What Is Monolaurin - Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects

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Monolaurin is a chemical derived from lauric acid commonly found in coconut oil and breast milk. Read more to learn about the benefits of monolaurin.

What is Monolaurin?

Monolaurin is a chemical from lauric acid, a component of triglycerides found in coconut milk, breast milk, and coconut oil. (A small amount is in a few plants). A byproduct of coconut fat, monolaurin supplements have been used to prevent various infections. The body converts lauric acid into monolaurin naturally.

Benefits of Monolaurin

Monolaurin is a supplement that assists with a variety of health issues. The benefits of the naturally occurring compound include the following:

Antibacterial. Monolaurin is a surfactant reducing the surface tension of objects. These properties allow it to disintegrate the bacteria’s microbial membrane, which may help neutralize it. This action plays a key role as an antibacterial, preventing the spread or growth of bacteria. Preliminary studies indicate these actions could prohibit the bacteria from multiplying and spreading to other body parts. The immune system is then able to destroy harmful invaders.

Antifungal. Antifungals prevent fungi growth, which includes yeast, ringworm, mold, and candida. Monolaurin is a potential antifungal treatment, killing or neutralizing various types of fungi in preliminary studies. This may occur due to the compound’s ability to reduce inflammatory cytokines, which are the proteins that signal fungi to grow and multiply.

Antiviral. Monolaurin may inhibit several fat-coated viruses affecting animals and humans, such as the swine flu, measles, common cold, herpes simplex 1 and on 2, shingles, and influenza (the flu). Fat-coated viruses can live in the body for years and hurt health. Monolaurin is believed to penetrate the fat coatings of viruses and either weaken or kill them altogether. This process occurs in three phases: first, the virus envelope is removed; second, the replicative virus cycle during the late maturation stage is stopped; and third, harmful viral proteins are prevented from binding to the host cell membrane.

Lyme Disease. Transmitted to humans via ticks, Lyme Disease is an inflammatory disease that can cause headaches, fever, chills, and rashes. If left untreated, it potentially increases the risk of arthritis and neurological and cardiac disorders. Many with Lyme Disease opt for alternative treatments, such as consuming coconut oil, which contains monolaurin. Although not scientifically proven, some believe monolaurin is an effective treatment for fighting the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

How Much Monolaurin Do I Need?

Monolaurin has not been tested by the FDA. As a result, no dietary guidelines are established for the compound as a viable supplement. However, many feel how much monolaurin a person needs or consumes could depend on various factors, such as age, weight, health status, and if dealing with specific medical conditions.

For example, some individuals may start with one capsule daily or every other day, consuming 1-2 capsules several times daily as their body takes the supplement. Monolaurin should be taken with food and not exceed more than 6 grams per day.

Side Effects of Monolaurin

Monolaurin forms naturally in the body when consuming foods that contain lauric acids, such as breast milk and coconut milk. Consuming an average diet is considered safe, with few known side effects. However, it is unknown if taking higher amounts via supplements or other methods is safe. As a precaution, the following individuals should refrain from consuming monolaurin:

Those allergic to coconuts
Individuals taking medications
Those diagnosed with medical conditions
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

Side effects of monolaurin have been reported but are considered temporary. Many of these side effects are believed to be due to bacteria or infected cells quickly dying. These side effects can include the following:

Nausea
Headache
Acne
Muscle pain
Skin rash

Those allergic to coconuts may experience side effects, as described above. (The probability of this occurring increases when taking monolaurin derived from the fruit itself). To prevent potential medical interactions, notify your doctor of monolaurin consumption before taking prescribed medications.

Forms of Monolaurin

There are several ways to consume lauric acid, which the body converts to monolaurin. For example, monolaurin can be taken as a supplement or by taking coconut in various forms. While coconut oil is the highest form of naturally occurring lauric acid, the following are good sources of the triglyceride component. Here are other sources of monolaurin in order of highest to lowest concentration:

Coconut cream (raw)
Coconut cream (canned)
Fresh coconut (shredded)
Coconut milk
Human breast milk
Goat and cow milk

There are several ways to consume coconut oil: it can be taken by a spoonful, added to coffee, tea, or smoothies, and used for cooking. Coconut cream can be used as a topping, added to a fruit parfait, chocolate mousse, and other delicacies.

In addition to natural sources of monolaurin, it is also available in supplement form. Skinny Coconut Oil – 100% Raw Patented – Cold Process is a supplement that is never heated above room temperature. Made with the Nutralock System™, this manufacturing process takes three times longer than other coconut oil brands and requires more than double the number of coconuts. The result is a rich supply of lauric acid, monolaurin, and other nutrients. This makes Skinny Coconut Oil the best high-quality supplement on the market.

What is Lauricidin?

Lauricidin is the brand name for Monolaurin. Monolaurin is made when lauric acid from coconut oil is combined with plant-based glycerol. Lauricidin was discovered in the mother’s milk by Dr. Jon Kabara in the 1960s. Also known as a monoglyceride, it is often called the original monolaurin supplement. Lauricidin comes in a jar containing monolaurin pellets and a scoop for serving. Unlike coconuts which are chewed and eaten normally, Lauricidin pellets are swallowed whole with cold liquids. When initially using Lauricidin, individuals are advised to try small amounts of the pellets first to see how their bodies react or respond. If there are no adverse reactions, they can gradually increase dosages over a period of several weeks. Adults can take one full scoop thrice daily, while children may take one to three pellets daily.

Is Monolaurin Right For You?

Monolaurin is a naturally occurring compound that is derived from lauric acid. In addition to being found in various foods like coconuts and breast milk, it can also be taken in supplement form. Even though monolaurin has not been approved by the FDA, it has been used as a treatment and preventative measure for various ailments, including viral infections, staph infections, Lyme disease, and many others. Eating foods rich in monolaurin is an excellent way to get the nutrient naturally, while others take a supplement.