Undecylenic acid and caprylic acid are fatty acids that you’ll often find in supplements, especially ones intended to support gut health and overall wellness.
The gut microbiome has a significant impact on your overall health, and these fatty acids can play a role in keeping it healthy.
But what are the differences between undecylenic acid vs caprylic acid? What benefits do they offer? This article explores those questions.
What are undecylenic acid and caprylic acid?
Undecylenic acid and caprylic acid are both fatty acids that may show up in the ingredients list of a dietary supplement or a skin cream. What are they and why are they there?
Undecylenic acid
Undecylenic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that comes from castor oil. Chemically, it’s an organic acid with a long carbon chain. It’s sometimes added to topical antifungal products. Some people take it to support the growth of healthy gut flora.
Caprylic acid
Caprylic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. Like undecylenic acid, it has a chain of carbon atoms, but it’s a little shorter. It’s often used to support gut health. It’s also a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil that some people use for energy production.
How do undecylenic acid and caprylic acid help your gut?
Both undecylenic acid and caprylic acid can play a role in supporting a healthy gut environment.
How undecylenic acid works
Undecylenic acid can help you maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, but will it kill good bacteria in your gut? Studies show it’s effective in supporting a balanced gut microbiome, and it may impact specific microorganisms in your gut.
How caprylic acid works
Caprylic acid, on the other hand, is thought to disrupt the cell membranes of certain microorganisms. It works differently from undecylenic acid, but the end result is similar: a gut environment that’s more balanced and less likely to cause problems.
Both compounds are fatty acids that are sometimes used to support overall wellness.
Key differences and comparative effectiveness
Undecylenic acid and caprylic acid both fight fungal overgrowth, but they’re not identical. Here’s how they stack up:
- Potency: Undecylenic acid is reportedly six times more potent than caprylic acid. This is likely due to its longer carbon chain, which allows it to more effectively disrupt fungal cell membranes.
- Spectrum of activity: It’s unclear if one is more effective against a broader range of microorganisms. While both have antifungal properties, individual responses can vary.
- Absorption and metabolism: Both are medium-chain fatty acids, but there may be subtle differences in how your body processes them. These differences could affect their effectiveness, but more research is needed to understand how.
Factors to consider when choosing a supplement
Before taking undecylenic acid or caprylic acid, you should speak with your doctor to make sure that you’re taking the right supplement and the right dosage for your needs. Here are some general considerations:
- Individual needs and health conditions: Are you treating candida? Are you susceptible to fungal overgrowth? Your doctor can help you decide which fatty acid is best for your specific health condition.
- Dosage and formulation: You can find both undecylenic acid and caprylic acid in capsule or liquid form. For reference, Thorne’s undecylenic acid capsules contain 250mg per dose.
- Potential side effects and interactions: Talk to your doctor about any other medications or supplements you’re taking. Thorne’s undecylenic acid is not suitable for people with hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest natural antifungal?
That’s a tricky question! What works best varies from person to person and depends on the specific fungus. Many natural antifungals exist, and their efficacy can be influenced by factors like concentration and application method. Undecylenic acid and caprylic acid are often touted, but other options like oregano oil, tea tree oil, and garlic also have antifungal properties.
Does undecylenic acid work on Candida?
Yes, undecylenic acid has shown promise in combating Candida overgrowth. Studies suggest it can inhibit Candida’s growth and disrupt its biofilm formation, making it a potentially useful tool in managing Candida-related issues. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be used as part of a comprehensive approach.
What is the most powerful Candida killer?
There isn’t one single “most powerful” Candida killer. Effective Candida management usually involves a multi-pronged approach. Prescription antifungal medications are often used for severe cases, while dietary changes, probiotics, and natural antifungals like undecylenic acid and caprylic acid can play a supportive role in milder situations. The best approach is highly individual.
Is caprylic acid the same as undecylenic acid?
No, caprylic acid and undecylenic acid are not the same. They’re both fatty acids with antifungal properties, but they have different chemical structures and may work through slightly different mechanisms. Undecylenic acid is an 11-carbon monounsaturated fatty acid, while caprylic acid is an 8-carbon saturated fatty acid. While both can be helpful, some people may find one more effective than the other.
In Summary
Undecylenic acid and caprylic acid are both fatty acids that can help support gut health, but they work in different ways. Caprylic acid helps to control candida overgrowth, while undecylenic acid is more effective at targeting fungal and bacterial issues.
Before you start taking a new supplement, check with your doctor. It’s important to maintain a healthy balance in your gut for your overall health and wellness.
Both undecylenic acid and caprylic acid can be valuable for supporting your gut health. The one that’s best for you will depend on your individual needs, so understanding the differences between the two is key to making the right choice.