howtosupplement
Weight/Cognition

Caprylic acid

Medium-chain fatty acid from coconut and palm kernel oil that raises ketones and may aid ketogenic diets and cognition.

Caprylic acid

Caprylic acid

43
score
C
evidence
Caution
risk

Proven Benefits

01Raises blood ketones
02May improve Alzheimer's cognition
03May support modest fat loss

Chemical Forms

Recommended
  • Purified C8 MCT oil
  • C8 triglycerides
  • Sodium/potassium caprylate
Avoid
  • Mixed MCT oil labeled 'C8/C10' (less ketogenic per gram)
  • Coconut oil (~6-8% C8 by weight)
Expert Note

Pure C8 MCT oil delivers more caprylic acid per gram than mixed C8/C10 oils because octanoate is transported and oxidized rapidly in the liver. Coconut oil contains only a small fraction of C8, so it is a poor source if the goal is ketosis. Caprylate salts are absorbed quickly, but human data are thinner than for C8 oil.

Protocol

Amount
10-20 g
Frequency
Once or twice daily
When
With meals to reduce GI upset; any time of day if tolerated.

Condition-Based Dosing

Mild Alzheimer's disease or MCI under supervision
20 g daily in 2 divided doses with meals for 8-12 weeks
Ketogenic diet support / first-time users
5-10 g daily for 3-7 days, then 10-15 g daily as tolerated

Safety & Limits

Upper Safe Limit
No official UL; practical ceiling is often limited by diarrhea and cramping at ~30 g/day.
Cycling
Safe for continuous use

Contraindications

MCADD or other medium-chain fat oxidation disorders — risk of metabolic decompensation
Advanced liver failure — ketone handling may be impaired; clinician oversight needed

Avoid Combining With

  • ✕High-carbohydrate meals (blunt the ketone rise; use with low-carb meals if ketosis is the goal)
  • ✕Alcohol (can suppress ketogenesis and worsen GI upset)
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