Explore my ketone articles and practical guides on coconut oil, MCT oil, and brain health. You’ll find practical guides, explanations of the science, and information drawn from my research and experience caring for my husband, Steve.

Browse the articles below to find a topic that interests you.

How Much Coconut Oil or MCT Oil?

A practical guide to adding coconut oil and MCT oil to foods, choosing products, mixing the oils, and getting started gradually.

Coconut Oil & MCT Oil FAQ

Find answers to common questions about choosing, storing, cooking with, and using coconut oil and MCT oil.

Related reading: Coconut oil, MCT oil, and brain health →

Coconut oil and cholesterol: An Analysis of 26 Studies.

Coconut Oil and Cholesterol: An Analysis of 26 Studies

By Mary T. Newport and Fabian M. Dayrit
Published in Nutrients, 2025

Our analysis examines coconut oil’s effects on blood lipids, looking beyond total and LDL cholesterol to include HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Read the open-access article and watch the video abstract →

Recognized by Nutrients among its Most Viewed Papers in 2025.

Dietary Fats and the Lipid–Heart Hypothesis

By Mary T. Newport and Fabian M. Dayrit
Published in Nutrients, 2024

How did dietary-fat advice develop? Our review revisits the research behind the lipid–heart hypothesis and examines how trans-fat and linoleic acid were accounted for in recommendations about cholesterol and heart disease.

Ketogenic Strategies for Alzheimer’s and Memory Impairment

By Mary T. Newport, MD
Published in Medical Research Archives, 2024

This article explores the history and scientific rationale for ketogenic approaches to Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders. It includes Steve’s story and an analysis of 288 individual and caregiver reports describing responses to coconut oil and MCT oil.

Steve’s Story: A Ketone Ester Case Report

By Mary T. Newport and colleagues
Published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 2015

This case report documents my husband Steve’s experience with a ketone ester after his earlier use of coconut oil and MCT oil. It describes changes observed over 20 months in his daily activities, behavior, and cognitive performance, providing an early clinical observation for further research.

The Original 2008 Article: Where Our Story Began

By Mary T. Newport, MD
Written July 22, 2008

In “What If There Was a Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease and No One Knew?” I shared Steve’s early experience with coconut oil and the research that led me to explore ketones as an alternative brain fuel. This widely shared article introduced our story to readers around the world.

This historical account reflects what I knew and observed in 2008. Explore the newer articles above for subsequent research.

Our Story in the St. Petersburg Times

By Eve Hosley-Moore
Published October 29, 2008

This newspaper feature tells the story of my search for help for Steve and our early experience with coconut oil. It captures the observations, questions, and hope that brought wider attention to our story in 2008.

What Are Ketones?

What Are Ketones?

By Mary T. Newport, MD · Updated 2026

New to ketones? This illustrated introduction explains what they are, how the body makes them, and how they provide an alternative source of energy. Learn the difference between ketones produced in the body and ketone supplements.

Read or print guide (PDF) →

Ketone Esters: What, Why, and How.

Ketone Esters: What, Why, and How

By Mary T. Newport, MD

Learn what ketone esters are, how they differ from other ketogenic approaches, and why they are being studied. This guide also discusses practical considerations, potential side effects, and topics to review with your physician.

Read or print the guide (PDF) →

Looking for product information? Explore ketone supplements and product links →

Ketone Salts: A Practical Introduction.

Ketone Salts Explained

By Mary T. Newport, MD

An introduction to ketone salts, how they differ from other ketone supplements, and practical considerations for understanding these products.

Read or print Ketone Salts Explained (PDF) →

Using Ketone Salts in Older Adults and People with Medical Conditions

Important safety considerations: Learn about considerations to discuss with your healthcare professional when evaluating ketone salts, especially for older adults and people managing medical conditions or taking medications.

Read or print the medical considerations guide (PDF) →

Looking for product information? Explore ketone supplements and product links →

Low-Carb and Keto Meal Planning.

Planning a Low-Carb or Ketogenic Diet

By Mary T. Newport, MD

Explore practical guidance for planning a lower-carbohydrate way of eating. Read the introductory guide, then use the companion charts to understand how carbohydrate, protein, and fat proportions can vary across different approaches.

Read or print the diet guide (PDF) →

View or print the planning charts (PDF) →

Combining Ketone Salts with a Low-Carb Diet

Explore how ketone salts fit into a lower-carbohydrate approach, with practical considerations to discuss with your healthcare professional.

Read or print the ketone salts and low-carb guide (PDF) →

Monitoring Ketones and Blood Glucose.

Monitoring Ketones and Blood Glucose

By Mary T. Newport, MD · Updated October 2026

Explore the different ways to measure ketones, including blood meters, urine strips, and breath analyzers. This guide explains what each method measures, its limitations, and how blood glucose monitoring can complement ketone testing.

Read or print the monitoring guide (PDF) →

Research References, Updated December 2025.

Research References on Ketogenic Strategies

Prepared by Mary T. Newport, MD · Updated December 2025

Explore this nine-page collection of references on coconut oil, MCT oil, ketones, and ketogenic approaches to Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease, and brain aging. It includes human studies, laboratory research, and reviews for readers who want to explore the science further.

View or print the references (PDF) →