1. Food Industry: Preservation & Fortification

(1) Natural Preservative

Antifungal/Anti-yeast:  

  - Effective against molds (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium) and yeasts (e.g., Candida) in:  

    - Baked goods (bread, cakes)  

    - Dairy products (cheese, yogurt)  

    - Beverages (fruit juices, pH <5).  

  - Mechanism: Caprylic acid disrupts microbial cell membranes; calcium enhances stability.  

  - Advantages:  

    - Clean-label alternative to synthetic preservatives (e.g., benzoates).  

    - Heat-stable (decomposes >150°C).  

(2) Calcium Fortification  

- Functional foods:  

  - Added to plant-based milks (oat/almond milk), sports drinks as a bioavailable calcium source (~12% calcium content).  

  - Suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.  

2. Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care 

(1) Antifungal Agent 

- Topical applications:  

  - Creams/powders for athlete’s foot, ringworm (inhibits dermatophytes).  

  - Often combined with zinc or tea tree oil.  

- Oral hygiene:  

  - Mouthwashes/toothpaste to reduce oral Candida overgrowth.  

(2) Pharmaceutical Excipient  

- Tablet lubricant: Improves powder flow in tablet pressing; provides slow-release calcium.  

3. Agriculture & Animal Health  

(1) Feed Preservative  

-Poultry/livestock feed: Prevents mold growth (synergistic with propionates).  

- Pet food: Inhibits aflatoxin production.  

(2) Veterinary Antifungal  

- Dairy cattle: Teat dips to prevent mastitis-related fungal infections.  

4. Industrial Uses  

- PVC stabilizer: Eco-friendly alternative to lead/cadmium stabilizers.  

- Antifungal coatings: Added to water-based paints to prevent mold on walls.  

Safety & Regulations  

- GRAS (FDA 21 CFR 184.1229), no strict ADI limits.  

- Side effects: High doses may cause GI irritation (common with MCFAs).  

- Regulatory status:  

  - EU (E282): Approved in foods (usage limits vary).  

  - China (GB 2760-2014): Permitted as a preservative.  

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Comparison with Other Preservatives**  

| **Property**         | **Calcium Caprylate** | **Potassium Sorbate** | **Sodium Benzoate** |  

|----------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|---------------------|  

| **Target microbes**  | Fungi/yeasts          | Molds/yeasts/bacteria | Bacteria/fungi      |  

| **pH range**         | 2–8 (broad)          | <6.5 (acidic)         | <4.5 (strong acid)  |  

| **Safety**           | High (natural)        | High                  | Moderate (allergies)|  

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### **Example Products**  

- **Food**: Antimold bread premix (0.1–0.3% w/w).  

- **Pharma**: Antifungal spray (1–2% + clotrimazole).  

- **Feed**: Mold inhibitor (0.5–1 kg/ton feed).