Monolaurin

The antimicrobial lauric acid in breast milk contributes to its protective and developmental benefits for infants. Microbial resistance to monolaurin was not observed after prolonged S. aureus passaging under subinhibitory exposure. Monolaurin has antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive late-onset sepsis skin pathogens including Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. Lauric acid is a strong antimicrobial fatty acid. Monolaurin works by disrupting the lipid envelope of the virus, impairing its ability to bind to and infect cells. Proposed monolaurin antibacterial mechanisms include disruption of Gram-positive bacterial signalling and inhibition of exotoxin production. Monolaurin has documented antiviral properties against enveloped viruses, and EBV is an enveloped virus. Monolaurin dissolves the lipid bilayer envelope of enveloped viruses, rendering them inactive. Studies indicate monolaurin does not adversely affect host mucosal surfaces or resident microflora. Monolaurin is the principal fatty acid ester in coconut oil and represents about half of total fatty acids. Monolaurin is derived from lauric acid in coconut oil. Coconut is a uniquely concentrated sourc…