake of eating. I eat when I am hungry. It doesn’t hurt that the product tastes good, too.
MCT Wellness Pricing
Perhaps the single biggest downside to MCT Wellness is its pricing.
Check out the details below:
- $79.95 for one jar
- $215.85 for three jars
- $407.70 for six jars
While there is a significant discount ($49.95/jar vs. $79.95 per jar) for those who create a free Gundry MD account, I’m not so sure this is a good thing.
If Gundry can afford to make this product so much cheaper, why aren’t they doing so?
There’s nothing wrong with making money, but MCT Wellness’s profit margins are pretty huge.
On the bright side, all Gundry MD products have a pretty stellar moneyback guarantee.
The brand offers a 90-day money-back guarantee on MCT wellness.
Where to buy MCT Wellness
You can buy MCT Wellness on Gundry’s website here. And while it doesn’t always seem to be in stock on Amazon, you can check the brand’s dedicated Amazon page here.
MCT Wellness: My Werdict
Dr. Gundry has a very solid reputation in the medical and wellness worlds.
He’s helped thousands of people attain better health as an MD and a provider of theoretically-great supplements.
Somewhere along the lines, though, MCT Wellness fails to jump from theory to wellness. Its combination of unknown ingredients and high pricing makes for a pretty poor cost-benefit analysis.
If I’m going to spend 70+ dollars on an MCT-based product, I’m going to want to know exactly how many MCTs are in it!
Until Gundry’s products are labeled more transparently (are more thoroughly researched), I’ll be getting my MCTs from elsewhere. Perhaps from good old-fashioned, highly affordable coconut oil.
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Just came across your blog Adam.
This review was very well done.
Nicely balanced and well-reasoned.
Gundry has leveraged his career up into a very impressive media-marketing machine that is likely very successful given the low-education and gullability of the masses.
As to the product…
I’ll pass.
Again, your intellectually honest and pragmatic assessment abd opinion was appreciated.
Thank you.
I love Dr Gundry’s products, particularly vital reds which is the real deal… so I ordered the MCT wellness with great expectations. First I was disappointed by the stevia, which I do not put in my body and don’t like the taste. Secondly I don’t appreciate the veiled ingredient statement on the jar using branding jargon without detailing what’s inside… I’m accustomed to total transparency… look at the vital reds ingredient statement in sharp contrast. I was inclined to just send them back but thought I’d try it anyway… the powder doesn’t dissolve easily and after allot of stirring there we’re still tiny particles floating around and a little product at the bottom of the glass. The stevia taste was clear as well. Sending back. Wouldn’t recommend.
I am 79 years of age and in good physical condition. I began taking the MCT product on a cautious basis, taking only 1/2 scoop with 10 oz water. I exercise regularly and have always been in good physical shape with a normal BP around 120/80 and heart rate usually 60 bpm during the day. After about 3 weeks of taking the product, one day I decided to take my vital signs. I noticed that three hours after taking the MCT product my BP had dropped to 90/60 and my heart rate was up to 80 bpm. That was a little scary, as my heart usually only beats that fast, and higher, after exercise and – I believe that the MCT ingredients were causing reactions in my body that I had not noticed before. I will be more careful in taking this MCT product in the future.
Hey James,
Thanks for taking the time to comment and let us know your experience. Just goes to show the importance of testing when trying a new supplement!
From what you have shared you may want to share this with your medical profession.
Adam
Can you suggest the best MCT out there now, via price and what it can do for you. Thanks for your honest reviews
Where can I find actual result stats from actual people who have benefited from this product? Thank you.
What happens if you take the MCT Wellness and they stop taking it after a few months? Do you gain your weight back? Thank you.
Hi Laurel,
The answer here will be “depends”, as it will depend on many factors, but primarily your diet/nutrition. Overeating or eating the wrong food will likely end up with weight gain – the saying goes, you cannot outrun a bad diet.
Adam
It’s hard to find unbiased reviews when they are buried under scores of ads. Thank you for your unbiased review!!
Great review. Thank you for what you do and being transparent in all you do!
Thanks Cam, appreciate the feedback. Adam
Where are the best (highest quality) MCT oils able to be purchased/brand suggestions?
Thank you for your review of this product. Because I actually can’t afford it, I will seek other means to possibly get similar results. I will start with good old fashion, highly affordable coconut oil. Thank you again.
Thank you for this detailed review. I’ve been searching for an unbiased take on this product. Yours is the first I’ve found.
I get indigestion after I drink this and usually on a empty stomach, does it matter if I eat before drinking this?
I am a 65 year old female ,I take a substantial amount of Vitamin’s every morning ,plus my Blood pressure and an .25 anxiety pill , so do you think it’s safe to take on top of these every morning ? Mb I could drop the anxiety pill if this works good for my brain !
I don’t feel it’s feesable for me to visit my doctor and pay $$$ to ask this question ,but I really would like to try but am a little afraid to buy .
Hey Therese,
Thanks for commenting here, unfortunately, you would need to speak to a medical doctor about this question. It would be inappropriate for me to give medical or health advice. My reviews are based on the information available from the product, customer and personal feedback, and referencing the available science out there.
Cheers,
Adam
I ordered the MCT Wellness and it just arrived. I did not realize it contained stevia so am now nervous to start. I get nauseous and dizzy when I digest stevia. Wondering if anyone else experiences the same response to stevia? Hopefully their money back guarantee is legit as I want to give it a shot…
I had the same experience though I don’t have a physical response to stevia I just hate the taste. Rather go without.
I’m a scientist and am wondering if Dr Gundry is such a renowned doctor, why isn’t he doing double-blind randomized clinical trials to show the effectiveness of his product? I’d like to try it but he should be getting grants from NIH like all academic scientists have to do and conducting the proper scientific studies to test how well his product(s) work. Science doesn’t work by individual testimonials. Until Dr Gundry and his team conduct valid scientific studies, no one should fall for this video.
I thought I was practically the only one listening to his self-infatuation (normal for a surgeon of course) followed by the avalance of parasitic (compensated) promoters to just press pause and think
He is a world renowned Medical Professional and self-proclaimed scientist. Why the obfuscation of ingredients and lack of bonefied, controlled, 3rd party verified performance results.
Makes a BIG deal of wanting to help people (?) so why the choice to overprice in the extreme. Perhaps because he is more interested in profits than anything else. Not a criticism, just an observation.
Certained not I am not opposed to commercialization. Go for it.
In this world the the two pillars of survival are “protect yourself at all times” and “buyer beware”.
Your comment caught my attention just based on its lucidity.
… … …
You sir, have benefitted strongly from your education and experience… go to the head of the class.
(Peace)
Tell me how much coconut oil you ingest daily? I want to get husband on the train for better health using something not as crazy expensive as Dr. Gundry’s product. I”m new to this MCT concept and have been adding a Tablespoon of MCT oil to my coffee every morning. I read that you can overdo it too, so am interested to know what your routine is – and thank you for the review.
Got the MCT powder and it tastes pretty good but I have begun troubling uncontrollable diarrhea so I’m ending it and all 3 bottles are heading back for a refund.
Hey John,
Oh sorry to hear that. Have you ever experienced this before with MCT Powder or was this your first time trying it?
Adam
John,
This actually goes away if you want to continue to take it or try it again. I’m on my fourth bottle and the company says if you call them, that progress is really seen at or after 90 days (three bottles). The diarrhea stops after about a week or so. I caulked it up to my body getting used to something new—I haven’t had it sense, but have had great and easy bowels movements.
I think I’ll still be sending it back, because I haven’t really felt or seen any benefit from the product. Just my two cents…
Your body may not be used to the MCT oil. Some brands suggest in the directions to start out with a lower dose of the powder and build it up throughout the week to avoid any digestive issues. I had to cut back and ease into the full dose of MCT oil because of belly nausea, aches, and diarrhea. I’m fine now.
I have had IBS for years. Was finally better and going normally for about a month. Then it came back with a vengence…5 or 6 times a day. I’m wondering now if it’s the MCT Wellness that caused the set back. Your experience seems to indicate that it well could be. I’m going off of it right away. If this stops the diahrea, I’ll send my unopened jars back. Thank you for your post.
Hi Adam, first, thank you for the review. I have a question for you: to your note about not knowing the amounts in the proprietary blend — that’s a great point, however, it is my understanding the ingredients still need to be listed in order of amount so it shouldn’t be able to be quite as misleading as your example, right?
Per the FDA website below:
“In the absence of individual amounts, FDA requires that the dietary ingredients in a proprietary blend are to be listed in order of predominance by weight.”
I’m wondering if maybe there’s some reason this product would be an exception and could be as misleading as your example. Would love to know your thoughts!
Either way your thorough post made me reconsider whether I wanted to try it out. Thank you!
Although answering someone else’s question may be unwelcome, I am a Chemist & thought I could help. Listing ingredients in order of weight did NOTHING to getting the ratio of effective dose of one to the others. This is because some compounds have more mass to a mole which renders weight irrelevant. Another way of saying that would be that a dozen eggs weighs 1 pound but a dozen steaks weighs 12 pounds. What is really helpful is a compound to compound number ratio (mole ratio) like 1 dozen eggs to 1 single steak. I hope this helps.
Anne, you are correct: the FDA does require that ingredients be listed in order by weight, typically weight in grams. However, this FDA requirement does not allow us to know how much of each compound (or single ingredient) actually are present in the product’s formulation, possibly for legal protection of its patent.
Molecules have different sizes, i.e., different masses.
For us to understand how much of each compound is actually present in a product’s ingredient list, we need to know the moles of each compound/substance included. Moles are the true unit of the AMOUNT OF SUBSTANCE, i.e., amount of molecule, atom, or ion, that is present. When comparing how much of each compound (ingredient) is actually present, there are several considerations.
1) Without knowing a compound’s molecular weight, i.e., gm/mole, of each ingredient, one cannot calculate the moles present of each ingredient. Moles are how scientists compare the true quantity of each compound or ingredient, and moles of each compound present are used to calculate a product’s formulation. In other words, the size of each compound’s molecule is key. S.S.’s reply to you illustrates this principle well.
2)Another problem is that when the manufacturer chooses to list some ingredients as proprietary BLENDS of several compounds, the real quantities present of each active ingredient in the total blend cannot be determined. In the case of Dr. Grundy’s MCT Wellness, MCT Prebiotic Blend is listed as the first ingredient; therefore the MCT Prebiotic Blend is present in the “largest amount” in this product. Consider, however, that this blend is made of two components: C8 MCT Oil Powder and Acacia Gum. In the case of this listing by weight (or moles for that matter), there could be a little more to a lot more of the C8 MCT Oil Powder than there is of Acacia Gum. Not enough information is provided to know. There could be, as Adam illustrates, many times more of one compound than the other. Therefore, Adam’s example correctly illustrates his point.
I hope that this illustrates the comparative limitations 1) of only listing product ingredients/compounds in order by gram weight, 2) of not knowing the number of moles of each listed compound (their true amounts), and 3) of the confusion added when some ingredients are listed as blends instead of individually. In the example of MCT Wellness, it is possible for their to be more of the 2nd listed ingredient, the red and black current extracts, than there is of the Acacia Gum that is part of the first listed ingredient, the Probiotic Blend. We cannot tell.
Thank you Germaine for this incredible helpful explanation. This is why I really dislike proprietary blends 🙁
Adam
couldn’t you figure out the ratio based on calories? I’m no expert but, I would think that if you are given total weight in grams and total calories, and you know the calorie/g of each of the 2 ingredients. Assuming they are not the same, which I would think they are not. ???
Quercetin, per a consultation with a genetics expert whom I had a consult with recently, is very inappropriate for my particular genetic setup; it can block certain primary metabolic cycle/s. Without running across this blog, I would not have found out that the current and blackberry varieties used in this brand were quercetin loaded. Without knowing the amounts of each ingredient, now it’s necessary to go through the hassle of probably returning the product before it has ever arrived.
Thanks for the review. So many other reviews seem like they’re only providing the great aspects and nothing is that perfect so don’t really trust them.
Is there anything along the lines of MCT Wellness that you would recommend, even if two different products. Currently I take MCT oil from Sports Research and it has helped mental acuity but open to suggestions. Also, any recommendations for the extracts that have the proper amounts (without the high $$)
Thank you.
I have noticed a rash around my neck increasing since I started mct wellness. So I may be allergic and have to stop this. I love the energy I get from it. I will give me a small break and maybe start at half a scoop with my 20 oz of water. I really like this alot but my system is too sensitive.