Generality
Caprylic acid is a saturated, non-essential fatty acid with eight carbon atoms; for this reason, it is also known as octanoic acid .
Caprylic acid is extracted from coconut nuts and palm seed oil and recognizes applications in sports, cosmetics and health.
In the first case it is part of the so-called MCT, medium and short chain fatty acid supplements, used as an alternative energy source to the precious glucose.
Indications
Why is caprylic acid used? What is it for?
Initially used as an antifungal remedy, caprylic acid has gradually carved itself a place of great respect also in the clinical field.
Although most studies refer mostly to in vitro or experimental models, caprylic acid would appear:
- Perform an effective anti-candida action;
- Exercise a competitive action against viruses and bacteria.
These activities, not fully characterized, would seem to be related to the capacity of caprylic acid to interpose in the thickness of the lipid membranes of these microorganisms.
Property and Effectiveness
What benefit has caprylic acid shown during the studies?
Most of the scientific literature on caprylic acid is currently focused on the potential anti-candida role.
More precisely, caprylic acid would seem to dissolve the cell membrane of Candida albicans and other fungi, preventing their growth.
Food Sources and Associations
Food sources of caprylic acid, in addition to the aforementioned tropical oils, are represented by milk and dairy products in general, although the consumption of hard or fermented cheeses is traditionally not recommended in the presence of candida (see anti-candida diet).
The combination of caprylic acid with probiotics, garlic and turmeric is also potentially useful, so as to produce a synergistic obstacle to the proliferation of Candida albicans in the colon.
Doses and method of use
How to use caprylic acid?
Specific integration with caprylic acid involves doses of 300 to 1, 200 milligrams a day, in the form of capsules or tablets, given its rancid and unpleasant taste.
Even more suitable would be the form in soft-gel capsules (jelly balls filled with oil), since the caprylic acid is more easily absorbed if a fat source is present in the meal.
However, for the treatment of candidiasis it would be more convenient to find a way to increase the amount of non-absorbed caprylic acid, so that it can reach the colon and carry out its own antifungal action.
This result can be obtained by using important concentrations of caprylic acid in controlled release capsules. Another solution could be to take caprylic acid together with fiber supplements, for example psyllium seeds; in this way the substance could be trapped inside the water and soluble fiber gel, thus resisting absorption in the small intestine, before being released into the colon by bacterial fermentation of the fiber itself.
Side effects
The use of caprylic acid, especially if in a poor state of preservation, could lead to the appearance of unpleasant gastro-intestinal side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea.
Contraindications
When should caprylic acid not be used?
The use of caprylic acid is contraindicated in case of known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient.
Pharmacological Interactions
Which drugs or foods can modify the effect of caprylic acid?
Not known drug interactions are currently known.
Precautions for use
What do you need to know before taking caprylic acid?
The use of caprylic acid, without the proper prescription and medical supervision, should be avoided by children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women.
