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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
43
score
C
evidence
Caution
risk

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Quick Take

Best fit for ketogenic diets; weight-loss effects are modest and cognition data are limited to small AD studies.

Caprylic acid is an 8-carbon saturated fatty acid found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and small amounts in dairy and breast milk. As a medium-chain fat, it is rapidly absorbed and converted in the liver into ketones. Human studies mainly show a quick rise in blood ketones, with smaller trials suggesting possible cognitive benefit in some people with Alzheimer's disease and modest support for fat loss or satiety in ketogenic diets. People on very-low-carb diets or under medical supervision for cognition are the main candidates.

Potential benefits

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

Protocol

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

Onset Time

Ketones rise within 30-60 min; other effects take 2-12 weeks.

Who Should Consider

Adults following ketogenic or very-low-carb diets
People with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's under
Those wanting a purified C8 source instead of mixed MCTs

Food Sources

  • Coconut oil (~6-8% caprylic acid by weight)
  • Palm kernel oil (~3-5% caprylic acid)
  • Butter and full-fat dairy (trace amounts)
  • Breast milk (trace amounts)

How It Works

Caprylic acid bypasses chylomicron transport, enters portal blood quickly, and is beta-oxidized in the liver to acetyl-CoA. That acetyl-CoA is used to make ketone bodies such as beta-hydroxybutyrate, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and provide an alternative fuel when glucose availability is low.

Updated 5/19/2026

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