Capric Acid
A medium-chain fat from coconut and goat milk.
What is Capric Acid?
Capric acid is a ten-carbon medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), closely related to caprylic acid. Like other MCTs it is digested and absorbed easily and used quickly for energy or ketone production, and it shows some antimicrobial activity.
Health benefits of Capric Acid
- A fast-burning source of energy as an MCT
- Easily digested without needing bile
- Has mild antimicrobial properties
- Found alongside caprylic acid in MCT products
Top food sources of Capric Acid
See full rankingCoconut and palm-kernel oil, MCT oil, and goat milk and cheese. Values shown per 100 g.
Oil, coconut
6,000 mg
Oil, industrial, coconut, confection fat, typical basis for ice cream coatings
5,596 mg
Oil, industrial, coconut, principal uses candy coatings, oil sprays, roasting nuts
5,594 mg
Oil, industrial, coconut (hydrogenated), used for whipped toppings and coffee whiteners
5,539 mg
Oil, babassu
5,500 mg
Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, ALIMENTUM ADVANCE, with iron, powder, not reconstituted, with DHA and ARA (formerly ROSS)
5,351 mg
Child formula, MEAD JOHNSON, PORTAGEN, with iron, powder, not reconstituted
4,975 mg
Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, SENSITIVE, (LACTOSE FREE), powder, with ARA and DHA (formerly ROSS)
4,312 mg
Shortening confectionery, coconut (hydrogenated) and or palm kernel (hydrogenated)
4,300 mg
Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, PREGESTIMIL, with iron, powder, not reconstituted
4,100 mg
Nuts, coconut meat, dried (desiccated), creamed
3,846 mg
Vegetable oil, palm kernel
3,700 mg
How much Capric Acid do you need?
There is no Daily Value. It is found mainly in coconut oil, goat milk and MCT supplements.
Capric Acid deficiency
There is no dietary requirement or known deficiency for capric acid.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Related nutrients
Frequently asked questions
What does Capric Acid do?
Capric acid is a ten-carbon medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), closely related to caprylic acid. Like other MCTs it is digested and absorbed easily and used quickly for energy or ketone production, and it shows some antimicrobial activity.
How much Capric Acid do I need per day?
There is no Daily Value. It is found mainly in coconut oil, goat milk and MCT supplements.
Which foods are highest in Capric Acid?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Oil, coconut, Oil, industrial, coconut, confection fat, typical basis for ice cream coatings, Oil, industrial, coconut, principal uses candy coatings, oil sprays, roasting nuts, Oil, industrial, coconut (hydrogenated), used for whipped toppings and coffee whiteners, Oil, babassu.
What happens if I don't get enough Capric Acid?
There is no dietary requirement or known deficiency for capric acid.