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Capric acid is a 10-carbon fatty acid found in animal fats, milk, and certain vegetable oils. It is used as an antimicrobial pesticide and in the manufacture of various products. Capric acid is present in goat’s milk and coconut oil, and some believe it contributes to good health. The EPA classifies it as Generally Recognized as Safe, but safety precautions are necessary when handling it in its refined form.
Capric acid, a 10-carbon fatty acid, is one of a number of similar fatty acids found naturally in small amounts in animal fats and milk and in certain vegetable oils, including palm and coconut oils. In its refined form, it can be white crystals or a clear, colorless or pale yellow liquid. Both forms have an unpleasant odor. Also called decanoic acid, it is used as an antimicrobial pesticide in commercial food handling. It is also used in the manufacture of cellulose products, dyes, flavorings, lubricating greases, medicines, perfumes, special soaps, and synthetic rubber.
The chemical formula for capric acid is written as CH3 (CH2) 8COOH, and sometimes as C10H20O2. It is one of three similar acids whose names are derived from the Latin word caper, meaning goat. Caproic (C6), caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids are present in significantly higher proportions in goat’s milk than in cow’s milk and are responsible for the characteristic goat odor that goat’s milk can develop.
Many proponents of natural foods believe that capric acid is an important contributor to good health and for that reason recommend the consumption of foods that contain this fatty acid, such as goat’s milk and coconut oil. Some proponents also suggest that this acid may help balance insulin levels in humans and that it helps counteract insulin resistance. Although capric acid is often described in the medical literature as part of the delivery system that helps diabetics absorb prescribed amounts of insulin, it does not necessarily follow that adding capric acid-rich foods has a direct impact on levels. of insulin. It is always advisable to consult a qualified healthcare professional before making specific dietary changes that could have a major impact on health.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies capric acid as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). A toxicity profile in the EPA documents indicates that there are no significant risks of systemic toxicity to humans, even at high dosage levels. Because this substance occurs widely in nature and there have been no indications of adverse impacts on the environment, the EPA has not required environmental studies.
However, certain safety precautions are warranted for handling capric acid in its refined form. Prolonged exposure can cause severe skin irritation and is also irritating to the eyes. Heating causes some vaporization, and inhalation of vapors or mists may cause lung irritation. Symptoms include coughing or shortness of breath. It has a melting point of 88°F (about 31°C) and a flash point of 235°F (about 112°C).
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