Caprylic Acid – What It Is, Benefits, Sources, and Side Effects!
Caprylic acid has become widely known for its antifungal effects, especially with regard to keeping the digestive and reproductive organs – including the bladder, bowel and urethra – working properly.
What is Caprylic Acid?
Caprylic acid (also called octanoic acid) belongs to a class of medium-chain saturated fatty acids. Found naturally in dairy products, palm oil, and coconut oil , it is also available in medium-chain triglyceride oil (which is about 75%) and in supplement form.
Health benefits of caprylic acid?
1. Cholesterol:
Preliminary research indicates that it may help keep your cholesterol in check. In a study published in the journal Lipids in 2008, tests on mice determined that the treatment led to a decrease in cholesterol levels . However, he did not lower his blood pressure.
2. Crohn’s disease:
Caprylic acid shows promise in the treatment of Crohn’s disease . In a 2002 study, tests on human cells revealed that caprylic may help treat Crohn’s disease by suppressing the release of interleukin 8 (a protein that plays a key role in promoting intestinal inflammation).
3. Bacterial infections:
While some animal-based research suggests it may offer antibacterial benefits — and, in turn, help prevent or treat bacterial infections — there is currently a lack of research testing effectiveness against bacterial infections in humans.
While there is currently little scientific evidence to support the use of these supplements, increasing your intake from coconut oil may offer certain health benefits.
For example, preliminary studies suggest that coconut oil may help reduce abdominal fat, promote weight loss, and improve cholesterol levels .
Caprylic acid sources:
Furthermore, this acid is found naturally in only a few foods, including coconuts and breast milk. Animal and vegetable fats can contain small amounts of MCTs.
Caprylic acid side effects:
Due to a lack of research, little is known about the safety of long-term use of supplements containing caprylic acid . In addition, there is some concern that it may trigger some side effects such as nausea , constipation , heartburn, diarrhea and indigestion due to an increase in fatty acid intake. Therefore, people with liver disease, hypotension, or medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency should avoid its use.