Caprylic Acid Supplement - Helps to Fight Fungal Infections

Caprylic Acid is a dietary supplement containing caprylic acid dosed at 450mg per capsule. It’s a good source of medium-chain fatty acids(MCT), nutrients which, with the growing popularity of the ketogenic diet and the increase in disorders caused by the yeast Candida, are the subject of numerous studies.

What is caprylic acid?

Caprylic (or octanoic) acid is a medium-chain fatty acid (MCT) found in human breast milk and some animal milks (the only animal source), in certain plant oils such as coconut oil (6%-10% of its fatty acids are caprylic acid), and certain seeds.

Mildly acidic (pH of 4.9), it enters bacterial cells through passive diffusion and affects their ability to thrive(1).

What other specific features does caprylic acid have?

The physicochemical properties of medium-chain fatty acids are different from those of long-chain fatty acids, and they therefore have metabolic properties with specific physiological effects(2):

• firstly, they are rapidly and directly absorbed by the stomach mucosa and via the hepatic portal vein (3), as a result of the action of lipase enzymes;
• they are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain;
• unlike long-chain fatty acids, they are not transported by chylomicrons, but circulate freely.

They can serve as a source of energy for the brain.
The brain represents just 2% of adult bodyweight, but consumes around 22% of the body’s oxygen, primarily in order to support aerobic oxidation of glucose, a significant source of energy for cells. In a healthy adult, around 97% of the brain’s energy needs are met by sugar (glucose), and less than 3% by ketones (4). But in a fasting situation or ketosis induced by a low carbohydrate diet, the body converts medium-chain fatty acids into ketones, which are then used as a source of energy by the brain.

What is the Candida albicans yeast?

Yeasts from the Candida genus are fungi that are naturally present in the digestive tract, oral cavity and reproductive system. Normally, they are not pathogenic because they are kept in check by the balance that exists between the microbiota’s various microorganisms (5). However, when this balance is upset, they can become formidable pathogens, capable of infiltrating various tissues and organs (6). They are said to be ‘opportunistic’. Candida albicans and Candida glabrata yeasts are the most common opportunistic microorganisms in the human body (7).

Who is most at risk from fungal disorders?

• Anyone who thinks they might have weakened immunity.
• Those with nutritional deficiencies (especially in vitamins A, B, and C, zinc and iron).
• Those with a diet too high in carbohydrates.
• Diabetics, particularly when the diabetes is not well-controlled (8-9). Chronic hyperglycaemia is associated with dysfunction of immune cells called granulocytes, and as a result, reduced cellular immunity.
• Those who’ve been on antibiotics or other drugs that disrupt microbiota balance. Antibiotics upset the gut flora and facilitate colonisation of the mucosa by Candida albicans.
• People with a history of gastric surgery.
• Those suffering from chronic stress (physical and/or emotional), and who are physically inactive.
• Those aged over 65(10), because of reduced immune system efficacy and because they often wear dentures.
• Those suffering from xerostomia, who do not produce sufficient amounts of saliva.

How should you take Caprylic Acid and how can you maximise its effects?

We recommend taking between one and three capsules a day at mealtimes, with a large glass of water.

Sodium caprylate is very well tolerated by the digestive system and reports of side-effects are very rare (mild nausea or heartburn which quickly disappears).

Other measures you can take alongside your caprylic acid supplementation include:

• reducing your consumption of sweet foods, cheeses, and fermented drinks;
• taking an oral probiotic or a supplement targeted at Candida albicans;
• trying a lapacho infusion made from the inner bark of the Pau d’arco tree, a known anti-fungal;
• gargling with water containing essential oil of tea tree, cinnamon or clove.

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2. Bach AC, Babayan VK. Medium-chain triglycerides: an update. Am J Clin Nutr. 1982 Nov;36(5):950-62. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/36.5.950. PMID: 6814231.
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7. Brunke, S., and Hube, B. (2013) Two unlike cousins: Candida albicans and C. glabrata infection strategies. Cell Microbiol 15: 701–708.
8. Prebiotic capacity of inulin-type fructans. Kolida S, Gibson GR. J Nutr. 2007 Nov;137(11 Suppl):2503S-2506S. Review.
9. Bartholomew GA, Rodu B, Bell DS. Oral candidiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus : A thorough analysis. Diabetes Care 1987;10:607-12.
10. Mimidis K, Papadopoulos V, Margaritis V, et al. Predisposing factors and clinical symptoms in HIV-negative patients with Candida oesophagitis : Are they always present ? Int J Clin Pract 2005;59:210-3