From Latin caper, capr-, goat (from the acid's goatlike smell). Goat’s 
milk contains more caproic, caprylic and capric acids than cow’s milk, 
and this gives goat's milk its signature flavor. The PDR, which gives 
better descriptive than prescriptive information, says:

Caprylic acid is available generically from numerous manufacturers. 
Branded products include Capryl (Solaray) and Caprinol (Nature's Herbs).

DESCRIPTION

Caprylic acid is a medium-chain 8-carbon saturated fatty acid. It is 
also known as octanoic acid. It occurs naturally in butterfat and palm 
and coconut oils in the form of triacylglycerols (TAG). It is 
represented by the following chemical structure:



ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

ACTIONS

Caprylic acid was reported many years ago to have some antifungal 
activity in vitro. Other in vitro studies showed some activity against 
some viruses and bacteria. The monoglyceride of caprylic acid, 
monooctanin, given as an infusion into the bile duct, has been used for 
gallstone dissolution.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

The mechanism of caprylic acid's possile actions is unclear. Caprylic 
acid may affect the fluidity of viral and fungal cell membranes.

PHARMACOKINETICS

Caprylic acid is absorbed from the intestine and, in contrast with 
long-chain fatty acids, immediately enters into the portal circulation. 
It is carried by blood lipids. Most ingested caprylic acid undergoes 
beta-oxidation in the liver.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

There is no significant clinical evidence to support an indication for 
the use of caprylic acid in the treatment or prevention of fungal 
infections such as Candida albicans.

RESEARCH SUMMARY

Some rather old studies reported antifungal activity of caprylic acid 
in vitro. However, clinical use of caprylic acid has not proved to be 
effective against Candida albicans or any other fungi. This is most 
likely due to the fact that caprylic acid is rapidly metabolized in the 
usual fatty acid pathways.

CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS

CONTRAINDICATIONS

None known.

PRECAUTIONS

Infants, children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and those prone to 
stomach upsets should avoid caprylic acid supplementation.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Caprylic acid has an unpleasant rancid taste and may cause mild 
gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The usual doses that are taken orally are 300 to 1200 milligrams daily.


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