Caprylic acid

Octanoyl-ACP

One of the products of the mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis (mtFAS) pathway is octanoic acid bound to acyl carrier protein (ACP), also referred to as octanoyl-ACP.^[7] In the absence of a mitochondrial thioesterase—none has been identified in any animal species—octanoic acid remains attached to ACP rather than being released as a free fatty acid.^[8] Octanoyl-ACP serves as the precursor for the biosynthesis of lipoic acid, a vital cofactor required by several key mitochondrial enzymes complexes, including the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), the α‑ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDC), the 2‑oxoadipate dehydrogenase complex (2‑OADHC), the branched‑chain α‑ketoacid dehydrogenase complex (BCKDC), and the glycine cleavage system (GCS).^[9][10]

Octanoyl-CoA

Caprylic acid plays an important role in the body's regulation of energy input and output, a function which is performed by the hormone ghrelin. The sensation of hunger is a signal that the body requires an input of energy in the form of food consumption. Ghrelin stimulates hunger by triggering receptors in the hypothalamus. In order to activate these receptors, ghrelin must undergo a process called acylation in which it acquires an acyl group, and caprylic acid provides this by linking at a specific serine site on ghrelin molecules. Other fatty acids in the same position have similar effects on hunger.^{[citation needed]}

Industrial and commercial use

Caprylic acid is used commercially in the production of esters used in perfumery and also in the manufacture of dyes.^{[citation needed]}

The acyl chloride of caprylic acid is used in the synthesis of perfluorooctanoic acid.^[11]

Caprylic acid is an antimicrobial pesticide used as a food contact surface sanitizer in commercial food handling establishments on dairy equipment, food processing equipment, breweries, wineries, and beverage processing plants. It is also used as disinfectant in health care facilities and public places. In addition, caprylic acid is used as an algicide, bactericide, fungicide, and herbicide in nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and interiors, and on ornamentation. Products containing caprylic acid are formulated as soluble concentrate/liquids and ready-to-use liquids.^[12]

Dietary uses

Caprylic acid is taken as a dietary supplement. In the body, caprylic acid would be found as octanoate, or unprotonated caprylic acid.^[13]

Some studies have shown that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can help in the process of excess calorie burning, and thus weight loss;^{[14][15][16][17][18]} however, a systematic review of the evidence concluded that the overall results are inconclusive.^[19] Also, interest in MCTs has been shown by endurance athletes and the bodybuilding community, but MCTs have not been found to be beneficial to exercise performance.^[18]

Medical uses

Caprylic acid has been studied as part of a ketogenic diet to treat children with intractable epilepsy.^[20] Caprylic acid is currently being researched as a treatment for essential tremor.^[20][21]