Improvements in quality-of-life dimensions through medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis: updated findings from a randomised clinical trial
Authors' conclusion
Patients with RA supplemented with MCTs obtained significant improvements in several health-related QOL components compared to control, and fibre inclusion did not interfere with MCT efficacy.
Study context
- Population
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients on stable drug treatment
- Participants
- 61 patients
- Comparison
- MCT supplementation (30 g/day) for 8 weeks, then medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) plus fibre (30 g/day) for 8 weeks, vs the same supplementation with long-chain triglycerides instead of MCTs
Methodological detailsdouble-blind, placebo-controlled
- Double-blind
- Placebo-controlled
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Health-related quality of life (QOL), morning stiffness and pain · 16 weeks (T4)
- Test group: statistically and clinically significant improvements in mental and physical health-related scores after 16 weeks
- MCT significantly improved mental health, emotional well-being, social behaviour and vitality (SF-36) from baseline to T4 and vs control
- Increased motivation (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20)
- MCT significantly reduced intensity and duration of morning stiffness and pain intensity (VAS) from baseline to T4 vs control
- Effects maintained after adding fibre
Further findings
Baseline blood lipid profile
- No significant differences
Original publication
Improvements in quality-of-life dimensions through medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis: updated findings from a randomised clinical trial. RMD Open. Published 16 February 2026. doi:10.
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