How does monolaurin help your body?

How does monolaurin help your body?

The use of monolaurin as a nutritional supplement has been a subject of study since its formulation in 1960 due to its potential health benefits. This compound is a monoglyceride, formed from glycerol and lauric acid, a type of fat naturally found in coconut oil. Over the years, monolaurin has gained attention for its promising role as an antimicrobial agent [1].

The potential of monolaurin doesn’t stop there. Studies suggest that this compound may also support healthy cholesterol levels and could even have positive effects on neuroinflammation and conditions like Alzheimer's disease [2], although there is still more research to do in these areas.

“Lauric acid, the primary component of coconut oil, affects microglial activation through the G protein-coupled receptor (GPR40)-dependent pathway, reducing activation of glial cells and further neuronal damage in Alzheimer's disease” [2].

As research continues, scientists are uncovering ever more ways monolaurin might support the body. Today, both lauric acid and its derivative, monolaurin, are recognized primarily for their ability to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses, while also promoting a balanced gut microbiome [3].

How does monolaurin work against bacteria? 

The antibacterial properties of monolaurin have been well-documented in various lab studies. Researchers have applied doses of monolaurin directly over different bacterial cultures to study its properties as a new alternative to support the body during certain types of bacterial infections [4], opening possibilities for future use cases of this compound as a dietary supplement that could help the immune system.

One study suggests that lauric acid, the main component present in monolaurin, may disrupt bacterial processes by penetrating their structure and interfering with internal biological functions, ultimately leading to bacterial death. Moreover, while both lauric acid and monolaurin have shown antibacterial effects, monolaurin appears to have a significantly stronger impact combating bacteria [5].

As a dietary supplement that could help develop a healthier gut microbiome in humans, what makes monolaurin promising is its ability to target harmful bacteria, like Bacteroides and Clostridium, while leaving beneficial lactic acid bacteria untouched [2]. This selective action makes it a compelling option as a supplement that could help boost overall wellness.

Does monolaurin work against viruses?

Monolaurin doesn’t just work as an agent that could help the body combat bacterial infections; it has also shown promising antiviral properties in lab studies. In a similar way, this substance acts by bypasing the protective outer layer in bacteria. It is believed that monolaurin works against viruses by breaking down their protective outher layer, disabling their action and preventing them from spreading [6].

Monolaurin has shown potential in combating several viruses responsible for common respiratory infections, like HPIV2, RSV and H1N1 [REF #6]. These results also sparked interest in its possible role in managing viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and other strains of influenza [REF #7].

“Its ability to kill various types of viruses, especially enveloped viruses such as influenza viruses and coronavirus 229E, makes monolaurin potentially able to ward off SARS-CoV-2 which is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic” [7].

Because monolaurin targets the lipid membranes of viruses, researchers have also considered its use against other membrane-enveloped viruses such as HIV-1 and HSV-2. Lab studies have shown encouraging results, althoughtt further studies are needed to better understand how monolaurin might be effectively used in humans for treatment or prevention of these viruses [8].

How does monolaurin support the immune system?

Monolaurin is naturally found in human breast milk, where it plays an important role in protecting infants during the early stages of immune system development. This connection is what sparked interest in its potential to support immunity through life, leading to promising findings in medical research [6]. 

While monolaurin is well known for its antimicrobial properties when applied directly over microorganisms, studies also suggest that this compound may support immune functions due to its well-documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects in human breast milk and its action in the immune system [6].

“Monolaurin is known to be able to enhance the immune system through modulation of various immune systems, controlling pro-inflammatory cytokines, activating and attracting leukocytes to the site of infection” [6].

Cytokines play an important role in the body’s defense system, alerting and signaling white blood cells (leukocytes) about threats inside the body. 

Another interesting benefit of monolaurin applied to the immune system is its impact on T-cells, a specific type of white blood cell that plays a key role in immune regulation. At normal levels, monolaurin appears to support the growth and activity of T-cells, helping strengthen immune defenses; at higher concentrations, however, it has shown the ability to prevent excessive immune action, promoting the maintenance of a healthy balance in the immune system [9], [10].
There’s still ongoing research about the positive implications of taking monolaurin as a dietary supplement and how it helps the immune system in humans. WebMD states the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before using it.

How to get monolaurin?

Although some sources suggest that the body can turn lauric acid into monolaurin, researchers still aren't sure about how it's formed inside the human body and how effective it is doing this conversion.

We do know that human breast milk contains a substantial amount of monolaurin, which plays an important role in developing the immune system in newborns. However, this source is obviously impractical for adults who are seeking to explore monolaurin’s potential benefits.

Among natural sources, coconut oil stands out as the richest and healthiest option for obtaining lauric acid, especially if we compare it with other sources such as palm kernel oil [11]. Still, lauric acid alone doesn’t provide the same level of benefits as its more potent form, monolaurin. 

“Lauric acid, one of the esterase cleavage products of GML, also has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but these properties require nearly 400-fold more lauric acid than GML” [12].

GML, or glyclerol monolaurate, is another term commonly used in scientific literature to refer to monolaurin. The later study examined the antimicrobial and antiimmflamatory benefits of monolaurin in human milk, highlighting its importance in newborns’ diets. Human milk has been found to contain higher concentrations of monolaurin compared with cow milk, while commercial infant formula didn’t contain monolaurin, according to the study. [12].

Because the body doesn’t seem to naturally produce large amounts of monolaurin, and dietary sources offer limited access, many people turn to monolaurin supplements as a more consistent and practical way to enjoy its potential health benefits.

When choosing a monolaurin supplement, it's important to look for products made with high-quality ingredients and certified practices. This helps ensure purity, safety and effectiveness, by getting a product free from contaminants and unnecessary additives.

As scientific interest in monolaurin continues to grow, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before adding it to your wellness routine. With its natural origin and broad potential, monolaurin represents a fascinating area of study in the search for safe and science-backed health solutions.

REFERENCES

  1. Borrelli, L., Varriale, L., Dipineto, L., Pace, A., Menna, L. F., & Fioretti, A. (2021). Insect derived lauric acid as promising alternative strategy to antibiotics in the antimicrobial resistance scenario. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12, 620798. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.620798

  2. Ameena, M., Arumgham, I. M., Ramalingam, K., & Shanmugam, R. (2024). Biomedical Applications of Lauric Acid: A Narrative Review. Cureus Journal of Medical Science, 16(6) e62770. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.62770

  3. Matsue M, Mori Y, Nagase S, et al (2019). Measuring the Antimicrobial Activity of Lauric Acid against Various Bacteria in Human Gut Microbiota Using a New Method. Cell Transplantation, 28(12):1528-1541. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963689719881366

  4. Barker, L. A., Bakkum, B. W., & Chapman, C. (2019). The clinical use of monolaurin as a dietary supplement: A review of the literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 18(4), 305-310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2019.02.004

  5. Kovanda, L., Zhang, W., Wei, X., Luo, J., Wu, X., Atwill, E. R., Vaessen, S., Li, X., & Liu, Y. (2019). In Vitro Antimicrobial Activities of Organic Acids and Their Derivatives on Several Species of Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria. Molecules, 24(20), 3770. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24203770

  6. Schlievert PM, Peterson ML (2012) Glycerol Monolaurate Antibacterial Activity in Broth and Biofilm Cultures. PLOS ONE, 7(7): e40350. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.004035

  7. Subroto, E. and Indiarto, R. (2020) Bioactive monolaurin as an antimicrobial and its potential to improve the immune system and against COVID-19: a review. Food Research, 4 (6), 2355 - 2365. https://doi.org/10.26656/fr.2017.4(6).324

  8. Ponphaiboon, J., Krongrawa, W., Limmatvapirat, S., Tubtimsri, S., Jittmittraphap, A., Leaungwutiwong, P., Mahidol, C., Ruchirawat, S., Kittakoop, P., & Limmatvapirat, C. (2025). In Vitro Development of Local Antiviral Formulations with Potent Virucidal Activity Against SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses. Pharmaceutics, 17(3), 349. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030349

  9. Ball C, Krogstad E, Chaowanachan T, Woodrow KA (2012) Drug-Eluting Fibers for HIV-1 Inhibition and Contraception. PLOS ONE 7(11): e49792. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0049792

  10. Zhang, M. S., Sandouk, A., & Houtman, J. C. D. (2016). Glycerol monolaurate (GML) inhibits human T cell signaling and function by disrupting lipid dynamics. Scientific Reports, 6, 30225. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep30225

  11. Witcher KJ, Novick RP, Schlievert PM (1996). Modulation of immune cell proliferation by glycerol monolaurate. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol. 3(1):10-3. https://doi.org/10.1128/cdli.3.1.10-13.1996 

  12. Boateng, L., Ansong, R., Owusu, W. B., & Steiner-Asiedu, M. (2016). Coconut oil and palm oil's role in nutrition, health and national development: A review. Ghana medical journal, 50(3), 189–196. https://doi.org/10.4314/GMJ.V50I3.11