Evidence supporting the use of: Capric acid
For the health condition: Fat Metabolism (poor)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Capric acid, also known as decanoic acid, is a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. Its use to support or treat poor fat metabolism is based on scientific understanding of how MCFAs are absorbed and metabolized in the body. Unlike long-chain fatty acids, MCFAs like capric acid are absorbed directly into the portal vein and transported to the liver, where they are rapidly oxidized for energy rather than being stored as fat. This property has led to the inclusion of capric acid and other MCFAs in nutritional interventions for individuals with fat malabsorption disorders, such as certain liver diseases, pancreatic insufficiency, or after gastrointestinal surgery. Clinical evidence supporting capric acid’s specific role in improving fat metabolism in otherwise healthy individuals or in those with general metabolic disorders is limited. Most studies assess medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) as a group, rather than isolating capric acid. A few clinical trials have shown that MCT supplementation can enhance energy expenditure and fat oxidation modestly compared to long-chain triglycerides, but these effects are generally small. The direct impact of capric acid alone on fat metabolism is not well established. Overall, while there is a scientific rationale for the use of capric acid (as part of MCTs) in specific clinical scenarios of fat malabsorption, robust clinical evidence for its use in treating generally poor fat metabolism is lacking, and more research is needed.

More about capric acid
More about Fat Metabolism (poor)

Other health conditions supported by capric acid

Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Fat Metabolism (poor)

Products containing capric acid

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.