Caprylic Acid In Coconut Oil and Alpha Lipoic Acid

Caprylic Acid is being talked about more with the use of it for gut lining and infections. 

Caprylic acid is also called octanoic acid and is a beneficial saturated fatty acid. Nutritionally it is classified as a medium chain fatty acid ( MCFA) 

Caprylic acid is one of the fatty acids in coconut oil but it is not a pure caprylic acid. Coconut oil also has lauric and capric acid in it too. Coconut oil can be aggravating or helpful depending on an individual’s stomach lining. 

Caprylic acid is an exciting nutrient with its use for:

• Fungal conditions 
• Inflammation
• Viral conditions
• Bacterial infections
• Bladder infections and prevention of
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Gingivitis

I have lots of favourite remedies but one is alpha lipoic acid which is derived from caprylic acid. Alpha lipoic acid (also called lipoic acid or thioctic acid) is not classified as essential as it can be synthesized in by plants and animals.  It is an organosulfur compound, hence not to be used if sulphur allergies.  It’s present in every cell inside the body and helps turn glucose into “fuel” for the body to use for energy.

Alpha lipoic has been found to be:

• A great antioxidant helping neutralize free radicals
• Helpful in cases of inflammation
• Help diabetic neuropathy
• Chelating of metals by helping increase glutathione in the cells.

There is more to be learnt or researched in years to come about alpha lipoic’s effects on weight loss, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, carbohydrate metabolism and appetite management.

ALA is found in foods like:

Beets, carrots, Peas, Broccoli, Spinach, Red meat and organ meats, tomatoes.

It should be avoided or used with caution if thiamine is deficient like with high alcohol consumption and or liver disease, be aware it can lower sugar levels in diabetes and check first if taking chemotherapy or on thyroid medication.

If you feel coconut oil or alpha lipoic acid might help you then please talk to your practitioner.

References:

1. Alpha-lipoic acid: Benefits and side effects

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323738#takeaway

2. Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits: Help Improve Insulin Sensitivity & Fight Diabetes

https://draxe.com/nutrition/alpha-lipoic-acid/