Caprylic Acid
A medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) for quick energy.
What is Caprylic Acid?
Caprylic acid is an eight-carbon medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). MCTs are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and sent to the liver, where they are rapidly burned for energy or turned into ketones — which is why MCT oil and coconut products are popular for quick fuel.
Health benefits of Caprylic Acid
- Rapidly absorbed and converted to energy or ketones
- Does not need bile to be digested, easing absorption
- Has antimicrobial activity against some microbes
- A key component of MCT oil
Top food sources of Caprylic Acid
See full rankingCoconut and palm-kernel oil, MCT oil, and goat milk. Values shown per 100 g.
Child formula, MEAD JOHNSON, PORTAGEN, with iron, powder, not reconstituted
13,558 mg
Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, PREGESTIMIL, with iron, powder, not reconstituted
10,900 mg
Oil, industrial, coconut, principal uses candy coatings, oil sprays, roasting nuts
8,212 mg
Oil, industrial, coconut, confection fat, typical basis for ice cream coatings
7,889 mg
Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, SENSITIVE, (LACTOSE FREE), powder, with ARA and DHA (formerly ROSS)
7,774 mg
Oil, industrial, coconut (hydrogenated), used for whipped toppings and coffee whiteners
7,574 mg
Oil, coconut
7,500 mg
Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, ALIMENTUM ADVANCE, with iron, powder, not reconstituted, with DHA and ARA (formerly ROSS)
7,231 mg
Oil, babassu
6,000 mg
Nuts, coconut meat, dried (desiccated), creamed
4,840 mg
Nuts, coconut meat, dried (desiccated), not sweetened
4,520 mg
Shortening confectionery, coconut (hydrogenated) and or palm kernel (hydrogenated)
4,300 mg
How much Caprylic Acid do you need?
There is no Daily Value. It is concentrated in coconut oil and MCT oil supplements.
Caprylic Acid deficiency
There is no dietary requirement; caprylic acid is valued as a quick energy source rather than an essential nutrient.
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 Caprylic Acid do?
Caprylic acid is an eight-carbon medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). MCTs are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and sent to the liver, where they are rapidly burned for energy or turned into ketones — which is why MCT oil and coconut products are popular for quick fuel.
How much Caprylic Acid do I need per day?
There is no Daily Value. It is concentrated in coconut oil and MCT oil supplements.
Which foods are highest in Caprylic Acid?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Child formula, MEAD JOHNSON, PORTAGEN, with iron, powder, not reconstituted, Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, PREGESTIMIL, with iron, powder, not reconstituted, Oil, industrial, coconut, principal uses candy coatings, oil sprays, roasting nuts, Oil, industrial, coconut, confection fat, typical basis for ice cream coatings, Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, SENSITIVE, (LACTOSE FREE), powder, with ARA and DHA (formerly ROSS).
What happens if I don't get enough Caprylic Acid?
There is no dietary requirement; caprylic acid is valued as a quick energy source rather than an essential nutrient.