In Japan, many people experience symptoms of constipation1) . As Chronic constipation negatively affects quality of life (QOL)2) , early intervention is essential for those with constipation tendencies. MCT (Medium-Chain Triglyceride) is a lipid composed solely of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) and is used as a nutritional supplement for preterm infants and others due to its properties as an energy substrate3) . Recent studies conducted on Japanese athletes suggest that MCT may also contribute to improving bowel movements4,5).
However, there are few reports evaluating the effects of continuous consumption of small amounts of MCT in Japanese populations with a tendency toward constipation. In this study, we investigated the effects of consuming 2g of MCT daily for two weeks on bowel movement frequency in Japanese men and women having a tendency toward constipation. Compared to consuming 2g of rapeseed oil (Long-Chain Triglyceride) daily for two weeks, MCT intake significantly increased the number of bowel movement days (P < 0.05) and showed a trend toward increasing bowel movement frequency (P < 0.10). Thus, daily intake of even a small amount of MCT may be helpful in improving bowel movements in Japanese individuals prone to constipation.