What Is Caprylic Acid and What Does It Do?

Caprylic acid, a type of medium chain triglyceride found in coconut oil, has been reported to provide a number of medical health benefits. But can it help with weight loss and exercise performance goals? The following will discuss the reported benefits.

In addition, we'll discuss where it's sourced from, who should consider taking it, when and how to take it, as well as whether or not there is any reported side effects.

What Is Caprylic Acid?

Caprylic acid is a type of medium chain triglyceride. Triglyceride is the scientific term for fat as fat is made up of a glyceride molecule and three fatty acids. What differentiates different types of fats is the length of the fatty acid chains.

Fatty acid chains are made up of carbon atoms with longer chain fatty acids containing more carbon atoms. As a result of this difference in chemical structure, medium chain fatty acids are broken down at a faster rate.

This results in quicker energy production and less storage in the body.¹ This has led to the suggestion that MCT may help maintain body weight better than LCT which when eaten to excess are stored as body fat.¹

Due to their fast metabolism rate resulting in faster energy production, MCT has also been researched investing their usage as a fuel source to aid sporting performance.²

Where Is It Sourced From?

Answer

It is found in dairy products such as butter and milk, palm kernel oil and coconut oil.¹