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Uses
- Also found in palm oils, caprylic acid is used by holistic practitioners to treat yeast infections, as well as to restore healthy pH levels in the body.
- While it is available in pill and capsule form, certified nutrition specialist Josh Axe notes that there is not much research available that caprylic acid is effective as a nutritional supplement.
- There is some evidence that caprylic acid can help to treat children with epilepsy.
- There is also some evidence that caprylic acid can delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association of America, but larger trials are needed to confirm this.
Benefits
- The overgrowth of yeast fungus in your gut is called candida: Problems associated with candida include abdominal bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, depression and chronic fatigue syndrome. As a yeast-fighting agent, it is theorized that the anti-fungal activity of caprylic acid dissolves the cell membrane of the candida yeast cells and causes them to die off.
- Skin infections: External yeast infections come in various forms, as in vaginitis in women, jock itch in men and ringworm. Taken orally, caprylic acid’s yeast fighting agents work to dissolve the cell walls of the bacteria that cause these external infections. Caprylic acid may also be helpful to treat thrush, which is the overgrowth of yeast that causes an infection in the mouth.
- It may also have a beneficial effect on high blood pressure.
- Other benefits may include helpful relief from those who suffer from Chron’s disease, an inflammatory intestinal condition.
Cautions
Avoid caprylic acid if you have an inflammatory bowel condition such as ulcerative colitis.
Side effects are rare, but reports of mild stomach upset and headaches have been associated with caprylic acid. To avoid these reactions, take caprylic acid with meals.
Other Names
C8:0
References
Source: Healthline, http://www.healthline.com/health/caprylic-acid-coconut-oil#1
LiveStrong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/179828-health-benefits-of-caprylic-acid/