Monolaurin is a component of coconut oil. People say it increases their immune response, making them more resilient to bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Does science back them up? Read on to find out and be ready for a few surprising drawbacks of using monolaurin regularly.<\/p>\n
Monolaurin is a naturally-occurring fat present in both coconut oil and breast milk [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Monolaurin, also known as glyceryl monolaurate, glyceryl laurate, or 1-Lauroyl-glycerol, is a monoglyceride (a single molecule of glycerol attached to a fatty acid) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Coconut oil<\/a> is 48% lauric acid, which is valued for its use in the food and health supplement industries. Lauric acid converts to monolaurin in the body [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Some scientists believe monolaurin might be a promising antimicrobial. Ongoing research is exploring its antibacterial and antiviral effects and safety [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Monolaurin supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.<\/p>\n Despite a lack of evidence, people use monolaurin to prevent bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Allegedly, it also helps with skin conditions, strengthens the immune system<\/a>, and balances bacteria in the gut. However, clinical studies are lacking [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Monolaurin might be active against viruses that has a fat (lipid) membrane on the outside [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Since monolaurin is the same size as the fat molecule of the virus, it absorbs into the cell\u2019s fat layer. As it has poor binding power, the skin envelope breaks apart. This prevents the virus from attaching and entering host cells, stopping infection and replication. Have in mind that this is only a theory based on cellular studies [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Scientists think monolaurin might disrupt virus replication by blocking DNA replication signals. In the lab, when monolaurin binds to the viral envelope, it makes the virus more recognizable to the immune system [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Researchers hypothesize that monolaurin incorporates itself into the cell membrane of gram-positive bacteria and destroys them by breaking down the cell membrane. Theoretically, this stops bacteria from replicating and spreading, making it easier for the immune system to destroy them [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In cells, monolaurin also stops the production of most Staphylococcal toxins and other proteins at the bacterial DNA level. It also blocks the production of beta-lactamases, which are responsible for resistance to penicillins, extended-spectrum cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems. Its effects on humans, however, are unknown [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Ongoing research is determining its effects on decreasing the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, IL-1\u03b1 and<\/b> IL-1\u03b2<\/b><\/a> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\nUses<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Mechanism of Action<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Antiviral Activity<\/b><\/h4>\n
Antibacterial Activity<\/b><\/h4>\n
Claimed Health Benefits of Monolaurin<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n