Using Exogenous Ketones VS MCT Oil on Keto. What? How? Why?

A few hundred marketers are coming up with products that are supposed to make the dieter’s life easier for any person following any kind of diet. If you are on keto, some of these products include exogenous ketone supplements and MCT oil. 

This article shall find out what exogenous ketones are and if you should be taking them in the keto diet. We shall also take a look at MCT oil because it is a popular keto supplement. 

Do you have a particular question about using exogenous ketones VS MCT oil on keto? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page. 

Is MCT oil the same as exogenous ketones?

What are exogenous ketones?  These are ketones that are introduced to the body from external sources such as supplements. 

Ketones exist in the body naturally. When you lower your carbohydrate and sugar intake, the body won’t have carbohydrates to rely on for energy. So, what does it do? It goes to its fat stores and releases free fatty acids or FFA’s, which are transported to the liver to produce ketones, which become the new source of energy. These are endogenous ketones – meaning they are made inside the body. 

When you take instant ketone supplements, you are introducing external ketones into the body without any of those natural processes mentioned above. These ketones are called exogenous ketones because they were made outside the body. 

MCT oil is a source of ketones. It may not exactly contain ketones, but it helps in ketones’ production, which is why it may be considered a ketone supplement. 

Exogenous ketones are great for ketosis. They get you into ketosis without the low-carb, high-fat diet, which can take as much as weeks to produce ketones. They may be sold in the form of exogenous ketones powder, BHB salts, and esters. 

Difference between exogenous ketones and MCT oil

Exogenous ketones introduce ketones directly into the body. As we have already seen, ketones are a source of energy. On the other hand, MCT oil contains medium-chain triglycerides that go to the liver and influence ketones’ production. 

Ketone supplements from the store are supplements that will catapult you to ketosis immediately you take them. After all, the state of ketosis is only achieved when ketones are detected in the bloodstream. Instant ketone supplements introduce external ketones into your bloodstream. 

(You can test for ketones using or a .)

When it comes to MCT oil – while it is an excellent ketosis supplement, it doesn’t introduce ketones into your body immediately you take them. This is because MCT oil doesn’t actually have ketones. It contains fatty acids called medium-chain triglycerides transported into the liver, and the liver turns them into ketones. That said, MCT oil takes a while to get you into ketosis because your body needs time to convert the fatty acids to ketones in the liver. 

Exogenous ketones vs. MCT oil comparison

Both exogenous ketones and MCT oil will get you to fast and easy ketosis, even though the methods through which they work are different. You may be stuck deciding between exogenous ketones and MCT oil: Which one to take? In this section, I’ll help you make a decision between the two. Let’s look at the facts.

Health benefits

One of the best health benefits of exogenous ketones is that they will get you into ketosis in a matter of minutes. Say you cheated a bit and ended up getting kicked out of ketosis – have some exogenous ketone powder supplement, and you haven’t really lost anything. You’re back in ketosis!

Aside from that, when paired with the ketogenic diet, exogenous ketones are beneficial in reducing hunger, increasing mental clarity, and lower inflammation. 

As for MCT oil, it has similar benefits to the exogenous ketones. It will also help you get into ketosis quickly if you are just starting out in the ketogenic diet, so you don’t have to wait for weeks to see progress in your weight loss journey. 

MCT oil can help with reducing hunger, increasing energy and metabolism, and promoting heart health. It is an excellent supplement in the ketogenic diet. 

Side effects

Exogenous ketones are pretty much safe for consumption. But, they can cause nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea in some people. Most of these adverse side effects were common in people who took ketone salts. 

MCT oil doesn’t have side effects in most people. However, in others, it may cause stomach pain and diarrhea. Just be sure to stop using it if you get extreme side effects. 

Which one is better for weight loss?

If you are looking into exogenous ketones and MCT oil, you are probably following the ketogenic diet. Many people start the keto diet to lose weight. Yet, others do it because it has excellent health benefits like boosting mental clarity and heart health. 

Undoubtedly, exogenous ketones are the better option for weight loss. Exogenous ketones would help you get back on track quickly if you went beyond the daily carb intake. 

Overall, the decision lies in your hands. Between exogenous ketones and MCT oil – what works best for you? The answer is how it makes you feel and how fast it brings you the results you require from it.

Can you take both exogenous ketones and MCT oil?

Yes, you can take both exogenous ketones and MCT oil in your diet. Both are great keto supplements and deliver some excellent health benefits. 

You can take exogenous ketones when starting out on the keto diet to get into ketosis faster. Keep exogenous ketone powder on hand if you go above the daily carb content of 20 grams or eat sugar. It will help you to reverse the insulin spike and get right back into ketosis.

MCT oil is also an excellent keto supplement. You can add it to your morning coffee or smoothie to get a boost of energy. Since MCT oil contains good fatty acids, it will also provide a source of fats essential in a healthy ketogenic diet. MCT oil also helps in boosting cognitive and heart health. 

Are exogenous ketones worth it?

The ketogenic diet can be hard at first. You have to cut out food groups that you eat every single day. Some of these are foods that you enjoy eating – they may be comfort foods that make you feel better when you’re down. Also, many things you have in your pantry and fridge will need to be tossed out. 

Not to mention, you have to be meticulous about your carb and sugar intake. It can be easy to mess up or give up in the early stages. 

That’s why I think exogenous ketones are worth it. They help you ease into the keto lifestyle smoothly. 

Thanks for the graphics: Canva.com

Disclosure: At vegketodiet.com I only mention the products that I researched and considered worthy. But it’s important to note that we are a participant of several affiliate programs, including but not limited to VigLink and Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Also please note that I am not a doctor. As such readers are strongly recommended to make decisions that might affect their health by doing their own research. At vegketodiet.com I only document and describe thoughts, researches and ideas that proved to be working for me.