Capric Acid
Also known as 10:0, Decanoic acid, C10, MCT
Capric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid, one of the fats in MCT oil. It is found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and dairy fat.
Why it matters
What it does in your body
- Provides quickly available energy as a medium-chain triglyceride
- A component of MCT oil along with caprylic acid
- Naturally present in small amounts in milk fat
Intake guidance
How much you need
There is no separate daily target for capric acid. It is part of the saturated fat you should limit to under 10 percent of daily calories, and the body can make saturated fatty acids on its own, so it is not considered essential.
What affects it
What affects your intake
Food source
It occurs in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and dairy fat, and is concentrated along with caprylic acid in MCT oil.
Metabolism
As a medium-chain fat, it is absorbed and used for energy more quickly than long-chain fats.
In practice
Good to know
Good to know: capric acid (C10) is one of the two main fats in MCT oil, alongside caprylic acid. Medium-chain triglycerides are absorbed and burned for energy faster than longer-chain fats, which is why MCT oil is popular in keto and sports-nutrition circles. It is still a saturated fat and a source of calories, so it counts toward your saturated fat and energy totals; the body can make saturated fats on its own, so there is no requirement for it.
Where to get it
Best food sources
The bottom line
Capric acid is a medium-chain saturated fat in coconut oil and MCT oil that the body burns quickly for energy. It still counts as saturated fat and calories, so use MCT oil in moderation.
Track capric acid automatically
Capric Acid is one of the 92 nutrients Vora reads from a photo of your meal, so you can see where you stand without weighing or logging by hand.
Sources and method
The classification, roles, and guidance on this page come from the references below, drawing on the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academies) Dietary Reference Intakes and reputable nutrition science.
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025
- USDA FoodData Central
This page is for general education, not medical advice. Reference intakes are population averages for healthy people and do not replace guidance from your doctor or a registered dietitian, especially if you are pregnant, managing a health condition, or considering supplements.