Capric acid (C10:0) also known as decanoic acid or decylic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with formula CH3(CH2)8COOH. Salts and esters of capric acid are known as caprates or decanoates. The word capric acid is derived from Latin word capra or caper due to the sweaty or unpleasant smell of compound similar to goats. It is a medium chain fatty acid which is found in saturated fats. It is present in goat’s milk and cow’s milk in small amounts but is abundant in tropical oils such as palm kernel oil and coconut oil. In purified form, it is a crystalline solid which is insoluble in water having melting point at 31.4 °C (304.55 K; 88.52 °F) and boiling point at 270 °C (543.15 K; 518 °F) at 760 mmHg.

Capric acid could be white crystals or colorless, transparent or pale-yellow liquid in its refined form. The compound is commonly being used as antimicrobial pesticide in commercial foods. The nutrient is used in producing cellulose products, flavoring, dye and lubricating grease, perfumes, medicines, synthetic rubber and specialty soaps.

Food sources of Capric acid

Food name	Weight (g)	Capric acid (g)
Coconut milk	240	3.185
Feta cheese	150	2.733
Cheddar cheese	132	1.082
Swiss cheese	132	1.014
Sheep milk	245	0.980
Goat cheese	28.35	0.973
Fontina cheese	132	0.859
Colby cheese	132	0.788
Muenster cheese	132	0.774
Babassu oil	13.6	0.748
Mexican cheese	132	0.735
Coconut oil	13.6	0.733
Parmesan cheese	100	0.632
Goat cheese	28.35	0.576
Vegetable oil	13.6	0.503
Muenster cheese	113	0.499
Ice creams	107	0.407
Ricotta cheese	124	0.350
Spinach souffle	136	0.309
Gouda cheese	28.35	0.260

Health Benefits of Capric acid

Let us know some health benefits of Capric acid:

Increase HDL cholesterol

The diet of lactating mothers when included virgin coconut oil to the diet have high capric acid in their milk. With caprylic acid and lauric acid as well as other medium chain fatty acids, Capric acid helps to promote high density lipoproteins (HDL), good cholesterol which assist children to prevent toxins and infections. Research disclosed that infections in children are due to high level of LDL than HDL.

Antiviral activity

Capric acid possesses antimicrobial and antiviral properties. It is converted into monocarpin in body where it assists to combat bacteria, virus and yeast Candida albicans. Solutions with monocarpin are used as denture disinfectant.

Source of energy

Saturated fats contain long chain fatty acids which go a long digestive process in the body and are regarded as unhealthy source of energy. Capric acid has medium chain triglycerides which are broken down quickly and processed in liver and used as source of energy to power workouts.

Maintain weight

Capric acid leads to great energy expenditure and support fat and weight loss shown by the conducted study. Before making any dietary changes and exercise, it is better to discuss weight loss plants with the doctor.

Prevent microbes

Due to the anti-microbial possessed by capric acid in industrial pesticides. Study shows that it may have these effects in human body by eliminating pathogens from inside out. Coconut oil is used as an oral treatment for candida. Capric acid is strong and effective in eradicating C. albicans infection by eliminating yeast’s cell membranes and interfering cell signaling pathways.

Digestive health

When compared to other fats, medium chain fatty acids assist in digestion. It is absorbed quickly and passes easily through intestines and passes to liver. It is an ideal source of healthy fats for people with gastrointestinal problems which could be worsened by other fats. It is also beneficial to promote secretion of bile and cholesterol metabolism. It speeds up digestion of fats and prevents reflux, avoid leaky gut and promote intestinal absorption.

Supports bone health

Bone metabolism is a complex series of breaking down or rebuilds minerals which provide strength and durability to skeleton. Illness, age and stress cause breakdown of bone by enhancing number and cells activity which breaks bone. Though limited researches are found but capric acid acts as preventive agent. Capric acid also halts early development of osteoclasts, the cells which break down bone. It could slow resorption of bone conditions such as osteoporosis.