Monolaurin - What is it and what are its benefits?
What is Monolaurin?
Monolaurin is derived from lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid found in coconut oil. It has antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It is a very safe nutritional way to fight off infections that may arise during the cold/flu season. It also provides our bodies with a great boost that helps us get the upper hand on long-term infections like Epstein-Barr virus.
Monolaurin Benefits
Monolaurin has been used to aid in the treatment of common cold, flu, shingles, herpes, candida, ringworm, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Although its exact mechanisms as an antiviral are unknown, it is said to work by binding to the lipid-protein envelope of the virus, thereby preventing it from attaching and entering host cells. In other words, it prevents infection and replication by destroying the viral envelope.
When replication is slowed, your body’s own immune system can keep the infection in check. The antibacterial properties of monolaurin are clearly established in scientific research. Some studies have found that it has health benefits such as effectiveness in killing antibiotic-resistant infections such as staph.
Monolaurin Side Effects
One upside of using monolaurin as an antimicrobial is that it has not been shown to create antibacterial resistance or to have adverse effects on the beneficial intestinal flora. Monolaurin’s side effects haven’t been registered in any case so far, so it is safe to use.
You cannot get enough lauric acid for therapeutic value by eating coconut oil alone, therefore a monolaurin supplement will be much more effective. Our favorite dietary supplement is Monolaurin by Ecological Formulas.
Monolaurin by Ecological Formulas
Stop by Martin’s Wellness Pharmacies at Dripping Springs Pharmacy or Lamar Plaza Drug Store and speak with our knowledgeable wellness consultants. We’ll be happy to help you select the right supplements that will boost your immunity and dig into the root cause of illness.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
Lauren Meyer CNS, MS