Can omega 3, 6 and 9 help against recurring yeast infections? We been getting this question for a while now and we decided to write a comprehensive article to answer the question and cover few important things regarding fish oil and candida yeast eradication.

There are several ways to treat a yeast infections naturally and painlessly, the following goals are to be followed in order to achieve success:

• Boost the immune system

We have talked about immune system and how it can hold you back from getting rid of the infection. We did a comprehensive video as well on our youtube channel 12 ways to boost your immune system.

• Reduce inflammation from the infection,
• Control the yeast infection with an anti-fungal and anti-microbial

We have talked about the important role of antifungals in your diet and how it can help against candida.

• Make dietary changes.

Diet plays an important role in getting rid of candida yeast and if you want to get rid of recurring yeast then you have to make those dietary changes. We did a video answering similar question.

This article will focus on one supplement that is readily available and that targets all three pillars in combating yeast infections – FISH OIL: an essential fatty acid rich in Omega 3, in particular EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosaexaenoic acid).

Fish oil has numerous benefits and one of these is benefits includes the treatment of yeast infections. This benefit was confirmed in a research study conducted in February 2010. The results were published in “Molecular Oral Microbiology”. The study found that omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the growth of yeast infections. In particular it was noted that oil has strong antimicrobial activities and anti-inflammatory effects.

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In further studies conducted by The University of Maryland Medical, it was confirmed that foods rich in Omega3s can help those with recurring yeast cases. In order for the treatment by Omega 3 to be effective, the dose that has been shown to be effective is as follows: a dose ranging from 0.4 g to 2 g per day – this is considered to be within safe limits. Higher doses of between 2g to 20g per day are considered safe, however, should be used under medical supervision. Always consult your healthcare professional before you take any medication.

So how do you get the recommended dose per day? Either by eating fish high in Omega 3s namely, mackerel, tuna, salmon, sturgeon, mullet, bluefish, anchovy, sardines, herring, trout, and menhaden, or by supplementing with Omega 3 capsules. To gain the maximum benefit from eating fish and absorbing the Omega 3s, the preparation of the fish needs to be considered. Broiled or baked fish is considered the best preparation of fish to gain maximum benefit. Supplementing is recommended as it is a safer alternative. This ensures that the amount of mercury ingested is kept to a minimum or none at all! It is vitally important that your Omega 3 supplements are purchased from a reputable company that tests for levels of mercury within their product and that this is confirmed by third party testing. The company should be certified that their products are free of heavy metals.

Here is a video showing 10 tips on avoiding chemicals in food.

In summary…

1) Inflammation:

Yeast infections can damage the tissue cells. This damage causes inflammation, resulting in pain and swelling. To help restore balance and healing, Omega 3 fatty acids have been repeatedly shown, over many clinical trials, to effectively reduce inflammation. This effect is achieve by reducing the cause of inflammation, as well as reducing any inflammation that has already set in.

2) Anti-fungal properties:

It has been found through various research repeated by numerous researchers that fatty acids are inhibitors of fungal growth. These researchers include: Fencl & Leopol 1956, Philip et al1963, Ozaki & Baba 1943, Millis et al 1963, Romano & Kornberg 1969.

3) Boosting the immune system:

A weakened immune system provides the perfect environment for the overgrowth of yeast infections. This environment allows the yeast to thrive and release its own toxins as by products. This further weakens the immune system. It is therefore imperative that the immune system is strengthened and assisted in combating the yeast overgrowth.

There is evidence from research done and documented in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology in the April issue that demonstrates that fish oil rich in DHA enhances the immune system by stimulating an increase B cell activity as well as increasing the activation and number of T cells within the body. Both B cells and T cells are important white blood cells that form part of the immune system response in fighting bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Journal Reference: E. A. Gurzell, H. Teague, M. Harris, J. Clinthorne, S. R. Shaikh, J. I. Fenton. DHA-enriched fish oil targets B cell lipid microdomains and enhances ex vivo and in vivo B cell function. Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 2012; 93 (4): 463 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0812394.

Further research has been conducted at Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan as well as the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at East Carolina University. Both research teams have found and confirmed that DHA enriched oil stimulates and boosts the immune system through the increase in B and T cell activity.

In conclusion, it is a beneficial supplement to consider when looking at alternative and natural treatments for yeast infections. Always remember that the body needs to be treated holistically, thus diet changes would also be advised. There are also many other natural supplements that can used in conjunction with fish oil. A combination of supplements, including a change of diet will work naturally and effectively.

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Side effects, drug interactions and considerations

Fish oil is a blood thinner, thus people using blood thinners such as warfarin should avoid supplementing with it. People using aspirin or Clopidogrel (Plavix), should consult their doctor first before supplementing.

Caution should be taken if supplementing while pregnant or breast feeding.

• Can lower blood pressure.
• Caution if you have any allergies or reactions to seafood or fish.
• Some documented side effects are: heartburn, nausea, loose stools, rash, and nosebleeds.
• It has been found that the side effects can be minimized by taking the fish oil supplements with meals or freezing them.

Before starting any supplementation, it is advised to consult with your health care provider first. Supplementation of any kind cannot be used to replace any prescribed drugs for fungal infections.

Further reading:

https://www.yeastinfection.org/frequently-asked-candida-diet-questions/ – FAQ
https://www.yeastinfection.org/functional-vs-conventional-laboratory-testing-for-candida/ – Lab Testing
https://www.yeastinfection.org/candida-case-studies-meet-jean/ – Case Study

 

The idea that Pineapples can lend a hand at treating medical ailments has been around for centuries, but is there any truth behind it? In this article we are going to review a recent study that a team of microbiologists recently conducted on the effects that Pineapple has on treating a yeast infection. We will then talk about some of the health benefits that fresh Pineapple offers us. With holistic and all natural living beginning to rise among our population, we are constantly looking for new ways to utilize common plants as a way of treatment and prevention to all kinds of ailments. Pineapple is a particularly wise choice when choosing simple ways to integrate food into your healthy life style. It only takes two slices of Pineapple to provide half of your daily fruit requirement, but can it actually be used to treat something as bothersome as a yeast infection?

Two Microbiologists from the University Saints Malaysia set out to prove whether treatment of Candida is possible through the use of Pineapple. Over several hours they studied the growth of multiple types of yeast, one being the most common culprit of a yeast infection. During the study they fed the yeast and provided it with an optimal environment in which it could thrive. After the yeast had reached a certain growth rate, they introduced Pineapple matter into its environment. They found that Pineapple was able to quickly reduce a large amount of the sugars that Candida thrives on. Without the sugars present, the Candida was dormant, with no new growth. However, the Pineapple did not eliminate the presence of the yeast itself. It could only destroy the sugars that help to feed it.

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Ultimately, the idea that you can get rid of your yeast infection through Pineapple consumption is FALSE. A benefit of eating or drinking Pineapple while a yeast infection is present is not without results. Pineapple can aid in stopping the yeast cells from rapidly multiplying. So if you are looking for ways to reduce your chances of a returning yeast infection, then Pineapple is a wonderful food to begin using every day. To reap the benefits of Pineapple, ingest between 1.5 and 2 cups for women and 2 cups for men. Try to ingest fresh juice as opposed to canned or bottled juices due to the fact that the containment process destroys the majority of the Pineapples Vitamin C content. Feel free to incorporate as much fresh cut Pineapple into your diet as you please, but keep in mind that some people have mild allergic reactions to eating fresh Pineapple due to its high enzyme count. If severe or persistent stomach cramping occurs, contact your doctor.

Pineapple is considered a “super food”, and while it will not treat your yeast infection, it does have countless other amazing health benefits. It is full of nourishing Vitamin C, which helps to protect your cells from toxins and environmental hazards such as cigarette smoke. The Manganese in Pineapple can help to flush out skin aging toxins and also helps in the production of collagen. Collagen production is essential to the bodies healing process when there has been any kind of injury. To keep collagen levels at a healthy number, men should consume 2.3 milligrams of Manganese daily, while women should consume around 1.8. Fresh Pineapple juice provides 1.3 milligrams of Manganese in a 4oz serving. Lastly Pineapple is packed full of Vitamin B6 which is essential to brain health. Vitamin B6 helps your brain to produce the chemical needed for nerve communication. It is also a large producer of Melatonin, Estrogen and Testosterone. A 4oz serving fresh Pineapple juice provides roughly 10 percent of your recommended daily intake. If you are having trouble incorporating fresh pineapple juice into your daily diet, try adding it to your favorite smoothie recipe. A great Vitamin packed smoothie you could try is fresh Pineapple and a hand full of spinach to make a treat full of Vitamin B6, A, and K! You could also add it to your favorite fish or chicken recipe’s as a topping or marinade.

While Pineapple is not a quick “FIX” for a yeast infection, it is certainly a beneficial fruit to add to your diet. A healthy, well balanced diet will help to keep your body running smoothly and can aid in achieving your optimal health!

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Here is a recent case study Eric Bakker did which might answer further questions you have regarding fruits in your candida diet.

Green Tea’ As An Anti-Oxidant

Yeast infections attack when the body’s resistance is lowered, leaving the body’s immune system unable to fight off the attack. Green tea is a strong antioxidant which can be used to boost the body’s immune system and help to prevent yeast infections. According to Sabu M. Chacko, Priya T. Thambi, Ramadasan Kuttan, and Ikuo Nishigaki green tea offers a level of protection against oxidants and radicals which help in boosting the body’s immune system.

Green Tea’ As An Anti-Bacterial

Green tea has anti-bacterial properties which allow it to play a role in actively combatting yeast infections. According to a study which was published in the “Canadian Journal of Microbiology”, it disrupts the establishment of candida albicans. It is the overgrowth of this yeast which is typically responsible for the majority of yeast infections. Researchers found that specific compounds in green tea prevented 75% of the candida albicans yeast cells from attaching to each other. The study would seem to suggest that green tea can be used in the active prohibition of excess yeast formation.

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How To Take Green Tea

A Good? Old Fashioned Cuppa! The beneficial properties of green tea have endorsed by the University of Maryland. They actively encourage its consumption as a supplement by those who are probe to yeast infections. They advise to take 250 – 500 mg daily. The daily dose will deliver between 50 – 150 mg of antioxidants to boost the immune system. The dosage can be obtain through drinking the tea, prepared from either loose leaf tea or tea bags and hot water.

Apply Directly To Provide Soothing Relief!

There are some benefits which can be derived from applying used tea bags to the irritated and itching affected area. They suggested that after the tea has been drunk, and where it has been prepared using a tea bag, that the used tea bag is placed into the refrigerator until cooled. Once cooled, the tea bag can be applied to the affected area in order to provide cooling and soothing relief.

Green Tea At Bathtime!

The use of green tea leaves in a bath have also been advocated. In order to prepare the bath they advise that green tea bags can either be hung over a running tap, or that either loose leaf tea or tea bags can be added directly into the water.

Caution In Using Green Tea

As beneficial as green tea is, some caution should be applied in its usage by certain groups of people. Green tea should not be taken in large doses by pregnant or breastfeeding women. It should not be taken by those who are taking blood thinning or anti-coagulant medication or those who will soon have major surgery. According to Sabu M. Chacko, Priya T. Thambi, Ramadasan Kuttan, and Ikuo Nishigaki green tea should be avoided by those who have heart or major cardiovascular issues.

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Potential Side Effects of Green Tea

There are also some side effects which could result from taking green tea. These can include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, headache, and dizziness.

Green Tea Is Beneficial In The Treatment of Yeast Infections!

It appears that the anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties which green tea has has a beneficial effect on the prevention of yeast infections. Owing to the simplistic nature of its preparation and consumption, its minimal side effects, and its apparent effectiveness, it is recommended in the fight against yeast infections.

Most women know the signs of a yeast infection and also understand that the overgrowth of yeast, in particular Candida Albicans, can be the result of several things. It is often the result of the use of oral contraceptives and antibiotics, as well as diets that are high-sugar, high-fat, and low-fiber. Expert dietitians, suggest that the body is suffering from an imbalance, rather than a disease and by “eating the right foods and doing the right things to make the body healthier, yeast infections can be avoided.”

One of the food dietitians suggest? Onions. What is it about onions that helps to rid the body of Candida Albicans? Onions contain a nutrient called allicin, which slows down the growth of candida and kills off bad bacteria found in the body. There are numerous studies that explore the benefits of allicin. In 1999, a review by Ankri and Mirelman cited evidence of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasite, and anti-viral activity in the nutrient.

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Although they noted several health benefits, the anti-fungal properties are what impact those suffering from yeast infections. The study showed that allicin helped to fight fungal infections, specifically those associated with Candida. It is obvious that a food rich in allicin, like onions, would benefit someone attempting to fight off an overgrowth of yeast.

As if the anti-fungal properties were not enough, onions also offer overall health benefits. They assist the body by flushing out excess fluids. Since many Candida sufferers experience severe water retention, this is an additional bonus. Onions are rich in Vitamin C and other phyto-chemicals that support the immune system and its function. It also assists in improving circulatory health. Due to pungency of onions, it increases the circulation of blood and causes people to sweat. This increase in circulation has been linked to the prevention of both heart attacks and strokes. Several studies note that onions specifically contain a nutrient called quercetin, which breaks up the mucus in both the chest and head while continuing to boost the immune system. In fact, consuming raw onions (chewing on just 2 to 3 small pieces) within a few hours of the first symptoms of a cold or respiratory flu has been known to lessen the effects of the symptoms.

There are several different forms in which onions can be ingested with the most common being in liquid form as onion juice. The easiest way to create onion juice is by using a blender or juicer. In both cases, the onion would first need to be prepped. This is done by taking a large knife and cutting off one end about ½ inch from the root of the onion. Then, repeat this process at the opposite end of the onion. Remove the top layer of skin and then rinse the onion under cold tap water.

For the blender, cut the onion up into small to medium-sized pieces. Put the onions into the blender and blend on medium-high to high speed for one minute, turning the onion into a puree. Continuing doing so until complete blended. Then, take a strainer and position it over a bowl. Next, take cheesecloth and put it in the strainer before pouring the mixture in. The cheesecloth will be even finer and will force the juice through while trapping the left over onion. Use a spatula to push the juice through. With a juicer, the same task can be completed in less steps. Take the onion and prepare it by cutting both ends, peeling the skin and rinsing it. Then, cut the onion into quarters. One quarter at a time, push the onion through the juicer. No additional straining should be necessary if the juicer works correctly. The recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon of the juice is to be taken daily.

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In lieu of creating the juice at home, nutritional author, Paul Pitchford, recommends an Allium Complex. Pitchford notes in a summary of his book, Healing With Whole Foods, that the critical ingredients of the supplement are the multiple cloves of garlic, leeks and onion concentrates. Since the garlic, leeks and onions are in a capsule form, it is not released until it is in the intestinal tract, and some of the side effects can be avoided. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of garlic and onions assist in keeping the Candida at bay and therefore, prevent future occurrences.

Here is a great video by Eric Bakker explaining the numerous benefits of garlic for candida:

There are some side-effects that are a bit more negative than the benefits listed above. One common side effect is intestinal gas. The stomach struggles to digest sugars and in order to digest them, the body must pass these sugars on into the intestines. Once there, the sugars are broken down in a process that produces gas. Since onions naturally contain sugars, this consumption can produce more gas than usual. Gas production often leads to abdominal bloating, discomfort, increased flatulence and even bad breath. Bad breath has long been associated with onions and there are several common remedies. Some of the remedies align to the type of yeast-free diet that a person suffering from overproduction of Candida. One of those remedies is to have a cup of green tea. It is rich in antioxidants that can destroy the sulfurous compounds found in onions. Another remedy is citric acid. The citric flavor of lemons or limes can neutralize the odor.

Another negative side-effect of a diet high in onions could be heartburn.Heartburn is when the acids from the stomach flow in the opposite direction of digestion; in other words, these acids flow upward towards the esophagus. A study presented in 1990 and published in the “American Journal of Gastroenterology” found that those that do not normally experience heartburn would likely not develop symptoms of it even when eating raw onions. However, those that are already prone to heartburn and its symptoms, could actually experience worsened conditions after consuming raw onions.

Please note: Undecenoic acid is also known as 10-undecenoic acid, Undecylenic acid, and Undec-10-enoic acid.

The antifungal nature of undecenoic acid is known for a very long time. Since 1949, salts of undecenoic acids have been used by the food industry to inhibit yeasts and fungi and by the medical industry as antifungal drugs. It is present in its salt form in many over-the-counter topical antifungal medications. Yes, undecenoic acid is good for candida infections – but let us find out what exactly undecenoic acid is and how does it work as an anti-candida agent.

What is Undecenoic acid?

Undecenoic acid is also known as 10-undecenoic acid, Undecylenic acid, and Undec-10-enoic acid. PubChem, describes it as a naturally occurring fatty acid with antifungal properties. 10-Undecenoic acid is derived from castor bean oil. It is produced by cracking of castor-oil under pressure and is a foul smelling liquid.

10-undecenoic acid also occurs naturally in the body (in sweat) in small amounts. Therefore, one can imagine that it is not totally alien to the human system and that at least in small amounts the body can tolerate it well.

Medical Uses

Undecenoic acid can irritate the mucous membranes in some people. Therefore salts of this acid seem to be a reasonable alternative. That these salts have up to four times more antifungal activity compared to undecenoic acid and may have over 30 times more activity that caprylic acid as was shown in a study by the American scientists Peck and Rosenfeld in 1938.

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Undecenoic acid has been used in many topical antifungals to cure athlete’s foot and toenail fungal infections. Undecenoic acid and its salts were used to treat fungal infections of the foot (tinea pedis) in several studies conducted during World War II. These were the first agents that could cure tinea pedis without causing much irritation or side effects.

In 1980, Chretian and colleagues from USA conducted a controlled double blind clinical trial on the use of zinc salt of this fatty acid in powder form in curing tinea pedis. They found that 88% patients treated with this powder had negative culture results in 4 weeks as compared to only 17% patients in the control group.

The topical OTC products can be in the form of ointments, powders and liquids. Zinc salt of undecylenic acid is widely used in these preparations as free undecylenic acid is irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Zinc salts of this compound make it non-irritating.

Can undecenoic acid really kill candida?

As we learned above, undecenoic acid has historically been used to treat fungal infections of skin, especially the feet. What about candida? Is there any scientific basis supporting the use of undecenoic acid for candida infections? Let’s have a look.

In 1939, Hoffman, Schweitzer and Dalby from USA showed that fatty acids containing 8 to 12 carbon atoms were most effective against fungi – undecenoic acid has 11 carbon atoms. In 1945, Shapiro and Rothman also from USA studied the effect of zinc salt of undecenoic acid on 150 patients with skin fungal infections and found it to be effective against a range of fungi including candida. The first study that proved the antifungal nature of undecenoic acid was itself done on candida. Undecenoic acid has been used since then, in various forms, to treat fungal infections of the skin.

Undecenoic acid stops conversion of candida to pathogenic form: Another common commercial usage is in denture liners. Dentures are often found to be colonized by candida and denture liners are used to treat denture stomatitis which is caused by candida. McLain and colleagues from USA in 2000 studied denture liners coated with or without undecenoic acid. They found that those that were coated with undecenoic acid inhibited the growth of candida. These scientists also found that undecenoic acid did this by not allowing it to convert from the yeast to the pathogenic hyphal (filamentous) form.

Undecenoic acid affects the cell surface of candida: Shi and colleagues from China treated Candida albicans cells with different concentrations of undecenoic acid and found that even at very low concentrations the cell surface of candida was affected. When observed under electron microscope the cells looked deformed with crumpled cell surface.

Undecenoic acid inhibits enzymes involved in candida pathogenesis: Shi and colleagues also found that the treatment also decreased the enzymatic activity of candida cells that allows candida to become pathogenic. The two main types of enzymes affected were the protein degrading enzymes and the fat degrading enzymes – both of which increase the virulence of candida.

Oral use of undecenoic acid

Considering its irritant effect on the mucous membranes, a valid question that arises when talking about undecenoic acid is whether it can be safely used in oral form? Is there any scientific literature to back up its oral use?

In 1949, Henry Harris Perlman, an M.D. from USA published the first report on its oral use. He experimented with oral dosages of undecenoic acid to treat psoriasis and neurodermatitis. He first tested it for toxicity on mice, rabbits and guniea-pigs and found it to be relatively non-toxic. He then put it into perles and capsules to treat children. He found higher doses of 6 to 15 grams per day to have some side effects like nausea, vomiting, and burning sensation in the stomach etc. He suggested use of enteric coating to prevent the side effects.

In 1952, Hopkins and Murphy presented their first record of use of undecenoic acid to treat systemic fungal infection of the lungs. The patient was given 10.5 grams orally every day for four months that took care of his infection.

As the side-effects of undecenoic acid are limited only to gastro-intestinal disturbance with no known major issues of toxicity as such, a sustained release dosage form is useful in reducing the gastro-intestinal side-effects. CanXida Remove is a sustained time-release formula that contains undecenoic acid along with other anti-candida components. This ensures that undecenoic acid does not give you the gastrointestinal side effects. Additionally, CanXida Remove does not have just undecenoic acid as the active anti-candida component – there are several others as well! This means that the dosage of undecenoic acid is not too large.

Another issue with undecenoic acid is that it is active only under acidic conditions as was shown long back by Herbert N. Prince from USA in 1959. What this means is that it will be very active in the stomach where the conditions are acidic (unless you use strong proton pump inhibiting antacids like zantac or omeprazole, or have low stomach acid issues) – but when it comes to intestines where the conditions are alkaline, it will get inactivated. To overcome this issue, anti-candida products like CanXida Remove that contain undecenoic acid also include betain HCL which provides acidic conditions to the undecenoic acid. When this is combined with a sustained time release formula, it ensures that active undecenoic acid reaches the intestines and has its effect there. Additionally, Prince also showed that the salts of undecenoic acid are more susceptible to inactivation by alkaline conditions than is free undecenoic acid itself. Thus, free undecenoic acid is more useful as an oral antifungal agent.

Undecenoic acid vs caprylic acid – what is the difference?

The following table outlines the differences and similarities between undecenoic acid and caprylic acid. The differences highlight the fact that a combination of these two would achieve more anti-candida activity compared to each of these by themselves.

	Undecenoic acid	Caprylic acid
Other names	10-undecenoic acid, Undecylenic acid, and Undec-10-enoic acid	Octanoic acid, N-octanoic acid, Octylic acid, N-caprylic acid, N-octylic acid
Source	Castor oil	Coconut oil, milk, palm oil
Chemistry	Medium chain (11 carbon), unsaturated fatty acid	Medium chain (8 carbon), saturated fatty acid
Natural or synthetic	Synthetic – prepared by cracking castor oil under high pressure	Occurs naturally in the food sources.
Form	Liquid	Liquid
Smell in pure form	Unpleasant, sweat-like	Unpleasant, rancid-like
Taste in pure form	Unpleasant	Tasteless
Irritant	Yes, skin and mucous membranes	Yes, skin and mucous membranes
Antifungal/anti-candida Activity	Active in acidic environment (pH 4.5 to 6) Higher anti-candida activity than caprylic acid	Active in acidic environment (pH 4.5 – 6)
Mechanism of anti-candida activity	Prevents conversion to pathogenic form; affects cell integrity by disrupting cell membrane; reduces virulence by affecting virulence enzymes	Integrates into the cell membrane and disrupts the integrity of the cell; inhibits both the pathogenic and non-pathogenic forms of candida
Antibacterial Activity	Lower anti-bacterial activity than caprylic acid (Reference)	More active on Gram positive than Gram negative bacteria

Which form of undecenoic acid is best – tablets, capsule, liquid or something else? What is the best dosage?

It is best to have undecenoic acid in powder form mixed with caprylic acid and betaine HCL. It is important to have these in a sustained-release formula for best activity and least side effects.

It is suggested in an article by Thorne research Inc, to take 450-750mg undecenoic acid daily in three oral doses – in powder form. Some people can tolerate this dose, while others still may have some side-effects. Although the side-effects are generally not serious and are more of a nuisance, of course you would like to minimize the nuisance.

The dosage can vary depending on the combination of different anti-candida components. It is better to have a mix of different natural antifungal agents at smaller concentration than a large dose of a single ingredient. This is where canXida Remove is useful – it contains a mix of several different natural antifungal ingredients at a concentration that minimizes the side-effects.

Of course, even with CanXida Remove, you should always start with a low dose and slowly increase it to suit your body type and your sensitivity. Always listen to your body.

Can it be used topically?

Yes, it can be used topically as zinc salts. Free acid (not in salt form) of undecenoic acid should not be used topically as it can cause irritation and burning.

What are some good food sources of this acid?

There are no known food sources of this acid.

Although this fatty acid is produced from castor oil (No, castor oil is not a food source), we cannot obtain undecenoic acid by simply consuming the oil as it needs complex chemical process at high pressures for its extraction. Castor oil is a laxative by itself – it induces bowel movement, cleans up the entire intestine and does not stay in your system for longer than a couple of hours as the laxative effect is rather fast – so any antifungal activity, if it exists at all, will not be available to use due to its fast exit from the system.

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Is it also helpful against parasites?

No, there are no studies to show that it could be helpful against parasites.

Is it okay to take 10-undecenoic acid during pregnancy?

There are no controlled studies on the effect of oral intake of undecenoic acid during pregnancy. So, it is best avoided during pregnancy.

I have heard it is good for nail fungus is that true?

There is not much evidence that supports the use of undecenoic acid in treating nail fungus. Although it is effective in fungal infections of skin, it has not been found to be very effective in treating fungal nail infections. This is because in fungal nail infection, the fungus establishes itself within or under the nail which makes it very difficult for any topical medication to get through the nail and kill the fungus.

What are some side-effects?

Side-effects of topical undecenoic acid can include itching and burning. There is one report of allergic contact dermatitis as a side-effect.

Side-effects of oral undecenoic acid are more common at large doses. As already discussed in the article, the side-effects can be nausea, vomiting, and a burning sensation in the stomach. There is a report of labrynthitis (inflammation of inner ear) caused when patients were given undecenoic acid and also were taking nicotinic acid. So it may be advisable to watch out for side-effects especially if you are a smoker.