Eight carbon atoms are joined to a carboxyl group (COOH) to form the medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) known as caprylic acid, also known as octanoic acid. It is naturally present in many foods, most notably dairy products made from goat and sheep milk as well as coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It is becoming more popular as a dietary supplement because of its possible health advantages, some of which will be outlined for you in this article.
Due to its straight-chain structure and lack of double bonds between its carbon atoms, caprylic acid is a saturated fatty acid, which makes it extremely soluble. These characteristics distinguish it from the long-chain fatty acids present in the majority of diets and enable quick absorption and usage inside the body. Read further for more on caprylic acid’s possible benefits to you.
You May Also Like:
Vitamin C: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interactions, and Other Important Information
Nature of Caprylic Acid
The medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) caprylic acid, commonly referred to as octanoic acid, has eight carbon atoms bonded to a carboxyl group (COOH) at one end. Given that there are no double bonds between its carbon atoms, caprylic acid belongs to the class of fatty acids known as saturated fatty acids. Because of its straight-chain structure, caprylic acid has unique chemical and physical characteristics.
This fatty acid is naturally found in a number of dietary sources, including dairy products like goat and sheep milk and cheese as well as coconut oil and palm kernel oil. Additionally, it is a component of human breast milk. At room temperature, caprylic acid crystallizes into a transparent, colorless liquid that is soluble in organic solvents.
Chemistry of Caprylic Acid
A carboxylic acid, caprylic acid with the formula CH3(CH2)6COOH. Its lengthy hydrocarbon chain, which is hydrophobic, and the hydrophilic carboxyl group at one end, make up its structure. Caprylic acid’s ability to interact with both fat and water molecules is a crucial component of its biological activities.
Unlike long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), caprylic acid is not immediately deposited as fat in the body, making it an immediately available energy source.
Physiological Mechanisms & Health Benefits
Caprylic acid operates in the body via a variety of physiological pathways that affect things like energy generation, microbial activity, and anti-inflammatory processes.
- Energy Production: Caprylic acid is quickly absorbed by the body and travels straight from the body via the portal vein to the liver, where it is processed to create ketone bodies. These ketones are easily absorbed by brain cells and may pass across the blood-brain barrier. In diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, where glucose consumption is impaired, this mechanism may be very helpful and would increase with consumption of caprylic acid.
- Caprylic acid has antibacterial properties because it damages the cell walls of several bacteria and fungi, including Candida albicans. This interference stops the spread of these bacteria and the development of infections.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-B), a protein complex that controls DNA transcription, cytokine synthesis, and cell viability, has been demonstrated to be inhibited by caprylic acid. Caprylic acid may lessen inflammation and perhaps provide protection from certain chronic illnesses by blocking NF-B.
Despite these encouraging findings, more, stringent clinical studies are required to fully clarify the potential therapeutic uses of caprylic acid and any potential long-term consequences. Before adding caprylic acid to their routine, consumers should speak with relevant healthcare professionals.
Optimal Dosage
The ideal caprylic acid dose might vary greatly based on your demands and intended use. A dose of 1 to 2 grams per day, or around the amount in a tablespoon of coconut oil, may be adequate for overall health and fitness. Doses of up to 3.5 grams per day have been used successfully in clinical settings for therapeutic objectives, such as treating Candida infections. However, it is always important to get medical advice before beginning a new supplementation plan.
Side Effects
Caprylic acid is usually regarded as harmless, although when taken in high dosages, it may sometimes cause gastrointestinal pain in certain individuals. Nausea, stomach pains, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms. Initially, administering a smaller dosage and then gradually increasing it may lessen these adverse effects should you experience them.
Potential Substance Interactions
There aren’t any well-established interactions between caprylic acid and other compounds at present. Caprylic acid might, however, possibly interact with antibiotics or other gastrointestinal-related drugs due to its impact on gut bacteria. Once again, before beginning caprylic acid therapy, a healthcare provider should be contacted, particularly if drugs are already being used as part of your health plan.
Responsible Use
As a medium-chain fatty acid, caprylic acid offers a number of health advantages, such as improved energy generation, antibacterial properties, and possible anti-inflammatory effects. Caprylic acid may have negative effects and interact with other medications, so it’s crucial you take it wisely, as with any dietary supplement. We are always learning more about the possible uses of caprylic acid for general health and wellness thanks to current research.
Caprylic Acid:
Conclusion
Caprylic acid is an energy source and has valuable physiological mechanisms for your body and health. Your body has the power to absorb quickly and process this substance which occurs in dairy products, human breast milk, and certain oils. This fatty acid has the potential to aid in the prevention of infections and treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
While further clinical studies are needed in order to understand its therapeutic uses fully and potential long-term consequences, the existing body of research yields promising data with respect to positive health benefits. Your optimal dose varies depending on your needs and intended use. Watch out for interactions with any antibiotics and gastrointestinal-related medications you use, so consult with a medical professional before starting to use it.
References:
- “Medium Chain Triglycerides enhances exercise endurance through the increased mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism.” Retrieved From: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29420554/
- “Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology, 20223.2.1.2 Caprylic acid (octanoic acid).” Retrieved From: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/caprylic-acid
- Revisiting the metabolism and physiological functions of caprylic acid (C8:0) with special focus on ghrelin octanoylation. Retrieved From: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26253695/
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
