Caprylic Acid Plus is designed to nutritionally support the needs of those who want to rebalance their friendly bacteria and reduce an overabundance of Candida albicans yeast in the body. An overgrowth in the gastrointestinal tract of the usually benign yeast (or fungus) "Candida albicans" is now becoming recognized as a complex medical syndrome called "chronic candidiasis" or the "yeast syndrome". Specifically, the overgrowth of candida is believed to cause a wide variety of symptoms in virtually every system of the body, with the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, endocrine, nervous and immune systems being the most susceptible.

Caprylic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid with the ability to disintegrate yeast cell walls. One of the medium-chain fatty acids containing eight carbon atoms, is found in the triglycerides of butter, coconut oil, milk, palm, hemp, coconut and human fat. It is also one of the fatty acids found in the oil derived from saw palmetto berries, the popular men's remedy for benign prostate enlargement. A 1995 study also suggested that Caprylic Acid affects bodily mechanisms involved in reducing blood pressure.

Caprylic Acid is toxic to yeast and safe for humans in prescribed dosages. Often naturopathic physicians use it as an antifungal agent in a yeast-control (Candida) program. It has the potential to trigger die-off reactions. Die-off is a period when yeast are killed and they temporarily release more toxins into circulation, which make the patient feel worse before feeling better. Symptoms range from mild to severe, including fatigue, headaches, nausea, flu-like aches, malaise, itching, diarrhea, hives and many other symptoms that yeast is known to cause. People also take Caprylic Acid much like Acidophilus and other probiotics to balance friendly bacteria in the colon and to help prevent the proliferation and rapid spread of harmful microorganisms such as Candida albicans to other parts of the body.

As an antifungal, Caprylic Acid's mode of action is similar to that of other compounds commonly administered for infections caused by Candida species, Rhodotorula, Geotrichium and Torulopsis. Caprylic Acid is effective against the cell membranes of yeast by dissolving the membrane and rendering the cell organelle more permeable and somewhat fluid. Changes in this permeability and fluidity lead to membrane disaggregation, loss of cellular function as cytoplasm leaks out, and subsequently the death of the cell.

Caprylic Acid is virtually non toxic and non-sensitizing at the recommended dosages. Very large doses (5 times the recommended dose) can cause mucosal irritation and produce diarrhea and nausea. In some patients, fatigue and flu-like symptoms may occur during the first 2-5 days of Caprylic Acid use. These symptoms are caused by a yeast die-off and reabsorption phenomenon. Herxheimer's reaction (an increase in symptoms after administration of a drug) is the result of histamine release, which is accompanied by pain and swelling. The results of a 1970's rat-feeding study and other evidence suggest that Caprylic acid has low toxicity. Any recommendations made are based solely upon the discretion of a physician. As in all circumstances where health products are concerned, we suggest you follow the advice of a health professional while using Caprylic Acid.