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Date: | Thu, 1 Jan 2004 10:41:30 -0800 |
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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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