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Caprylic acid
Caprylic acid
Caprylic acid
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Caprylic acid
Skeletal formula
Skeletal formula
Ball-and-stick model
Ball-and-stick model
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
Octanoic acid
Other names
1-Heptanecarboxylic acid
Octylic acid
Octoic acid
C8:0 (lipid numbers)
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEBI
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
DrugBank
ECHA InfoCard 100.004.253 Edit this at Wikidata
EC Number
  • 204-677-5
KEGG
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C8H16O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8(9)10/h2-7H2,1H3,(H,9,10) checkY
    Key: WWZKQHOCKIZLMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  • InChI=1/C8H16O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8(9)10/h2-7H2,1H3,(H,9,10)
    Key: WWZKQHOCKIZLMA-UHFFFAOYAH
  • CCCCCCCC(=O)O
Properties
C8H16O2
Molar mass 144.214 g/mol
Appearance Oily colorless liquid
Odor Faint, fruity-acid; irritating
Density 0.910 g/cm3[1]
Melting point 16.7 °C (62.1 °F; 289.8 K)[3]
Boiling point 239.7 °C (463.5 °F; 512.8 K)[1]
0.068 g/100 mL[1]
Solubility Soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether, CS2, petroleum ether, acetonitrile
log P 3.05
Vapor pressure 0.25 Pa
Acidity (pKa)
  • 4.89[2]
  • 1.055 (2.06–2.63 K)
  • 1.53 (−191 °C)
−101.60·10−6 cm3/mol
1.4285
Thermochemistry
297.9 J/K·mol
−636 kJ/mol
Hazards
GHS labelling:
GHS05: Corrosive[4]
Danger
H314
P264, P280, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340+P310, P305+P351+P338+P310, P363, P405, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704 four-colored diamondHealth 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury. E.g. chlorine gasFlammability 0: Will not burn. E.g. waterInstability 1: Normally stable, but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. E.g. calciumSpecial hazard COR: Corrosive; strong acid or base. E.g. sulfuric acid, potassium hydroxide
3
0
1
COR
Flash point 130 °C (266 °F; 403 K)
440 °C (824 °F; 713 K)
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
10.08 g/kg (orally in rats)[1]
Related compounds
Related compounds
 Heptanoic acid, nonanoic acid
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
checkY verify (what is checkY☒N ?)

Caprylic acid (from Latin capra 'goat'), also known under the systematic name octanoic acid or C8 acid, is a saturated fatty acid, medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA). It has the structural formula H3C−(CH2)6−COOH, and is a colorless oily liquid that is minimally soluble in water with a slightly unpleasant rancid-like smell and taste.[1] Salts and esters of octanoic acid are known as octanoates or caprylates. The name of the related acyl group is octanoyl, capryloyl, or caprylyl.[5] It is a common industrial chemical, which is produced by oxidation of the C8 aldehyde.[6] Its compounds are found naturally in the milk of various mammals and as a minor constituent of coconut oil and palm kernel oil.[3]

Two other acids are named after goats via the Latin word capra: caproic acid (C6) and capric acid (C10). Together, these three fatty acids comprise 15% of the fatty acids in goat milk fat.

Metabolism

[edit]

Octanoyl-ACP

[edit]

One of the products of the mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis (mtFAS) pathway is octanoic acid bound to acyl carrier protein (ACP), also referred to as octanoyl-ACP.[7] In the absence of a mitochondrial acyl-ACP thioesterase—none has been identified in any animal species—octanoic acid remains attached to ACP rather than being released as a free fatty acid.[8] Octanoyl-ACP serves as the precursor for the biosynthesis of lipoic acid, a vital cofactor required by several key mitochondrial enzymes complexes, including the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), the α‑ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDC), the 2-oxoadipate dehydrogenase complex (OADHC), the branched‑chain α‑ketoacid dehydrogenase complex (BCKDC), and the glycine cleavage system (GCS).[9][10]

Octanoyl-CoA

[edit]
Main article: Octanoyl-CoA

Caprylic acid plays an important role in the body's regulation of energy input and output, a function which is performed by the hormone ghrelin. The sensation of hunger is a signal that the body requires an input of energy in the form of food consumption. Ghrelin stimulates hunger by triggering receptors in the hypothalamus. In order to activate these receptors, ghrelin must undergo a process called acylation in which it acquires an acyl group, and caprylic acid provides this by linking at a specific serine site on ghrelin molecules. Other fatty acids in the same position have similar effects on hunger.[citation needed]

Uses

[edit]

Industrial and commercial use

[edit]

Caprylic acid is used commercially in the production of esters used in perfumery and also in the manufacture of dyes.[citation needed]

The acyl chloride of caprylic acid is used in the synthesis of perfluorooctanoic acid.[11]

Caprylic acid is an antimicrobial pesticide used as a food contact surface sanitizer in commercial food handling establishments on dairy equipment, food processing equipment, breweries, wineries, and beverage processing plants. It is also used as disinfectant in health care facilities and public places. Caprylic acid is used as an algicide, bactericide, fungicide, and herbicide in nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and interiors, and on ornamentation. Products containing caprylic acid are formulated as soluble concentrate/liquids and ready-to-use liquids.[12]

Dietary uses

[edit]
See also: Medium-chain triglyceride § Dietary relevance

Caprylic acid is taken as a dietary supplement. In the body, caprylic acid would be found as octanoate, or unprotonated caprylic acid.[13]

Some studies have shown that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can help in the process of excess calorie burning, and thus weight loss;[14][15][16][17][18] however, a systematic review of the evidence concluded that the overall results are inconclusive.[19] Interest in MCTs has been shown by endurance athletes and the bodybuilding community, but MCTs have not been found to be beneficial to exercise performance.[18]

Medical uses

[edit]

Caprylic acid has been studied as part of a ketogenic diet to treat children with intractable epilepsy.[20] Caprylic acid is currently being researched as a treatment for essential tremor.[20][21]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Caprylic acid

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Caprylic acid, systematically known as octanoic acid, is a saturated medium-chain with the molecular formula C₈H₁₆O₂ and a molecular weight of 144.21 g/mol. It features a straight-chain structure consisting of seven carbon atoms attached to a carboxyl group, rendering it a colorless to light yellow oily liquid with a mild, fruity-acidic at . Physically, it has a of 16.3–16.5 °C, a of 239 °C, a of 0.91 g/cm³, and limited in (0.068 g/100 mL at 20 °C), though it dissolves readily in organic solvents like alcohol, , and . Caprylic acid occurs naturally in various biological sources, including (where it constitutes about 8% of the fatty acids), , mammalian milk fats (such as cow at 0.53–1.04%), and human breast , as well as being a in humans and certain like Escherichia coli. It is primarily produced industrially through the of coconut or palm kernel oils or via of medium-chain fatty acids, yielding a product suitable for diverse applications. In the , caprylic acid serves as an approved additive (E 570) for its emulsifying and stabilizing properties in products like margarines and blends, and it contributes effects to preserve foodstuffs. In and personal care, it functions as an emollient, , and in formulations such as lotions, shampoos, and perfumes, often in esterified forms like caprylic/capric derived from . Medically, caprylic acid exhibits antibacterial and activities, making it useful in treating conditions like yeast infections and as a component in (MCT) oils for ketogenic diets to manage ; emerging research also explores its potential as an adjuvant against Helicobacter pylori-associated infections due to its and mechanisms. Additionally, it finds industrial roles in the synthesis of dyes, antiseptics, fungicides, and antivenoms.

Properties

Physical properties

Caprylic acid, systematically named octanoic acid, has the molecular formula C₈H₁₆O₂ and a molecular weight of 144.21 g/mol. It appears as a colorless to slightly liquid at , with a mild, fruity-acidic odor. Upon cooling, it solidifies into leafy crystals. The is 16.3 °C, and the is 239.7 °C at 760 mmHg. Its density is 0.910 g/cm³ at 20 °C. Caprylic acid shows low in water (0.068 g/100 mL at 20 °C) but is soluble in , , and . Other notable physical properties include a of 1.428 at 20 °C and a of 130 °C (open cup).
PropertyValueConditionsSource
Molecular formulaC₈H₁₆O₂-PubChem
Molecular weight144.21 g/mol-PubChem
AppearanceColorless to slightly yellow liquidRoom temperaturePubChem
OdorMild, fruity-acidic-PubChem; ChemicalBook
Melting point16.3 °C-PubChem
Boiling point239.7 °C760 mmHgPubChem
Density0.910 g/cm³20 °CPubChem
Water solubility0.068 g/100 mL20 °CPubChem
Solubility in organicsSoluble in ethanol, ether, chloroform-PubChem
Refractive index1.42820 °C (D line)PubChem; Sigma-Aldrich
Flash point130 °COpen cupPubChem

Chemical properties

Caprylic acid, also known as octanoic acid, is a saturated that undergoes the characteristic reactions of carboxylic acids, such as esterification with alcohols to form esters, amidation with amines to produce amides, and salt formation with bases to yield carboxylates. Its acidity is moderate, with a pKa value of 4.89 at 25 °C, allowing it to partially dissociate in aqueous solutions and form salts readily. Caprylic acid demonstrates good under normal ambient conditions, remaining largely unaffected by light or moderate heat. As a saturated , it exhibits low susceptibility to , oxidizing only slowly in the presence of air, in contrast to unsaturated fatty acids that are more prone to rapid oxidative degradation. Upon heating to temperatures above 200 °C, it decomposes, releasing acrid and irritating fumes. Common derivatives include salts like sodium caprylate, which is the sodium salt of octanoic acid and finds applications in antimicrobial formulations due to its solubility in water. Esters such as ethyl caprylate (ethyl octanoate) are notable for their use in fragrances and flavors, imparting fruity, waxy, or pineapple-like aromas.

Natural occurrence

In biological systems

Caprylic acid, an eight-carbon saturated , occurs naturally in trace amounts in mammalian and animal fats. In human , it constitutes approximately 0.1–0.2% of total fatty acids, contributing to the medium-chain fatty acid profile that supports . Similarly, levels in bovine are around 1%, with overall medium-chain fatty acids, including caprylic acid, comprising only a small fraction (less than 5%) of fat in various mammals, reflecting its minor role in these lipid reservoirs. Caprylic acid is also a metabolite in humans and bacteria such as . In plants, caprylic acid serves as a significant component of certain seed oils, particularly in tropical species. It is a major constituent of (Cocos nucifera) oil, where it accounts for 5.4–9.5% of total fatty acids, and palm kernel oil, comprising about 3.3%. The acid is also present in (Myristica fragrans) seed oil, alongside other medium-chain fatty acids, though in lower proportions dominated by longer chains like . These plant sources highlight caprylic acid's distribution in lipid-rich endosperms, aiding seed storage and germination processes. Microbial synthesis of caprylic acid occurs through chain elongation pathways in anaerobic bacteria, such as Clostridium kluyveri, which converts shorter-chain substrates like and into medium-chain carboxylates during . This process produces caprylic acid (n-octanoate) alongside , enabling the bacterium to extend carbon chains for in oxygen-limited environments. In pure cultures, C. kluyveri has demonstrated n-caprylic acid production from syngas-derived effluents, underscoring its role in microbial diversification.

In foods and oils

Caprylic acid, a medium-chain , occurs naturally in several dietary sources, particularly in tropical oils and products. is one of the richest sources, containing approximately 7-10% caprylic acid as a of total fatty acids. [Palm kernel oil](/page/Palm kernel_oil) also serves as a significant source, with levels ranging from 3-5% of total fatty acids. In fats, typically includes 1-2% caprylic acid, while cheeses such as exhibit higher concentrations, approximately 2.5-3% of total fatty acids, contributing to their characteristic profiles. These levels position caprylic acid as a key component of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in everyday foods. In the human diet, caprylic acid contributes substantially to overall MCT intake, which supports quick energy provision due to its rapid . In Western diets, the average daily consumption of caprylic acid is estimated at 1-2 grams, primarily derived from and occasional use of tropical oils. This intake varies based on dietary habits, with higher amounts in populations consuming more , cheese, or coconut-based products. Caprylic acid influences the sensory qualities of foods, imparting a soapy or goat-like at higher concentrations, which is evident in aged cheeses and unrefined tropical oils. This flavor arises from its volatile nature and interaction with other short- and medium-chain fatty acids. Additionally, its properties can enhance , particularly in and oil-based products. Processing methods affect caprylic acid levels; for instance, variations in oil refining can lead to minor reductions, though saturated chains like caprylic are generally stable.

Production

Industrial production

Caprylic acid is primarily produced on an industrial scale through the of or , followed by of the resulting mixture. The process begins with using an alkali such as to split the triglycerides into and a mixture of free fatty acids, including medium-chain variants like caprylic acid. The fatty acids are then separated via under reduced pressure, leveraging differences in boiling points to isolate the C8 fraction. This method exploits the natural abundance of caprylic acid in these oils, where it constitutes approximately 7-10% of the total fatty acids. The fractionation step achieves high purity levels, with commercial products often reaching such as 99% caprylic acid content from sources. As a byproduct of (C12) production, caprylic acid is recovered from the lighter fractions during the of derivatives, enhancing overall process efficiency. Sustainability challenges, particularly deforestation linked to cultivation, are mitigated through certifications like the (RSPO), which ensures traceable, environmentally responsible sourcing for a significant portion of oleochemical feedstocks. Alternative industrial routes include the oxidation of , a petrochemical-derived alcohol, using catalysts like or air under high pressure to yield caprylic acid directly. Though less prevalent due to higher costs and environmental concerns compared to natural oil processing, this synthetic method provides a consistent supply independent of agricultural variability. using engineered yeasts, such as lipolytica, represents an emerging biotechnological approach, where metabolic pathways are modified to accumulate medium-chain fatty acids like caprylic acid from glucose or waste feedstocks; however, it remains less common for large-scale production owing to scalability challenges.

Laboratory synthesis

One classical laboratory method for synthesizing caprylic acid (octanoic acid) involves the , where is alkylated with 1-bromohexane, followed by and . The process begins with of using a base such as to form the , which then undergoes an with 1-bromohexane (Br(CH₂)₅CH₃) to yield the alkylated malonic ester (EtO₂C)₂CH(CH₂)₅CH₃. Subsequent alkaline converts the diester to the diacid, and heating under acidic conditions induces , affording caprylic acid (HO₂C(CH₂)₆CH₃) and CO₂. \ceBr(CH2)5CH3+CH2(CO2Et)2−>(EtO2C)2CH(CH2)5CH3−>[hydrolysis,decarboxylation]HO2C(CH2)6CH3+CO2\ce{Br(CH2)5CH3 + CH2(CO2Et)2 -> (EtO2C)2CH(CH2)5CH3 ->[hydrolysis, decarboxylation] HO2C(CH2)6CH3 + CO2} This method is particularly useful for preparing isotopically labeled variants of caprylic acid, such as those incorporating ¹³C or ¹⁴C at specific positions, by starting with labeled diethyl malonate or alkyl halide precursors. Yields for this synthesis typically range from 70-90%, depending on reaction conditions and purification steps. An alternative synthetic route employs carbonylation of 1-heptene via hydroformylation using cobalt catalysts, producing octanal, which is then oxidized to caprylic acid. In the hydroformylation step, 1-heptene reacts with syngas (CO and H₂) in the presence of a cobalt carbonyl catalyst under moderate pressure and temperature to form predominantly n-octanal. The aldehyde is subsequently oxidized, often using air or a mild oxidant like silver oxide, to yield the carboxylic acid. This approach leverages the regioselectivity of hydroformylation for linear chain extension and is suitable for small-scale preparations. In modern laboratory settings, biocatalytic methods using lipases offer a selective and route through of octyl esters of caprylic acid. Immobilized lipases, such as those from Candida antarctica or Rhizomucor miehei, catalyze the regioselective of octyl caprylate in aqueous or biphasic media, liberating caprylic acid and . This enzymatic process operates under mild conditions (typically 30-50°C, neutral ), achieving high specificity for medium-chain esters and yields comparable to classical methods, while facilitating easy recovery for reuse. Such biocatalytic syntheses are increasingly applied in research for producing pure or modified caprylic acid derivatives.

Biological role

Biosynthesis

Caprylic acid, also known as octanoic acid, is biosynthesized de novo in and microorganisms primarily through the type II (FAS) pathway, which occurs in plastids of cells and the of . The process begins with the carboxylation of to form by (ACCase), providing the two-carbon building blocks for chain elongation. Successive cycles of , reduction, , and further reduction are catalyzed by beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthases (KAS I, II, III), beta-ketoacyl-ACP reductase, 3-hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydratase, and enoyl-ACP reductase, respectively, extending the acyl chain bound to (ACP) by two carbons per cycle. In most organisms, the chain is elongated to longer lengths, but caprylic acid (C8:0) is released as octanoyl-ACP when hydrolyzed by specific acyl-ACP thioesterases. In such as those in the family and (Cocos nucifera), specialized thioesterase isoforms terminate synthesis at medium-chain lengths, including C8, by preferentially cleaving medium-chain acyl-ACPs. For instance, in endosperm, thioesterases exhibit activity toward C8–C14 acyl-ACPs, facilitating the accumulation of caprylic acid in the oil (up to 8–10% of total fatty acids). This chain termination is crucial for producing medium-chain fatty acids that are abundant in . The overall simplified reaction for octanoyl-ACP formation can be represented as: Acetyl-CoA+3 malonyl-CoA+6 NADPH+3 H++3 ATP→octanoyl-ACP+3 CO2+3 ADP+3 Pi+6 NADP++3 CoA\text{Acetyl-CoA} + 3 \text{ malonyl-CoA} + 6 \text{ NADPH} + 3 \text{ H}^+ + 3 \text{ ATP} \rightarrow \text{octanoyl-ACP} + 3 \text{ CO}_2 + 3 \text{ ADP} + 3 \text{ P}_i + 6 \text{ NADP}^+ + 3 \text{ CoA} Noting that malonyl-CoA is derived from additional acetyl-CoA units, the net input is four acetyl-CoA molecules. In microorganisms like Escherichia coli, the native type II FAS similarly elongates to C16–C18, but engineering with plant-derived thioesterases enables C8 release, mimicking natural microbial variants in chain-elongating bacteria. In mammals, caprylic acid biosynthesis occurs via a dedicated mitochondrial type II FAS (mtFAS) pathway, distinct from the cytosolic FAS that primarily produces palmitate (C16:0). The mtFAS employs discrete enzymes, including mitochondrial (HFA1), :ACP transacylase, and ketoacyl synthases (e.g., OXSM), to generate octanoyl-ACP specifically as the precursor for synthesis, an essential cofactor for mitochondrial dehydrogenases. This pathway is not a major source of free caprylic acid for lipid storage but is critical for cellular , with disruptions leading to embryonic lethality. Unlike or microbial for storage , mammalian mtFAS focuses on this short, targeted production, with any free caprylic acid typically derived secondarily from dietary medium-chain triglycerides rather than extensive elongation.

Metabolism

Caprylic acid, a medium-chain , is rapidly absorbed in the through passive diffusion, either in its free form or as part of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), bypassing the formation and lymphatic transport required for long-chain fatty acids. Unlike long-chain fatty acids, which are packaged into chylomicrons and enter systemic circulation, caprylic acid is transported directly to the liver via the , enabling swift hepatic processing. In the liver, caprylic acid is activated in the to form octanoyl-CoA, which enters the mitochondria directly without requiring the carnitine shuttle used by longer-chain fatty acids. Within the mitochondria, beta-oxidation of octanoyl-CoA proceeds through four cycles, yielding four molecules per caprylic acid molecule. These units fuel the for ATP production or contribute to , delivering rapid energy, particularly during states of restriction. The complete oxidation of caprylic acid provides a high yield, supporting its role as a quick source, with most of the molecule oxidized rather than excreted. In humans, caprylic acid exhibits a plasma of approximately 83 minutes following . In microbial systems, octanoyl-ACP serves as an intermediate in reverse beta-oxidation pathways for caprylic acid production.

Uses

Industrial and commercial uses

Caprylic acid and its derivatives, particularly sodium caprylate, function as emulsifiers and in cosmetic formulations due to their ability to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, leveraging the acid's amphiphilic properties. These compounds are commonly incorporated into shampoos, creams, and lotions at concentrations of 1-5% to enhance texture and spreadability while providing mild cleansing action. Esters derived from caprylic acid, such as ethyl octanoate and methyl octanoate, are widely used in perfumery to create fruity, wine-like, and creamy notes, contributing to the fruity character in various fragrance compositions. In industrial settings, caprylic acid serves as a in fuels, , and fluids by forming protective films on metal surfaces to prevent and degradation. It also acts as a key intermediate in the synthesis of plasticizers, which improve flexibility in polymers, and lubricants, where it enhances and stability in synthetic formulations. Additionally, caprylic acid is applied in as an coating, often incorporated into poly() films to inhibit bacterial biofilms like on products, extending without altering food quality. On a commercial scale, caprylic acid contributes to through esterification processes involving medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), where it is converted into methyl esters suitable for . The global caprylic acid market was valued at approximately USD 49 million in 2025, reflecting its growing demand across these sectors. In detergents, caprylic acid forms biodegradable soaps that readily break down in the environment, offering an advantage over soaps derived from longer-chain fatty acids that exhibit greater persistence and potential .

Dietary uses

Caprylic acid is a primary component of (MCT) oils, which typically contain 50-80% caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids derived from sources like or . These MCT oils are commonly used as dietary supplements in ketogenic diets to provide readily available through rapid into ketones, bypassing slower long-chain . In nutritional supplementation, caprylic acid-rich MCT oils support by promoting and enhancing fat oxidation, with meta-analyses indicating that daily intakes of 10-20 grams of MCTs lead to modest reductions in body weight (approximately 1.5%) compared to long-chain triglycerides in individuals. Studies suggest starting doses around 5-10 grams per day to minimize gastrointestinal side effects while achieving these benefits. Historically, MCT oils containing caprylic acid have been incorporated into diets since the to aid energy intake in conditions requiring high caloric density, including early ketogenic approaches for metabolic support. As a food additive, caprylic acid holds Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status from the FDA and serves as a flavor enhancer in baked goods at levels up to 0.013% as served, and is authorized under E 570 in the European system for fatty acids. Nutritionally, it yields 8.3 kcal per gram and contributes to gut health by modulating the microbiota composition, as medium-chain fatty acids like caprylic acid influence microbial diversity and reduce pathogenic overgrowth in animal and human studies. In , pre-exercise supplementation with 10-20 grams of caprylic acid-containing MCT oil has been explored for potential benefits through increased ketone availability, though systematic reviews show mixed results with minimal overall ergogenic effects in healthy athletes.

Medical uses

Caprylic acid exhibits antimicrobial properties, particularly against , with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) reported in the range of 0.28–2 mM in studies, demonstrating inhibition of fungal growth and formation. This efficacy supports its incorporation into oral rinses and topical antifungal formulations for managing , where it disrupts fungal cell membranes without significant resistance development. In the context of epilepsy treatment, caprylic acid, as a primary component of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), contributes to the anticonvulsant effects observed in ketogenic diets, where MCTs typically comprise 20–30% of dietary fat to induce and elevate thresholds. Preclinical studies indicate anticonvulsant effects of caprylic acid in models, potentially contributing to control in MCT-based therapies through modulation of neuronal excitability and enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid ( function. For instance, acute administration of caprylic acid at doses equivalent to 5–10 mmol/kg in models elevates the threshold for maximal electroshock-induced s, supporting its role in MCT-based ketogenic therapies. Emerging research highlights caprylic acid's potential in neurodegenerative conditions, such as , where 2020s studies demonstrate its ability to provide alternative brain energy via production, attenuating amyloid-β toxicity in cellular and models. Higher circulating levels of caprylic acid have been associated with reduced odds of developing in certain subgroups of cognitively normal individuals, as observed in prospective cohort analyses. Preclinical studies, including and models of , suggest caprylic acid has anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines via pathways like TLR4/NF-κB. Caprylic acid is recognized as generally safe by the FDA under GRAS status for use in pharmaceutical formulations, including as an in drugs like those containing Captex MCTs for lipid-based delivery systems. However, doses exceeding 30 g/day, often from MCT sources, can lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as , , , and abdominal cramps, particularly in sensitive individuals. Recent post-2023 studies suggest antiviral potential against by inhibiting viral entry in lung epithelial cells, but clinical trials remain inconclusive regarding efficacy in human cases.

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