Calcium caprylate
Also known as: Calcium caprylate, calcium octanoate
Overview
Calcium caprylate is a mineral salt formed from calcium and caprylic acid, a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) naturally abundant in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and dairy fats. It functions as a dual-purpose nutritional supplement ingredient, providing bioavailable calcium for bone health and other physiological functions, while also delivering caprylic acid. Caprylic acid is recognized for its antimicrobial properties, its ability to modulate gut microbiota, and its potential neuroprotective effects. Although caprylic acid and related medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been extensively researched, direct clinical studies specifically on calcium caprylate are less common. Most of the evidence regarding its benefits is extrapolated from studies on caprylic acid and MCTs. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated calcium caprylate for safety as a nutritional additive, generally recognizing it as safe for consumption.
Benefits
Calcium caprylate offers benefits primarily through its two components: calcium and caprylic acid. As a source of calcium, it contributes to bone health, nerve function, and muscle contraction, providing a bioavailable form of this essential mineral. The caprylic acid component is where many of its unique benefits lie. It exhibits significant antimicrobial effects by disrupting the cell membranes of various microbes, making it potentially useful for gut health modulation. Furthermore, caprylic acid has shown neuroprotective properties, primarily through its antioxidant activity which helps reduce oxidative stress in neural tissues. Research on related compounds like medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which contain caprylic acid, suggests cognitive benefits, particularly in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease who do not carry the APOE ε4 allele. A meta-analysis of MCTs indicated a significant cognitive improvement in this specific population (SMD = 1.87; 95% CI 0.35 to 3.40). These cognitive effects typically manifest over weeks to months of consistent supplementation. Caprylic acid also supports gut health by modulating the microbiota and enhancing the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids.
How it works
Calcium caprylate dissociates in the body to release calcium ions and caprylic acid. The calcium ions are then utilized for various physiological processes, including bone mineralization, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle function. Caprylic acid, a medium-chain fatty acid, is rapidly absorbed directly into the portal circulation and metabolized in the liver. Its primary mechanisms of action include disrupting microbial cell membranes, leading to their lysis, which contributes to its antimicrobial effects. In the brain, caprylic acid exhibits antioxidant properties, helping to reduce oxidative stress in neural tissues, which is believed to contribute to its neuroprotective effects. It also influences gut health by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota and promoting the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids. Additionally, caprylic acid can be metabolized into ketone bodies, which serve as an alternative energy source for the brain, particularly under conditions of glucose hypometabolism, potentially supporting cognitive function.
Side effects
Calcium caprylate is generally considered safe for nutritional use, as affirmed by regulatory bodies like EFSA. The safety profile of caprylic acid and related medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) is also favorable in clinical studies. Common side effects are mild and primarily involve gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, bloating, or diarrhea, which have been reported with MCTs, though specific data for calcium caprylate is limited. These effects are typically transient and can often be mitigated by taking the supplement with meals or starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it. Uncommon or rare severe side effects have not been significantly reported. There are no well-documented drug interactions specifically for calcium caprylate, but caution is advised when combining it with other calcium supplements or medications that affect calcium metabolism, to avoid excessive calcium intake. Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to any of its components. Individuals with fat malabsorption disorders should use calcium caprylate with caution, as it may exacerbate their condition. Data on its safety in pregnant or lactating women and children is limited, so use in these populations should be under medical supervision.
Dosage
There is no universally established minimum effective dose specifically for calcium caprylate, as its benefits stem from both calcium and caprylic acid. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium varies by age and sex, typically ranging from 1000-1300 mg/day. For the caprylic acid component, studies on medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) often use doses ranging from 20-40 grams per day. When formulating calcium caprylate supplements, dosages are adjusted to provide adequate amounts of both calcium and caprylic acid. There is no established maximum safe dose specifically for calcium caprylate, but MCTs are generally well-tolerated up to 40 grams per day. To enhance absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects, it is typically recommended to take calcium caprylate with meals. It is commonly available in powder or capsule form. The absorption of caprylic acid, as a medium-chain fatty acid, is rapid and direct into the portal circulation. Calcium absorption, however, can be influenced by factors such as vitamin D status, with vitamin D enhancing its uptake.
FAQs
Is calcium caprylate safe?
Yes, calcium caprylate is generally considered safe for use as a nutritional supplement ingredient, with regulatory bodies like EFSA affirming its favorable safety profile.
Does it improve cognition?
Indirect evidence from studies on medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) suggests that caprylic acid, a component of calcium caprylate, may offer cognitive benefits, particularly in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease who do not carry the APOE ε4 allele.
How quickly does it work?
While individual responses vary, cognitive improvements observed in studies involving caprylic acid-containing compounds typically manifest over a period of weeks to months of consistent supplementation.
Can it cause side effects?
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as discomfort or upset, are possible but uncommon. These can often be mitigated by taking the supplement with food or adjusting the dosage.
Is it better than other calcium supplements?
Calcium caprylate offers the dual benefit of providing both calcium and caprylic acid, which has additional properties like antimicrobial and neuroprotective effects, distinguishing it from calcium-only supplements.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.01204/full – This research, combining an RCT and preclinical data, explores caprylic acid's effects, showing cognitive improvements in some Alzheimer's disease patients and detailing its antimicrobial and neuroprotective mechanisms. While providing mechanistic insights, the clinical data for calcium caprylate is indirect and based on a very small sample size.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.3233/JAD-230406 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 studies on MCTs in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment found that MCTs significantly improved cognition in patients without the APOE ε4 allele (SMD=1.87; 95% CI 0.35-3.40). The study provides high-quality evidence for the cognitive benefits of MCTs, though it does not specifically focus on calcium caprylate.
- https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1146 – This EFSA safety evaluation concluded that calcium caprylate is safe for use as a nutritional additive, serving as a source of both calcium and caprylic acid. The assessment focuses on regulatory safety, not clinical efficacy, confirming its suitability for inclusion in food and supplements.
