Information on Caprylic Acid

Caprylic acid (also known as octanoic acid) is a medium-chain fatty acid. Coconut oil is a rich source of caprylic acid, and it's also found in palm oil, butterfat and human breast milk; it's present in these sources in the form of triacylglycerols. Caprylic acid has some antiviral and antibacterial properties, but it is best known for being a potent antifungal.

Appetite Suppressant

• Caprylic acid appears to function as an appetite suppressant. For this reason, it may be of benefit to people who are trying to lose weight. In one study published in Physiology Behavior, caprylic acid was shown to reduce food intake in rats. Researchers theorize that the acid acts in the liver to send a message to the body that inhibits feeding.

Antiviral

• In his book "The Coconut Oil Miracle," naturopath Bruce Fife states that the medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil (caprylic acid is one of these, along with lauric and capric acid) have been shown to work against a wide range of viruses. Fife cites research that shows these acids to be effective in battling the viruses that cause influenza, herpes, hepatitis C, measles and mononucleosis. These acids even appear to work in combating the AIDS virus.

Antibacterial

• Fife also mentions studies that make a case for caprylic acid being a powerful antibacterial. It's been shown to fight bacteria that can cause throat infections, stomach ulcers, sinusitis, meningitis, gonorrhea, pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

Candidiasis

• Perhaps the most common medical application for caprylic acid is in the treatment of candida or yeast overgrowth. According to Fife, caprylic acid works by permeating the skin of the candida fungus. Once inside, it works to literally split open each fungal cell, and in so doing, it kills the unwanted organism. Note that if you're taking caprylic acid for the treatment of candida overgrowth, it's important to avoid the version that is derived from milk, since dairy allergies and sensitivities often go hand-in-hand with candidiasis.

Side Effects

• There are no side effects associated with caprylic acid, and it is classified by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a safe food. However, when used as a treatment for candida overgrowth, caprylic acid may trigger certain symptoms---such as headaches or fatigue---associated with yeast die-off. It's important to note that these symptoms are simply an indicator that the treatment is succeeding in its effort to banish yeast overgrowth from the system.

How To Use It

• For therapeutic benefits, it's recommended that a minimum dose of 350 mg be taken three times daily with meals. Because caprylic acid is fat-soluble, it is best ingested with some form of dietary fat, such as butter or olive oil. This ensures optimum absorption.