Is Long-Term Monolaurin Use Safe?
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Monolaurin &
Long-term use
Monolaurin, a compound derived from lauric acid (found naturally in coconut oil and breast milk), has gained popularity as a dietary supplement known for its antimicrobial and immune-supporting properties. Touted for its ability to combat bacteria, fungi, and viruses, monolaurin is commonly used by individuals seeking a natural way to boost immunity, manage infections, and maintain gut health.
Although research supports monolaurin’s short-term effectiveness, especially in lab environments, many people wonder about the safety of long-term use. Can something derived from coconut oil be taken regularly without side effects? Is there a limit to how much monolaurin the body can handle?
See more: Monolaurin: Benefits, Use, Dosing, Side Effects
What Is Monolaurin?
Monolaurin is a type of monoglyceride—a molecule formed when one fatty acid (in this case, lauric acid) is chemically bonded to glycerol. Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid that naturally occurs in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and human breast milk. Glycerol is a naturally occurring compound found in fats and used widely in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
When combined, lauric acid and glycerol create monolaurin, also known as glycerol monolaurate (GML). While your body can synthesize small amounts of monolaurin from lauric acid, this process is limited. Most monolaurin used for therapeutic or supplemental purposes is manufactured and taken in concentrated form.
What Is Monolaurin Used For?
Monolaurin has attracted scientific interest for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. It is known to inactivate or inhibit the growth of various pathogens, especially gram-positive bacteria, fungi such as Candida albicans, and enveloped viruses including herpes simplex virus, HIV, and influenza (in vitro).
Lauric acid itself has some antimicrobial activity, but monolaurin is significantly more potent. Studies on the antibacterial effect of monolaurin show it the compound is superior for reducing bacteria counts [Ref #1] and inhibiting pathogen growth [Ref #2]. One study on patients with bacterial skin infections found that topical monolaurin successfully inhibited the growth of all tested bacterial strains, including those commonly associated with antibiotic resistance [Ref #3]:
“Monolaurin has statistically significant in vitro broad-spectrum sensitivity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial isolates from superficial skin infections. Most of the bacteria did not exhibit resistance to it.”
In addition to its antimicrobial capabilities, monolaurin may also help modulate immune response [Ref #4]. According to a paper published in the Journal of Food Science, monolaurin appears to enhance immune function by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and activating immune cells like leukocytes [Ref #5]:
“Monolaurin is known to be able to enhance the immune system through modulation of various immune systems, controlling pro-inflammatory cytokines, activating and attracting leukocytes to the site of infection.”
While these studies are promising, it’s important to understand the context. Much of the research to date has been conducted in vitro (in lab dishes) or in animal models. While this provides valuable insight into the biological effects of monolaurin, human clinical trials remain limited. As of now, few large-scale studies have evaluated the long-term safety of monolaurin in human subjects over months or years [Ref #6].
That said, monolaurin has been in use for decades, both as a food additive and a supplement. Its use dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, when it was studied for applications ranging from food preservation to treating infections in developing countries. Despite its long history, there have been no major safety concerns reported in the scientific literature related to its use in normal dosages.
Is It Safe to Take Monolaurin for Extended Periods?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted monolaurin Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status when used as a food additive. This designation is not the same as FDA drug approval, but it does mean that experts consider monolaurin to be safe for consumption based on available evidence and its long history of use in the food industry.
To date, no peer-reviewed human studies have reported serious adverse effects, toxicity, or organ damage related to monolaurin use at recommended levels. Additionally, there are no known cases of overdose or poisoning attributed to monolaurin. Anecdotal reports from supplement users occasionally describe mild side effects such as digestive discomfort, especially when starting at high doses. These reactions are often linked to a “die-off” effect, where the rapid killing of microbes releases toxins into the bloodstream.
Because monolaurin is not a pharmaceutical drug, regulatory authorities do not set an official upper limit or daily value, leaving consumers and healthcare professionals to rely on manufacturer guidance and clinical experience.
Bonus: Monolaurin Buying Guide: Choose the Best Monolaurin
How Much Monolaurin Should I Take a Day?
Since the FDA does not provide a recommended daily allowance (RDA) for monolaurin, dosages vary depending on the product and intended use. Some supplement manufacturers suggest starting with 300–600 mg per day, increasing gradually to 1,800–3,000 mg per day. Those using monolaurin to support recovery from infections may take up to 6,000 mg per day, usually in divided doses.
The FDA does have guidelines for monolaurin’s use in topical products, capping concentrations at 100 mg/mL, but there are no official oral intake limits for supplementation. When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Monolaurin is a compound of glycerol and lauric acid that's known for its antimicrobial properties. Although there have been no human clinical trials conducted on its safety and long-term effects, its immune-boosting and anti-microbial properties are well-documented in lab conditions. The FDA has designated monolaurin as Generally Recognized as Safe as a food additive, meaning experts consider it safe for human consumption in amounts typically found in food products. Monolaurin also has a long history of use as a nutritional supplement.
Keep reading: Monolaurin Dosing Guide: How much monolaurin should you take?
interested in trying monolaurin?
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References
Tangwatcharin, P., & Khopaibool, P. (2012). Activity of virgin coconut oil, lauric acid or monolaurin in combination with lactic acid against Staphylococcus aureus. The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health, 43 4, 969-85.
Clelia Altieri, Antonio Bevilacqua, Daniela Cardillo, Milena Sinigaglia, Effectiveness of fatty acids and their monoglycerides against gram-negative pathogens, International Journal of Food Science and Technology, Volume 44, Issue 2, February 2009, Pages 359–366, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2008.01744.x
Carpo, B. G., Verallo-Rowell, V. M., & Kabara, J. (2007). Novel antibacterial activity of monolaurin compared with conventional antibiotics against organisms from skin infections: an in vitro study. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 6(10), 991–998.
Wang, X., Xu, W., Wei, X., Sun, Y., & Liu, J. (2020). Monolaurin and its role in immune health. Nutrients, 12(3), 654–662. https://doi.org/10.1159/000107673
Subroto, E., & Indiarto, R. (2020). Bioactive monolaurin as an antimicrobial and its potential to improve the immune system and against COVID-19: a review. Journal of Food Science, 4, 2355-2365. https://doi.org/10.26656/fr.2017.4(6).324
Barker, L. A., Bakkum, B. W., & Chapman, C. (2019). The clinical use of monolaurin as a dietary supplement: A review of the literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 18(4), 305–310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2019.02.004
Bergsson, G., Arnfinnsson, J., Steingrímsson, Ó., & Thormar, H. (2001). Antimicrobial properties of monoglycerides. Journal of Medicinal Food, 4(3), 91–94. https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.45.11.3209-3212.2001