Caprylic Acid

Caprylic Acid, also known as octanoic acid, is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid with the chemical structural formula C₈H₁₆O₂. It belongs to the so-called MCTs (Medium-Chain Triglycerides) and occurs naturally in coconut oil, palm oil, and animal fats such as goat's and cow's milk. Caprylic Acid is colorless, oily, slightly irritating, and characterized by a distinctive, slightly rancid odor. Due to its medium-chain structure, Caprylic Acid is absorbed particularly easily by the body and metabolized quickly. It plays an important role in ketogenic diets and is used industrially as a food additive, emulsifier, or preservative, and in cosmetics, among other applications. It is also credited with antimicrobial properties and is repeatedly used in a targeted way in naturopathy.

What benefits does Caprylic Acid offer for health? Caprylic Acid is credited with various potentially positive effects, including on digestion, the immune system, and energy metabolism. Some of these attributed benefits have been supported by scientific studies, but more research is needed to conclusively understand the effects of Caprylic Acid. Here are some of the benefits studied so far:

  • Antimicrobial effect: Caprylic Acid can attack the cell membranes of certain fungi, bacteria, and yeasts and thus inhibit their growth – including Candida albicans (1,2,3).
  • Support for gut cleansing: Studies suggest a protective effect against bacterial and fungal infestations (4). Because of this effect, it could be of interest for intestinal imbalances (e.g., candida diets).
  • Possible anti-inflammatory properties: Initial studies suggest an inflammation-modulating effect that could be helpful for various health problems (5,6).
  • Fast source of energy: As an MCT, Caprylic Acid is transported directly to the liver via the portal vein and quickly converted into ketones there – a valuable source of energy, especially on a low-carb diet (7,8).
  • Ghrelin acylation: Caprylic Acid serves as a substrate for the enzyme ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT), which is responsible for modifying the hormone ghrelin – a central regulator of appetite. Scientific findings suggest that, through its involvement in the octanoylation of ghrelin, Caprylic Acid could play a role in regulating the sensation of hunger (9).

How does Caprylic Acid work in the body? Caprylic Acid is rapidly absorbed in the digestive tract and passes directly to the liver without a detour through the lymphatic system. There it can be converted into ketone bodies, which serve the body – especially the brain – as an alternative source of energy. It exerts its antimicrobial effect by destroying the lipid membrane of susceptible microorganisms (1,2,3,7,8).

Are there any risks or side effects?

More research is needed before definitive statements can be made. In addition, a doctor should always be consulted before taking it. Nevertheless, here are a few points that should be kept in mind:

  • Possible stomach irritation: In high doses or on an empty stomach, Caprylic Acid can cause nausea, diarrhea, or mild stomach irritation.
  • Not recommended for children or pregnant women: Due to a lack of data, use should be avoided in these groups.
  • Interactions with medications: When taken at the same time as antifungals or antibiotics, Caprylic Acid could influence their effect.

Conclusion Caprylic Acid is a versatile medium-chain fatty acid with interesting medicinal potential – from antimicrobial effects to support for a ketogenic diet. Its targeted use could be particularly worthwhile for digestive problems, fungal infections, and lack of energy. However, more research is needed here before definitive statements can be made, and a doctor should always be consulted before taking it.

Sources:

  1. Jadhav, A., Mortale, S., Halbandge, S., Jangid, P., Patil, R., Gade, W., Kharat, K., & Karuppayil, S. M. (2017). The Dietary Food Components Capric Acid and Caprylic Acid Inhibit Virulence Factors in Candida albicans Through Multitargeting. Journal of medicinal food, 20(11), 1083–1090. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2017.3971
  2. Ruiz-Rico, M., Fuentes, C., Pérez-Esteve, É., Jiménez-Belenguer, A. I., Quiles, A., Marcos, M. D., Martínez-Máñez, R., & Barat, J. M. (2015). Bactericidal activity of caprylic acid entrapped in mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Food Control, 56, 77–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2015.03.016
  3. Rosenblatt, J., Reitzel, R. A., Vargas-Cruz, N., Chaftari, A.-M., Hachem, R., & Raad, I. (2017). Caprylic and polygalacturonic acid combinations for eradication of microbial organisms embedded in biofilm. Frontiers in Microbiology, 8, Article 1999. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2017.01999
  4. Wang, J., Huang, N., Xiong, J., Wei, H., Jiang, S., & Peng, J. (2018). Caprylic acid and nonanoic acid upregulate endogenous host defense peptides to enhance intestinal epithelial immunological barrier function via histone deacetylase inhibition. International immunopharmacology, 65, 303–311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2018.10.022
  5. Zhang, X., Xue, C., Xu, Q. et al. Caprylic acid suppresses inflammation via TLR4/NF-κB signaling and improves atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice. Nutr Metab (Lond) 16, 40 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-019-0359-2
  6. Zhang, X., Zhang, P., Liu, Y., Liu, Z., Xu, Q., Zhang, Y., Liu, L., Yang, X., Li, L., & Xue, C. (2023). Effects of Caprylic Acid and Eicosapentaenoic Acid on Lipids, Inflammatory Levels, and the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway in ABCA1-Deficient Mice and ABCA1 Knock-Down RAW264.7 Cells. Nutrients, 15(5), 1296. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051296
  7. Lin, T. Y., Liu, H. W., & Hung, T. M. (2021). The Ketogenic Effect of Medium-Chain Triacylglycerides. Frontiers in nutrition, 8, 747284. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.747284
  8. Anand, A., Patience, A. A., Sharma, N., & Khurana, N. (2017). The present and future of pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer’s disease: A comprehensive review. European Journal of Pharmacology, 815, 364–375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.09.043
  9. Lemarié, F., Beauchamp, E., Drouin, G., Legrand, P., & Rioux, V. (2018). Dietary caprylic acid and ghrelin O-acyltransferase activity to modulate octanoylated ghrelin functions: What is new in this nutritional field?. Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids, 135, 121–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plefa.2018.07.009