Uses of Caprylic Acid Tablets

Caprylic acid, also called octanoic acid, is a short-chain fatty acid that occurs in human and cow's milk, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil. The supplement form is usually derived from coconut milk. It has been known for at least 40 years to have anti-fungal qualities, so it is used in the treatment of many fungus-based illnesses. Many doctors prefer it over Nystatin, an anti-fungal drug that has several undesirable side effects. Caprylic acid is available in liquid, tablet and capsule form.

Conditions Treated with Caprylic Acid

Caprylic acid is used to treat a broad range of fungal problems, including vaginal yeast infection, male yeast infection (or "jock itch,") oral thrush, and candidiasis (intestinal yeast overgrowth).

Dosage

The standard dose is 1000 mg to 2000 mg daily, taken internally with meals. Most health practitioners recommend starting with a small dose and working up to 2000 mg gradually. Starting with too much too soon can cause a rapid die-off of fungus that may result in unpleasant flu-like symptoms.

How it Works

Experts aren't entirely sure how caprylic acid works against fungus, but it is thought that its acidity allows it to break through fungal cell walls easily, leading to the breakdown of fungal colonies. It is highly fat-soluble, and fats are often able to migrate through cell walls, allowing the acid into cells directly. Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infections, can colonize the colon in the form of a membrane, and caprylic acid's cell-destroying actions seem to break such a membrane apart.

Tips for Usage

Because caprylic acid's fat solubility is part of what makes it beneficial, the Web site Fungusfocus.com recommends you consume it with meals that include some fat --- butter, olive oil, or even fat from oily fish.

When trying to beat any kind of fungal infection, it's a good idea to eliminate foods from your diet that create a fungus-friendly environment. This includes sugar, alcohol, caffeine, non-fermented dairy products, and (some say) wheat.

To Keep in Mind

Mild gastrointestinal upset such as nausea or slight diarrhea sometimes occur when treatment with caprylic acid begins. This is called the die-off effect, and is a normal result of the dead fungus working its way out of your system. You can help it along by being sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day --- eight glasses at least.

While tablets can be highly effective, many natural health practitioners recommend taking caprylic acid in a timed-release capsule formula so that it can reach the small intestine before being entirely dissolved.