Coconut oil is a powerhouse fuel for equine athletes, especially for aerobic exercise (defined as sustained activity for more than 5 minutes).
The high medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) content in coconut oil, and unique metabolism, provides a clean, efficient, and fast-acting energy source that enhances stamina, supports recovery, and reduces metabolic stress.
1. High MCT Content – Energy That’s Ready to Use
Coconut oil a C6-C12 oil with 60–65% Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs):
- Lauric acid (~45%)
- Capric acid (~7%)
- Caprylic acid (~8%)
By contrast, oils like soybean, corn, or flaxseed are dominated by long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) with 14+ carbons.
Why this matters:
- Shorter chains (6–12 carbons) mean faster digestion and less energy needed to process.
- MCTs are rapidly broken down in the small intestine, needing fewer enzymes and less bile than LCFAs.
- This results in lower digestive energy cost and faster fuel availability.
- In the liver, MCTs can be burned directly for energy or converted into ketones , a “fourth energy system” alongside glucose, glycogen, and fatty acids.
2. Rapid Absorption – Direct to the Liver
Unlike LCFAs, which require packaging into chylomicrons and lymphatic transport, MCTs:
- Travel via the portal vein straight to the liver.
- Bypass slow, energy-intensive transport systems.
- Are either oxidized immediately via beta-oxidation or converted into ketones for aerobic fuel.
3. Efficient Energy Conversion – High ATP Yield
MCTs act more like carbohydrates in energy metabolism:
- Just like glucose they are quickly converted into ATP in mitochondria.
- They are less likely to be stored as fat.
- They provide immediate energy without spiking insulin, making them ideal for low-NSC diets in horses with insulin resistance, PSSM, or tying-up issues.
Energy yield comparison:
- Coconut oil (MCTs): ~9.52 Mcal/kg gross energy gives ~8.09 Mcal/kg usable for ATP (~85% efficiency)
- LCFA-rich oils: ~9.52 Mcal/kg gross energy gives ~6.41 Mcal/kg usable (~65–70% efficiency).
4. Lower Thermogenic Effect – Less Energy Wasted
The thermogenic effect of food (energy used to digest, absorb, and store nutrients) is lower for MCTs than LCFAs.
- MCTs require fewer enzymatic steps for digestion.
- LCFAs cost ~10% more energy to digest, 10–15% more for transport, and 10% more for storage , reducing net energy available for work.
5. How Coconut Oil Produces Ketones – The Fourth Energy System
- Rapid digestion in the small intestine.
- Direct liver transport via the portal vein.
- Ketone production: MCTs produce beta-hydroxybutyrate & acetoacetate.
- Clean aerobic fuel:
- Muscles, brain, and heart burn ketones efficiently.
- Ketones produce as much ATP per oxygen molecule as glucose and ~10% more than LCFAs.
- Less lactate, more endurance, better recovery.
6. Performance Benefits for Horses
- Glycogen sparing → prolonged stamina.
- Lower lactate build-up → reduced fatigue during long work.
- Steady energy → ideal for endurance, eventing, and long-distance sport.
- Digestive ease → less strain on the gut than LCFA-rich oils.
- Insulin-neutral energy → safe for metabolic horses.
7. Especially Useful For:
- Endurance horses – sustained aerobic output.
- Performance horses – faster recovery between sessions.
- Horses with tying-up issues – reduced carbohydrate dependence.
- Insulin-resistant or PSSM horses – low-NSC energy support.
- Hard keepers – more usable calories for weight gain and condition.
Conclusion
Coconut oil outperforms LCFA-rich oils like soybean, corn, or flaxseed when it comes to fueling aerobic exercise in horses.
The high MCT content means:
- Faster digestion and absorption
- Direct liver transport
- Efficient ketone production
Higher
- ATP yield (~85% vs. ~70% for LCFAs)
Theis results in more usable energy, less fatigue, and better endurance making coconut oil the smart choice for equine athletes who need sustained, clean-burning aerobic power.
