What is the Difference Between Lauric Acid and Caprylic Acid?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Lauric acid and caprylic acid are both medium-chain fatty acids found in various natural sources, such as coconut oil and milk fat. The main differences between them are their molecular structure, ketogenic properties, and antimicrobial activities.
- Molecular Structure: Lauric acid has a 12-carbon atom chain, with the chemical formula C12H24O2, while caprylic acid has an 8-carbon atom chain, with the chemical formula C8H16O2.
- Ketogenic Properties: Caprylic acid is about six times more ketogenic than lauric acid. Ketogenic ability refers to the promotion of ketone formation by fatty acids. This difference in ketogenic properties may impact their use in ketogenic diets or supplements.
- Antimicrobial Activities: Caprylic acid has been found to be more potent in terms of antifungal and antibacterial activities than lauric acid, particularly at lower concentrations. In one study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of caprylic acid against Candida albicans was 40 μg/ml, while the MIC of lauric acid was 10 mg/ml.
In summary, lauric acid and caprylic acid differ in their molecular structure, ketogenic properties, and antimicrobial activities. Caprylic acid is more ketogenic and has stronger antimicrobial properties than lauric acid. These differences may influence their applications in various industries, such as dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Comparative Table: Lauric Acid vs Caprylic Acid
Here is a table comparing the differences between lauric acid and caprylic acid:
Property | Lauric Acid | Caprylic Acid |
---|---|---|
Chemical Formula | C12H24O2 | C8H16O2 |
Carbon Atom Chain | 12 | 8 |
Fatty Acid Type | Saturated | Saturated |
Ketogenic Ability | Less ketogenic | About six times more ketogenic than lauric acid |
Antimicrobial Effect | Less potent at higher concentrations (10 mg/ml) | More potent at lower concentrations (40 μg/ml) |
Antifungal Efficacy | Moderate | Higher |
Lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon atom chain, while caprylic acid is a saturated fatty acid with an 8-carbon atom chain. Caprylic acid is about six times more ketogenic than lauric acid, meaning it promotes the formation of ketones more effectively. In terms of antimicrobial and antifungal properties, caprylic acid is more potent at lower concentrations compared to lauric acid.
- Palmitic Acid vs Palmitoleic Acid
- Tartaric Acid vs Citric Acid
- Stearic Acid vs Oleic Acid
- Palmitic Acid vs Stearic Acid
- Oleic Acid vs Elaidic Acid
- Myristic vs Stearic Acid
- Citric Acid vs Acetic Acid
- Malic Acid vs Citric Acid
- Lactic Acid vs Mandelic Acid
- Linoleic Acid vs Linolenic Acid
- Linoleic Acid vs Conjugated Linoleic Acid
- Butyrate vs Butyric Acid
- Aliphatic vs Aromatic Carboxylic Acid
- Maleic Acid vs Fumaric Acid
- Oxalic Acid vs Citric Acid
- Carbonic Acid vs Carbolic Acid
- Oxalic Acid vs Acetic Acid
- Acyl vs Acetyl
- Arachidic Acid vs Arachidonic Acid