Does Caprylic Acid Increase Cholesterol? An In-Depth Look at the Evidence

November 21, 2025 •

3 min read

While some animal studies suggest caprylic acid can lower cholesterol, research in humans shows more mixed results depending on the dietary context. This has led many to question: does caprylic acid increase cholesterol? The answer is nuanced, depending largely on what other fats it is compared against and the overall diet.

Quick Summary

The impact of caprylic acid on cholesterol levels is complex and not a simple yes or no. Research indicates its effect depends on what other fats are consumed.

Key Points

Depends on Comparison Fat: Caprylic acid's impact on cholesterol is significantly influenced by the type of fat it replaces in the diet, especially whether it's compared to healthier unsaturated fats or less-healthy long-chain saturated fats.
Less Negative than Some Saturated Fats: When replacing long-chain saturated fats (LCSAs), caprylic acid appears to be a healthier alternative and may not negatively impact cholesterol levels.
Inferior to Unsaturated Fats: If caprylic acid replaces healthier unsaturated fats, research shows it can increase total and LDL cholesterol, making it a less favorable choice for lipid profiles in this context.
Distinguish from Lauric Acid: The fatty acid lauric acid (C12), commonly found alongside caprylic acid in coconut oil, has a different metabolic effect and is more likely to increase both LDL and total cholesterol.
Potential Triglyceride Increase: Some studies have observed a small, though possibly not clinically significant, increase in triglycerides when supplementing with MCT oil containing caprylic acid.
Animal vs. Human Data: While some animal studies show promising cholesterol-lowering effects from caprylic acid, these results have not been consistently replicated in human trials, highlighting the need for caution.

What is Caprylic Acid?

Caprylic acid, also known as octanoic acid, is a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) with eight carbon atoms, found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and human breast milk. Unlike longer-chain saturated fatty acids, it's rapidly absorbed and sent to the liver for energy or ketone production, making it a key part of MCT oil.

The Relationship Between Caprylic Acid, MCT Oil, and Saturated Fats

Caprylic acid is a main component of MCT oil, derived from coconut or palm oil. This differs from coconut oil, which has more lauric acid (C12). The varying effects of different fatty acid chain lengths on blood lipids are crucial for understanding how caprylic acid affects cholesterol.

The Science Behind Caprylic Acid and Cholesterol

Research presents a complex picture of caprylic acid's impact on cholesterol, influenced by study design, comparison fats, and overall diet.

Mixed Results in Human Studies

Comparison to Unsaturated Fats: When MCT oil is compared to unsaturated fatty acids, it can raise total and LDL cholesterol. Replacing heart-healthy unsaturated fats with any saturated fat, including MCFAs, is less beneficial for lipids.
Comparison to Long-Chain Saturated Fats: Some evidence suggests MCT oil is a healthier alternative to long-chain saturated fats (LCSAs). Replacing LCFAs with caprylic-rich MCTs may not significantly change or slightly lower LDL and total cholesterol.
Overall Meta-Analysis Findings: A systematic review of MCT oil (C8:0-C10:0) in RCTs found no significant effect on total, LDL, or HDL cholesterol compared to different control fats, but noted a small increase in triglycerides. This emphasizes considering the full lipid profile and the comparison fat.

Animal Research vs. Human Outcomes

Animal studies sometimes show more positive effects. For example, mice on a high-fat diet with caprylic acid had lower total and LDL cholesterol. These effects may relate to altered bile acid metabolism. However, animal study results, especially concerning lipid metabolism, don't always translate to humans.

The Case of Lauric Acid

Lauric acid (C12) in coconut oil is metabolized differently than MCTs and can increase total and LDL cholesterol, acting more like longer-chain saturated fats. This difference is key to understanding the varied effects of coconut oil versus purified MCT oil, which has less lauric acid.

Comparing Fatty Acids and Their Effect on Cholesterol

The table below generally compares the effects of different fats on blood lipids based on research. Individual responses and diet play a significant role.


Fatty Acid Type	Primary Dietary Source	Effect on Total Cholesterol	Effect on LDL Cholesterol	Effect on HDL Cholesterol	Notes
Caprylic Acid (C8)	MCT Oil, Coconut Oil	Variable; sometimes increases vs. unsaturated fats	Variable; sometimes increases vs. unsaturated fats	Generally neutral	Can increase triglycerides; effect depends on comparison fat.
Lauric Acid (C12)	Coconut Oil, Palm Kernel Oil	Increases	Increases	Increases	Increases HDL but also raises LDL, making overall effect less clear for cardiovascular risk.
Long-Chain Saturated Fats	Red meat, Butter, Palm Oil	Increases	Increases	Increases modestly	Generally considered detrimental for LDL when consumed in excess.
Unsaturated Fats	Olive Oil, Avocado, Nuts	Decreases	Decreases	Generally neutral or increases modestly	Considered heart-healthy and protective against high cholesterol.

Other Health Considerations Beyond Cholesterol

Beyond cholesterol, consider the broader cardiovascular picture. MCTs can increase fasting triglycerides, a heart disease risk factor, although the increase is often small. Diet and the fat being replaced are most critical. Those with heart conditions or high cholesterol should consult a healthcare professional before using caprylic acid supplements.

Caprylic acid is also studied for antifungal, gut health, weight management, and epilepsy support. Cardiovascular effects are part of a larger metabolic context under research.

Conclusion: Does Caprylic Acid Increase Cholesterol?

Whether caprylic acid increases cholesterol depends on the context. Replacing long-chain saturated fats with pure caprylic-capric MCT oil is likely a healthier option and may not significantly raise cholesterol. However, replacing healthier unsaturated fats with caprylic acid can increase total and LDL cholesterol. A small triglyceride increase is also possible. Unlike lauric acid, caprylic acid is less likely to significantly raise cholesterol on its own. While caprylic acid has potential benefits, it's not a cholesterol-lowering agent. A balanced diet with unsaturated fats and exercise remains key for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, caprylic acid (C8) is a type of medium-chain fatty acid and is a primary component of most MCT oil supplements. These supplements typically contain a mixture of caprylic and capric (C10) acids.

Research on caprylic acid's effect on HDL cholesterol is mixed, but most comprehensive human studies show no significant impact on HDL levels. Some studies involving a mix of fats have shown increases, but this is not consistently linked to caprylic acid specifically.

No, coconut oil contains several types of fatty acids, including lauric acid, which can affect cholesterol differently than caprylic acid. MCT oil is a more concentrated source of caprylic and capric acids, having removed the longer-chain fats like lauric acid found in whole coconut oil.

A systematic review of trials found that MCT oil (containing caprylic acid) did cause a small increase in triglycerides, though the clinical significance of this effect is debated. It is a factor to monitor, particularly for individuals with existing cardiovascular concerns.

Individuals with liver disease, low blood pressure (hypotension), or a rare metabolic disorder called MCAD deficiency should use caution or avoid caprylic acid. Those on blood pressure or blood-thinning medication should consult a doctor due to potential interactions.

Olive oil is rich in unsaturated fats, which are known to have heart-healthy, cholesterol-lowering effects compared to all saturated fats. When MCT oil replaces unsaturated fats like olive oil in the diet, it can increase LDL cholesterol.

While caprylic acid is valued for other benefits like gut health and ketogenic support, it is not a proven method for managing cholesterol. If you have cholesterol concerns, discuss supplementation with a healthcare provider and prioritize a balanced diet over relying on supplements for lipid management.