What is Monolaurin
Monolaurin, a compound derived from the combination of lauric acid and glycerin, has been capturing the attention of researchers for over four decades. This chemical, a byproduct of coconut fat, is being studied extensively for its possible applications in medicine, sanitization, and food preservation.
Monolaurin and Antibiotic Resistance
With the rise of antibiotic resistance posing a global concern, the efficacy of traditional antibiotics against common hospital and foodborne infections has diminished significantly. The search for novel antimicrobial solutions has led researchers to explore the potential of monolaurin.
Researchers envision monolaurin as a prospective foundation for creating new antibiotics or antiviral medications capable of combating a broad spectrum of microbes 1.
Forms and Dosages
Monolaurin is accessible as a dietary supplement, commonly found in health food stores, vitamin shops, and online platforms like Amazon. While coconut oil contains roughly 50 percent lauric acid, monolaurin surpasses its counterpart's effectiveness in eradicating viruses and bacteria 2.
Lauric acid present in coconut oil can be converted into monolaurin within the human body, although the exact conversion rates remain unclear 2.
The primary sources of lauric acid include:
Dietary supplements
Coconut oil
Coconut cream (raw and canned)
Fresh shredded coconut
Coconut cream pudding
Coconut milk
Human breast milk
Monolaurin Dosage
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not evaluated monolaurin for any medical use, some dosage guidelines are suggested:
Dr. Jon Kabara, who introduced monolaurin, recommends an initial dose of 750 mg for individuals aged 12 and above, to be taken two to three times daily. Gradually, the dosage can increase to 3000 mg, two to three times daily 2.
Children aged 3 and older can start with small monolaurin doses and gradually escalate 2.
Monolaurin Health Benefits
Monolaurin supplements are commonly taken to support immune health and overall well-being, although robust scientific evidence is limited. Research primarily conducted in test tubes and petri dishes (in vitro) has shown potential antimicrobial effects of coconut oil, lauric acid, and monolaurin 3.
Antibacterial Effects: Studies demonstrate that monolaurin effectively eliminates bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains like Staphylococcus aureus. Research indicates that monolaurin fights off Staphylococcus aureus in mice 4.
Antifungal Effects: Monolaurin shows promise in inactivating or killing various fungi, yeasts, and protozoa, including the potentially life-threatening Candida albicans 5.
Antiviral Effects: Monolaurin's reported capacity to partially inactivate viruses like HIV, herpes simplex-1, and cytomegalovirus, opens doors for potential antiviral applications 6.
A study in female primates highlighted monolaurin's potential as a prophylactic against SIV, the primate equivalent of HIV 7.
Monolaurin Safety
Monolaurin is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, indicating its general safety for food consumption. It's sourced from coconut oil, making serious allergic reactions unlikely 8.
Ensure dietary supplements are from reputable sources due to the lack of regulation.
Lauricidin's taste can be unpalatable; taking it with juice or water helps mask the taste.
Increasing coconut oil use can be beneficial, but it's not directly related to monolaurin's effects.
The Future of Monolaurin
Current research on monolaurin primarily occurs in laboratory settings. However, the potential of monolaurin or its precursor, lauric acid, to emerge as effective antiviral, antibacterial, or antifungal agents holds promise. Despite limited scientific backing, taking monolaurin supplements seems to present minimal risks, with possible immune-boosting benefits 9.
References:
European Patent Office. (2000). Use of monolaurin as an antimicrobial agent. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/EP0996471B1/en
Healthline. (2022). Monolaurin. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/monolaurin
Asociación RUVID. (2017). Scientists suggest a potential link between monolaurin and the risk of food poisoning. Retrieved from https://ruvid.org/ri-world/scientists-suggest-a-potential-link-between-monolaurin-and-the-risk-of-food-poisoning/
Kabara, J. J., & Vrable, R. (1977). Fatty Acids and Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 11(3), 457–465.
Preuss, H. G., Echard, B., Enig, M., Brook, I., & Elliott, T. B. (2005). Minimum inhibitory concentrations of herbal essential oils and monolaurin for gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 272(1-2), 29–34.
Hierholzer, J. C., & Kabara, J. J. (1982). In vitro effects of monolaurin compounds on enveloped RNA and DNA viruses. Journal of Food Safety, 4(1), 1–12.
Bourne, N., Bernstein, D. I., & Ward, B. (2015). Efficacy of monocaprin gel on vaginal Lactobacillus in female Macaca nemestrina. PLOS ONE, 10(9), e0136157.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2001). Substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/generally-recognized-safe-gras
Examine.com. (2022). Monolaurin. Retrieved from https://examine.com/supplements/monolaurin/
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