Monolaurin is made from lauric acid. Lauric acid is a 12-carbon long fatty acid and found in coconut milk and breast milk. In the human body, lauric acid is converted into monolaurin.
Monolaurin is considered to be nontoxic, and safe for all ages. There is also no known drug interactions and can be taken with most supplements and medications.
Uses
Monolaurin is compared with conventional antibiotics when used against invading microorganisms. When consumed orally, it helps maintain a normal, healthy balance of intestinal flora by controlling an outgrowth of bacterial and fungal species.
Monolaurin has been found to proliferate itself into the cell membranes of bacteria and disturb the integrity of its cell membrane, blocking bacterial replication. In viral instances, it is thought to interact with lipids and phospholipids that form the envelope of a virus, causing its degradation.
Monolaurin is commonly used for the following infectious pathogens
- As an antibiotic for skin infections from Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria [srs]
- Gram-negative bacteria such as H. Pylori [srs], chlamydia trachomatis, vibrio parahaemolyticus, mycoplasma pneumonia, salmonella typhimurium, neisseria gonorrhea
- Fungal infections by Yeast/Candida [srs]
- Cytomegalovirus [srs]
- Staphylococcus aureus [srs], staphylococcus epidermis, agalactiae and Group B gram positive streptococcus
- Reducing toxicity from Staphylococcus infections [srs]
- Preventing and treating viral infections such as
- Common cold
- Flu (Hemophilus influenza)
- Swine flu
- Sarcoma virus
- Syncytial virus
- Pneumonovirus
- Measles virus
- Vesicular stomatitis virus
- Visna virus
- Herpes family including shingles, EBV
- Human immunodeficiency viruses HIV-1, HIV+
Monolaurin does not appear to be effective against Salmonella spp. and E. coli.
Dosage
Before taking monolaurin, consult with your doctor for appropriate dosage. The amounts required are age dependent.
The dosage should be build up slowly over 1 to 2 weeks period starting with 300-600mg per day. Starting with full dose may create a strong immune system response. For children younger than 12, 600mg per day is acceptable. For ages 12 and older, the dose can be anywhere between 600mg and 2400mg per day, taken 1 hour after breakfast and 1 after last meal before bed.
Possible side effects
Since monolaurin is considered non-toxic, no serious side effects are expected. However, due to the fact that the immune system releases more antibodies that are utilized against the existing pathogens, a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction may occur. The following symptoms may become aggravated temporarily and should subside within a week after starting the monolaurin
- Headaches
- Muscle / joint pain
- Generalized itching
- Increased perspiration
- Chills
- Fatigue
If you continue to experience the adverse effects and cause discomfort after a week and do not subside, stop taking the monolaurin. If symptoms become very pronounced, immediately contact your doctor.