Caprylic Acid
See also :
Caprylic acid is a medium-chain triglyceride found naturally in palm oil and coconut oil, and in human breast milk and cow's milk. It is an anti-fungal agent and also the active ingredient in a new medical food validated by scientific research as an effective treatment for Alzheimer's. The medical food is being marketed under the name Axona.
Caprylic acid works by providing the brain with an alternate source of energy. Healthy brains use glucose as their main source of cellular energy. But imaging studies show that brains affected by Alzheimer's use less glucose. If brain cells affected by Alzheimer's could be powered in some other way, symptoms of dementia could be eradicated.
The substances produced by caprylic acid in the body—known as ketones—can provide that essential alternative source of energy.
Other sources of Caprylic acid :
- cow-, goat- and human milk
- coconut oil
- palm oil
Special Precautions of Caprylic Acid
- Due to a lack of research, little is known about the safety of long-term use of supplements containing caprylic acid. But there's some concern that caprylic acid may trigger certain side effects, such as nausea, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, and indigestion due to the increased fatty acid intake.
- It's important to note that self-treating a chronic condition (such as high blood pressure or Crohn's disease) with caprylic acid, and avoiding or delaying standard care, may have serious consequences. If you're considering the use of caprylic acid in treatment of a chronic condition, make sure to consult your physician.
The benefits of Caprylic Acid are
Caprylic acid's potential against Alzheimer's is highly promising. Yet, its amazing effects for Candida detoxification are equally extraordinary. For more than 40 years scientists have known about the power of caprylic acid for treating Candida symptoms. Natural health experts say that treatment with caprylic acid will vary depending on whether you are using it for Alzheimer's or for candida detoxification.
- Alzheimer's Disease : According to an article in Alzheimer's Weekly, coconut oil contains active ingredients that can provide the brain with the ketones needed to improve function in Alzheimer's patients. The article advises, however, that Alzheimer's treatment should always be supervised by a physician, whether the remedy is coconut oil, caprylic acid capsules, or the prescription-based Axona.
- Candidiasis : Numerous studies have confirmed the efficacy of caprylic acid against candida. Some practitioners recommend coconut oil as a food source of capyrlic acid. However, caprylic acid is also available in capsule form for those who need higher doses or who find capsules more convenient. Caprylic acid supplements are available through health food shops, pharmacies, and online health retailers. Natural health practitioners say that the symptoms of Candida overgrowth should be greatly reduced after taking the supplement, as directed, for a short period of time.
- Cholesterol : Preliminary research indicates that caprylic acid may help keep your cholesterol in check. In a study published in the journal Lipids in 2008, tests on rats determined that treatment with caprylic acid led to a decrease in cholesterol levels. However, caprylic acid failed to lower blood pressure.
- Crohn's Disease : Caprylic acid shows promise in the treatment of Crohn's disease. In a 2002 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, tests on human cells revealed that caprylic acid may help treat Crohn's disease by suppressing the release of interleukin 8 (a protein that plays a key role in promoting intestinal inflammation).
- Bacterial Infections : Although some animal-based research suggests that caprylic acid may offer antibacterial benefits—and, in turn, help prevent or treat bacterial infections—there is currently a lack of research testing caprylic acid's effectiveness against bacterial infections in humans.
