What Is Caprylic Acid?

Caprylic acid, chemically known as octanoic acid, is a medium chain fatty acid found naturally in human and bovine breast milk as well as coconut and palm oils. Caprylic acid is marketed as a natural health supplement to address fungal conditions such as candida albicans and certain bacterial and viral infections. The USDA has classified caprylic acid as safe (GRAS), and it is sometimes used as a parenteral, or injectable, nutritional supplement for patients who are unable to digest enough healthy fat.

Caprylic acid and viruses

• Caprylic acid was tested against bovine and mice viruses in Switzerland in an article published by The International Association for Biologicals. Researchers found that caprylic acid was very effective at removing enveloped viruses, like bovine viral diarrhoea and pseudorabies, from horse immunoglobulines and was less effective at removing non-enveloped viruses. Viral envelopes are protein structures that surround the virus and are often utilized by viruses to help them enter host cells.

Caprylic acid and bacteria

• In a study done at the University of Connecticut, capylic acid was tested against three different strains of the Streptococcus bacteria as well as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. Caprylic acid reduced the count of all five bacteria, although it was most effective against the Strep bacteria and least effective against E.coli. The researchers concluded that caprylic acid could be an important alternative or adjuncts to antibiotics in certain situations.

Caprylic acid and fungus

• One of the most touted uses of caprylic acid as a dietary supplement is its reported ability to kill off fungal yeast infections like candida. According to Blue Shield of California, there were several studies done in the 1940s and '50s, including one at Johns Hopkins University, that showed that caprylic acid from coconut oil was able to inhibit the growth of candida albicans both topically and orally. Coconut oil also contains other oils that are used to fight fungal infections, such as lauric acid.

Potential

• Capyrlic acid is readily available in common foods such as cow's milk and coconut oil and can be easily added to the diet. Given that caprylic acid seems to have a broad range of activity against bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens, it could be a valuable part of the daily diet for anyone who is looking for an inexpensive and nourishing way to stay healthy. No wonder it is found in breast milk, and is part of every newborn's diet.

Caprylic acid supplements

• Caprylic acid can also be found in capsule form at most health food stores and online retailers. Caprylic acid supplements should be taken with meals, as the fat content is more easily digested when other food is present.