CAPRYLIC ACID: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Caprylic acid (octanoic acid) is a medium-chain fatty acid that is naturally found in palm oil, coconut oil, and the milk of humans and some animals.

Caprylic acid is a part of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) products. It might have anti-inflammatory effects.

People use caprylic acid for epilepsy, a nerve disorder that causes uncontrollable shaking (essential tremor), kidney failure, digestive disorders, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for CAPRYLIC ACID overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Caprylic acid is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used as medicine for up to 20 days. It's usually well tolerated, but side effects might include stomach discomfort and change in taste.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Caprylic acid is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if caprylic acid is safe to use in larger amounts when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Liver disease: Caprylic acid is broken down by the liver. People with liver disease might not be able to break down caprylic acid. But it's not clear if this is a major concern. Until more is known, use with caution.

Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency: People with MCAD deficiency are not able to break down caprylic acid. This can lead to increased levels of caprylic acid in the blood, which might increase the risk of serious side effects. Avoid using.

Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis): People with osteoporosis have weak and brittle bones. Caprylic acid might make bones weaker and more brittle. Until more is known, use with caution.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with CAPRYLIC ACID
Caprylic acid might lower blood pressure. Taking caprylic acid along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) interacts with CAPRYLIC ACID
Taking caprylic acid with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might increase levels of NSAIDs in the body. This might increase the effects and side effects of NSAIDs.
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with CAPRYLIC ACID
Taking caprylic acid with warfarin might increase levels of warfarin in the body. This might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin. Until more is known, be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.

Dosing

Caprylic acid is found in foods that contain palm oil and coconut oil.

As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of caprylic acid might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

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Haubenberger D, McCrossin G, Lungu C, et al. Octanoic acid in alcohol-responsive essential tremor: a randomized controlled study. Neurology. 2013;80(10):933-40. View abstract.

Jain S, Rai R, Singh D, Vohora D. Octanoic acid a major component of widely consumed medium-chain triglyceride ketogenic diet is detrimental to bone. Sci Rep 2021;11(1):7003. View abstract.

Kristev A, Mitkov D, Lukanov Y, Chapkynov P. The effect of octanoic fatty acid on the cardiovascular system of the guinea pig. Cor Vasa 1989;31(4):321-7. View abstract.

Lowell SY, Kelley RT, Dischinat N, et al. Clinical features of essential voice tremor and associations with tremor severity and response to octanoic acid treatment. Laryngoscope 2021. View abstract.

Lowell SY, Kelley RT, Monahan M, Hosbach-Cannon CJ, Colton RH, Mihaila D. The effect of octanoic acid on essential voice tremor: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Laryngoscope. 2019;129(8):1882-1890. View abstract.

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Robinson MK. Population differences in acute skin irritation responses. Race, sex, age, sensitive skin and repeat subject comparisons. Contact Dermatitis 2002;46(2):86-93. View abstract.

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Voller B, Lines E, McCrossin G, et al. Dose-escalation study of octanoic acid in patients with essential tremor. J Clin Invest. 2016;126(4):1451-7. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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