The commonly known name of octanoic acid, a simple fatty acid, is Caprylic acid. It is a beneficiary, natural dietary supplement. It can be taken in the form of pill, tablet and liquid. Naturally, this organic acid is present in human, cow and goat milk. It is also available in small amounts in botanical sources like coconut oil and palm oil. It has a lot of benefits, both industrially and medically. Some of these benefits are highlighted below:

1. Essential requirement for the body

Like omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids, Caprylic acid is also considered as an essential fatty acid (or EFA) for our life. These fatty acids are essential components of almost all of our body parts. These components control our mentality, vitality and growth. These fatty acids are also necessary for good memory, concentration and physical condition.

2. Treating fungal infections

The most commonly considered benefit of Caprylic acid is curing fungal infections specially Candiasis or yeast infection. This disease can be accompanied by a number of health-related issues like thrush, chronic fatigue, bloating of the abdomen, depression and different digestive disorders. Caprylic acid can effectively cure this disease. Besides, Caprylic acid is also capable of treating other infections such as ringworm, gastroenteritis and salmonella.

3. Curing bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can be dealt with by the use of Caprylic acid. Due to its short molecular chain length, it is able to pass through the membranes surrounding fatty cells. This enables it to be effective in dealing with certain bacteria coated with lipids like Staphylococcus aureus and certain Streptococcus species.

4. Can be taken in the form of medicinal drugs

Caprylic acid is available in the usual form of medicines we commonly take like tablets, pills and liquids. These medicines are industrially prepared and therefore are easy to get. Otherwise, taking the acid from natural sources like milk or coconut and palm oil as medicines for fungal and bacterial diseases will not be sufficient as Caprylic acid is not present in these sources in the required amount. So having this herbal medicine in the form of medicinal drugs is quite advantageous.

5. Industrial benefits

Caprylic acid is used industrially in the production of esters used in making perfumes and also in the preparation of dyes. It is also used as an antimicrobial pesticide in food processing equipment, dairy equipment and in beverage processing plants. It also works as a disinfectant ‘ in veterinary facilities, health care facilities, recreational facilities, industrial facilities, office buildings, schools and colleges, livestock premises, hotels and motels, and in restaurants. Besides, Caprylic acid is also used as a bactericide, algaecide and fungicide in greenhouses, nurseries and garden centers.

Conclusion

The benefits and uses of Caprylic acid are many. Though it is mainly known for treating fungal infections, it has a wide range of uses besides it as well. It renders health care benefits as well as industrial benefits. Therefore, a lot of benefits can be derived from the right use of Caprylic acid.