Monolaurin is a compound naturally found in coconut oil and other plant sources. It is widely used in everyday products, including foods, cosmetics, and daily supplements.
In the food and personal care industries, monolaurin often serves as an emulsifier or surfactant, helping ingredients blend smoothly and remain stable. It is also valued as a versatile ingredient in supplements and animal feed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration categorizes monolaurin as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in food applications [1].
Over the years, scientists have conducted hundreds of laboratory studies to better understand how monolaurin interacts with microorganisms. While much of this work has been preclinical, the consistency of findings has helped establish monolaurin as a well-regarded compound within the natural health community. Its versatility, safety record, and natural sourcing continue to make it a subject of growing interest among researchers, healthcare professionals, and consumers alike.
Below, we’ll explore what monolaurin is, how it works, and why many people choose to add it to their daily routine.
What exactly is monolaurin made from?
Monolaurin is a monoglyceride formed when lauric acid—a fatty acid found in coconut oil and breast milk—is combined with glycerol [2], [3]. This conversion process enhances lauric acid’s bioactivity, making monolaurin more stable and effective in the body.
While lauric acid is one of the main fatty acids naturally present in coconut oil, it only makes up a portion of the oil’s total composition. Because of this, the actual amount of monolaurin a person gets from diet alone is likely inconsistent and relatively small [4].
Because monolaurin doesn’t naturally occur in large amounts in food, many people prefer capsule-based supplements, which provide a convenient and standardized serving without the variability of diet.
How does monolaurin work in the body?
Researchers have studied monolaurin for its possible effects on microbes and the immune system. In laboratory settings, it has been observed to interact with certain microbial membranes and influence processes related to toxin or viral activity.
Membrane Interaction: In laboratory studies, monolaurin has been observed to interact with the outer layers (lipid membranes) of certain microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. This interaction may affect the stability of these membranes and influence how the microbes function [4], [5], [6].
Toxin Pathways: Some research suggests that monolaurin can influence bacterial communication systems, which may play a role in how bacteria produce certain substances such as enzymes or toxins [6].
Viral Research: Laboratory experiments have also explored how monolaurin may affect viruses that carry an outer envelope. Findings suggest it could play a role in how these viruses attach to cells or replicate [4], [5].
What are the main health benefits of monolaurin?
Laboratory and animal studies consistently point to monolaurin’s potential to support immune system function, help maintain microbial balance in the body, and act in synergy with other wellness strategies for broader protection [4], [5].
Monolaurin helps manage immune signals. Our immune system uses tiny “messenger proteins” called cytokines to signal when it’s time to ramp up defenses. Some of these messengers promote inflammation, which is useful in small amounts but can be uncomfortable if it goes unchecked. In laboratory studies, monolaurin has been observed to influence how certain cytokines are produced.
Monolaurin is also shown to support T-cells. T-cells help identify and respond to unwanted invaders. Research has explored how monolaurin might encourage T-cells to multiply and attract other protective cells (like white blood cells) to areas where they are needed.
Who usually takes monolaurin?
Some people are drawn to monolaurin because of its connection to immune system research. While studies are ongoing, interest has grown around how this naturally occurring compound might interact with the body’s defenses. Monolaurin is often marketed as a plant-based supplement derived from coconut, which appeals to people who prefer natural or complementary approaches to wellness [7].
Online reviews and health forums show that monolaurin is frequently discussed among people looking for additional daily support, whether for general wellness routines or curiosity about emerging research.
How is monolaurin different from lauric acid or coconut oil?
Coconut oil, lauric acid, and monolaurin are closely related, but they are not interchangeable. Understanding how they differ can help explain why monolaurin is often studied and sold on its own as a supplement.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural oil pressed from the meat of coconuts. It contains a mix of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), with lauric acid making up about 45–53% of the total. Other MCFAs, such as caprylic acid and capric acid, are also present. Coconut oil is popular in cooking, skincare, and natural health practices, but it is not a direct source of monolaurin.
Lauric Acid
Lauric acid is a 12-carbon saturated fatty acid and the single most abundant fatty acid in coconut oil. It’s also found in smaller amounts in palm kernel oil and human breast milk. The body can metabolize lauric acid quickly for energy, and in certain conditions, small amounts of it may be converted into monolaurin during digestion. However, this conversion is limited and not guaranteed.
Monolaurin
Monolaurin is a compound formed when lauric acid binds to glycerol, a simple sugar alcohol. This can occur in tiny amounts naturally, but most monolaurin is produced through industrial processes and added to foods, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. Unlike lauric acid, monolaurin has been studied more extensively in laboratory and animal models for its effects on microbes and viruses.
In these studies, monolaurin often appears to act more directly and effectively than lauric acid, particularly in disrupting the lipid membranes of certain bacteria and viruses [7], [8]. This difference is one reason why monolaurin is frequently highlighted as a stand-alone compound, rather than relying on coconut oil or lauric acid as its source.
Is monolaurin an antiviral?
Laboratory research has shown that monolaurin can disrupt the protective lipid membranes of many enveloped viruses. While this does not mean monolaurin is a “cure” or replacement for medical treatments, these findings suggest a promising role in supporting the body’s natural defenses [9].
Because of its ability to act broadly against a range of microorganisms in lab studies, monolaurin continues to be an area of growing scientific interest.
How does monolaurin work in the body?
Monolaurin inhibits the virus through the mechanism of the disintegration of the viral membrane, prevents binding of the viral protein to the host-cell membrane, inhibits the process of assembling the viral RNA, and the process of virus maturation in the replication cycle [4].
By targeting the fatty layers of certain microorganisms and helping to maintain microbial balance, monolaurin offers a natural way to support wellness. Its activity is not limited to one type of organism, which helps explain why it has remained popular in both research and supplement use for decades.
Final Thoughts
Monolaurin is a fascinating compound: derived from coconuts, backed by decades of scientific study, and widely embraced by wellness communities around the world. While more human trials would further clarify its potential, its consistent laboratory research, long safety record, and natural origins make it a popular choice among those looking to support immune health.
When people look for monolaurin supplements, they often prioritize those that are vegan, free from unnecessary additives, and made in GMP-certified facilities with third-party testing for purity.
References
[1] “In vitro evaluation of antifungal activity of monolaurin against Candida albicans biofilms - PMC.” Accessed: Aug. 18, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4924139/
[2] N. Ngatirah, C. Hidayat, E. Rahayu, and T. Utami, “Enzymatic Glycerolysis of Palm Kernel Olein and Palm Kernel Stearin in different Ratios for Monolaurin Synthesis,” IOP Conf. Ser. Mater. Sci. Eng., vol. 1192, no. 1, p. 012018, Nov. 2021, doi: 10.1088/1757-899X/1192/1/012018.
[3] S. Miao and X. Li, “Enzymatic esterification of lauric acid to give monolaurin in a microreactor,” J. Chem. Res., Feb. 2021, doi: 10.1177/1747519820977164.
[4] E. Subroto and R. Indiarto, “Bioactive monolaurin as an antimicrobial and its potential to improve the immune system and against COVID-19: a review,” Food Res., vol. 4, no. 6, pp. 2355–2365, Nov. 2020, doi: 10.26656/fr.2017.4(6).324.
[5] Q. Zhang et al., “Monolaurin Confers a Protective Effect Against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Infection in Piglets by Regulating the Interferon Pathway,” Front. Immunol., vol. 12, Jan. 2022, doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.797476.
[6] “Novel synergistic interactions between monolaurin, a mono-acyl glycerol and β lactam antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus: an in vitro study | BMC Infectious Diseases | Full Text.” Accessed: Aug. 18, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-024-09261-9
[7] L. A. Barker, B. W. Bakkum, and C. Chapman, “The Clinical Use of Monolaurin as a Dietary Supplement: A Review of the Literature,” J. Chiropr. Med., vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 305–310, Dec. 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2019.02.004.
[8] F. O. Nitbani, P. J. P. Tjitda, F. Nitti, J. Jumina, and A. I. R. Detha, “Antimicrobial Properties of Lauric Acid and Monolaurin in Virgin Coconut Oil: A Review,” ChemBioEng Rev., vol. 9, no. 5, pp. 442–461, 2022, doi: 10.1002/cben.202100050.
[9]B. G. Carpo, V. M. Verallo-Rowell, and J. Kabara, “Novel antibacterial activity of monolaurin compared with conventional antibiotics against organisms from skin infections: an in vitro study,” J. Drugs Dermatol. JDD, vol. 6, no. 10, pp. 991–998, Oct. 2007