A Natural Supplement May Help a New Heart Disease

Scientists have discovered that a natural supplement, tricaprin, may offer hope for people with a rare heart condition called triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy (TDCV). 

This disease affects how the heart processes fats, leading to fat buildup in the heart and arteries. Over time, this can cause heart failure, a serious and life-threatening condition. Doctors are still learning about TDCV and how best to treat it.

What Is TDCV?

TDCV is a newly identified heart disease that makes it difficult for the body to break down triglycerides, a type of fat.

 When triglycerides accumulate in the heart and blood vessels, they can block arteries and weaken heart function. This increases the risk of heart failure, chest pain, and other cardiovascular problems. 

Some cases of TDCV are genetic, but in many instances, doctors do not yet understand why certain individuals develop the disease. Because TDCV is not well known, many cases may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as other forms of heart disease.

How Tricaprin May Help

A new study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research suggests that tricaprin, a naturally occurring fat found in coconut oil and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, could improve heart function in people with TDCV

Tricaprin, found in coconut and MCT oil, may improve heart function in people with triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy (TDCV)

Researchers found that individuals who took tricaprin experienced significant improvements in fat metabolism and heart function.

The study involved 212 participants with TDCV. Among them, 22 individuals took tricaprin, while 190 did not. 

Those in the tricaprin group had better heart function, improved fat breakdown, and a higher survival rate. After three years, all participants in the tricaprin group were still alive, compared to 78.6% of the control group. 

At the five-year mark, 68.1% of the control group had survived, while the entire tricaprin group remained alive.

Expert Reactions and Study Limitations

Doctors and researchers not involved in the study praised the findings, calling them promising. They noted that tricaprin appears to help the heart process fats more effectively, reducing the buildup that leads to heart failure. 

Additionally, patients who took tricaprin reported feeling better, suggesting an improvement in their overall quality of life.

Patients taking tricaprin had better heart function, improved fat breakdown, and higher survival rates compared to those who did not

 However, experts also pointed out some limitations of the study. Most of the participants were from Japan, so it is unclear whether the same results would apply to people from different ethnic backgrounds. 

The study also had a relatively small number of participants, and only a few women were included in the tricaprin group. To confirm its benefits, future studies need to include a larger, more diverse group of participants.

Potential for Treating Other Heart Conditions

Beyond TDCV, researchers believe tricaprin could benefit people with other heart diseases, including general heart failure. Triglyceride buildup is commonly found in heart failure patients, so reducing fat accumulation in the heart could help improve overall heart function.

 More studies are needed to determine whether tricaprin could be a useful treatment for a wider range of cardiovascular conditions.

Looking Ahead

Tricaprin’s potential as a treatment for heart disease is exciting, but further research is necessary before it can be widely recommended.

 If future studies confirm its effectiveness, tricaprin could become an important tool in managing heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. For now, scientists continue to explore its benefits and how it may improve heart health.