Caprylic Acid

Caprylic acid (modern chemical name octanoic acid) is a fatty acid found in fairly large quantities in coconut oil, which is the normal source. Caprylic Acid is a short chain fatty acid that has been known to possess anti-fungal activity for over 40 years.
Caprylic acid is used for treatment and cure of fungus infections and yeast infections, especially systemic, chronic, or recurrent fungus infection and yeast infection caused by Candida albicans intestinal yeast overgrowth (Candidiasis). Caprylic acid thus addresses the underlying causes of fungus and yeast-related disorders including oral yeast infection (thrush), vaginal yeast infection (vaginitis), male yeast infection and intestinal disorders commonly associated with Candida albicans yeast overgrowth (Candidiasis), including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), leaky gut syndrome, intestinal parasite infections, and intestinal bacterial infections.
Caprylic acid is an anti-fungal, eight carbon, short chain fatty acid preferred by many doctors over the prescription drug Nystatin for the control of Candida Albicans. The anti-fungal effect of caprylic acid has been demonstrated in both clinical trials and in vitro studies. In the pH range from acid to slightly alkaline, caprylic acid exhibits high fungicidal activity against yeasts, especially Candida Albicans. The exact mechanism of fungicidal action of caprylic acid is not fully understood; however, it is thought that caprylic acid dissolves the cell membrane of yeast, causing changes in fluidity and permeability that lead to membrane breakup. It is believed that Candida migrates into the mucosal wall. Because of its excellent lipotrophic (fat solubility) properties (which allow it to penetrate the mucosal cells), caprylic acid is also believed to be effective against intramucosal Candida.
Because of the fat solubility of Caprylic Acid, it is recommended that dietary fat be included at meals when Caprylic Acid is taken. Alternatively, Caprylic Acid can be accompanied by essential fats (Flax Seed Oil, fish oil, Omega 3 fatty acids, etc.). Because it is rapidly absorbed, Caprylic Acid should be given in a sustained release formula to distribute the agent throughout the intestinal tract and make it useful as a fungicide rather than simply being almost instantly absorbed and used as fuel in the way that normal fats are used.