Monolaurin
OTHER NAME(S): glycerol monolaurate (GML), glyceryl laurate, monolaurin
Overview
Monolaurin is a fatty acid that is naturally found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It is used as a preservative and is also available in dietary supplements and skin care products. Monolaurin products are sometimes used to improve the health of the skin, mouth, and gut. But very little research has been done to study the effects of monolaurin supplements on the body, and their safety and benefits are not well defined. Before using monolaurin, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are using
Uses
What is monolaurin used for?
Monolaurin is commonly used to improve the health of the skin, mouth, and gut. But its benefits are not well defined.
Note: Monolaurin is available over-the-counter in skin care products and as a dietary supplement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not reviewed monolaurin for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about cosmetics here. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does monolaurin work (mechanism of action)?
Monolaurin is a monoglyceride, which is a type of fat. It is made of two common chemicals: glycerol and lauric acid. Coconut oil and palm kernel oil naturally contain large amounts of monolaurin. It is also available in skin care products and as a dietary supplement.
As a monoglyceride, monolaurin has the ability to kill certain bacteria. This has led to its use as a preservative in many food and cosmetic products. It has also led to interest in using it to fight off unwanted bacteria on the skin or in the mouth and gut. Although monolaurin is available in mouthwashes, skin care products, and dietary supplements, very little research has been done to understand its effects on the body. Its benefits for any use, including fighting infections, are not well defined.
How should I store monolaurin?
Store monolaurin according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of monolaurin?
Monolaurin seems to be well tolerated in the amounts that are used as a preservative or naturally found in coconuts and palm kernels. But there is not enough research to know what side effects may be caused by monolaurin supplements. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of monolaurin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of monolaurin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of monolaurin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Monolaurin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using monolaurin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use monolaurin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use monolaurin.
- Glyceryl laurate
- Glycerol monolaurate (GML)
- Monolaurin
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific monolaurin products they stock.
What should I know about monolaurin before using it?
Monolaurin is available as a dietary supplement and in skin care products. It is also added to many products as a preservative. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep monolaurin out of the reach of children.
The FDA has not tested monolaurin products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using monolaurin?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if monolaurin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how monolaurin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Monolaurin is a natural part of breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does monolaurin interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between monolaurin and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect monolaurin.
Does monolaurin interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between monolaurin and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with monolaurin is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking monolaurin with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much monolaurin?
If you or someone else has used too much monolaurin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Monolaurin is available in many forms, including dietary supplements and skin care products. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use monolaurin safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Frontiers in Microbiology: “Effects of monolaurin on oral microbe-host transcriptome and metabolome.”
- Journal of Chiropractic Medicine: “The clinical use of monolaurin as a dietary supplement: a review of the literature.”
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences: “Higher serum monolaurin is associated with a lower risk of COVID-19: results from a prospective observational cohort study.”
- Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease: “Five percent monolaurin vaginal gel for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.”
- Scientific Reports: “Monolaurin inhibits antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in patients with atopic dermatitis.”