Abstract: The present invention concerns a nutritional composition, for example a synthetic nutritional composition, for use in reducing the metabolic stress. This composition is for use in mammals, preferably in humans, more preferably in infants. The nutritional composition comprises one or more medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) derivative or derivatives for use in reducing metabolic stress. Conditions and/or diseases associated to the metabolic disorders and/or imbalances in an infant are selected in the group consisting of neurological, growth and/or gut retarded development or abnormalities, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia. The infant is born preterm or with low-birthweight (LBW) or who experienced intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) or small for gestational age (SGA)).