Lauric acid
Synopsis of lauric acid
Lauric acid is a 12-carbon medium-chain saturated fatty acid (MCFA) found most abundantly in coconut oil and palm kernel oil, as well as in human breast milk. It is known for its potent antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, primarily due to its conversion into monolaurin in the body—a compound that disrupts lipid-coated pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and various enveloped viruses.
Unlike long-chain fatty acids, lauric acid is more easily digested and rapidly metabolized by the liver for energy, making it a favored component in ketogenic and low-carb dietary programs. In nutritional supplements and functional foods, it is often included to support immune function, balance gut microbiota, and provide quick energy without spiking blood sugar. It also contributes to skin and hair health and is commonly found in natural cosmetics and antimicrobial formulations.
Modern interest in lauric acid has grown due to research into coconut oil’s health effects, especially its potential role in weight management, cognitive function, and infection control. However, debates continue about the long-term cardiovascular effects of saturated fats like lauric acid, though it has been shown to increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol in some studies.
Historical Use:
Long before lauric acid was isolated and named, its rich natural sources—particularly coconut oil—were central to the traditional diets and medical practices of tropical cultures. In Southeast Asia, Polynesia, India, and parts of Africa, coconut oil was used both internally and externally for its healing properties. It was applied to wounds, skin infections, and fungal conditions, often with great success. While practitioners had no knowledge of fatty acid chemistry, the antimicrobial power of lauric acid (through monolaurin) was effectively harnessed.
In Ayurvedic medicine, coconut oil (called narikelataila) was revered for its cooling, nourishing, and protective qualities. It was used in oil pulling (an oral health practice), in massage, and in various medicinal preparations for skin conditions, inflammation, and even as a base for herbal infusions. Similar uses were recorded in Pacific Island medicine, where coconut oil was applied to burns, rashes, and infections, and used in ritual or spiritual healing practices.
Breast milk, another rich source of lauric acid, has long been recognized across cultures as essential for infant immunity and development. Its protective properties—now partially attributed to lauric acid—were empirically understood and reinforced by cultural emphasis on early breastfeeding.
Today, lauric acid is isolated and studied not only for its role in natural immunity but also for its applications in food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It continues to embody the union of ancestral healing wisdom and modern biochemical insight.
Lauric acid is used for these health conditions
Acne (Scientific)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Scientific)
Athlete's Foot (Scientific)
Cold Sores (Scientific)
Colds (antiviral) (Scientific)
Dermatitis (Scientific)
Diaper Rash (Traditional)
Eczema (Scientific)
Fungal Infections (Scientific)
Gingivitis (Scientific)
Herpes (Scientific)
Infection (Scientific)
Infection (bacterial) (Scientific)
Infection (viral) (Scientific)
Mastitis (Scientific)
Scratches and Abrasions (Scientific)
Staph Infections (Scientific)
Thrush (Scientific)
Ulcerations (external) (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
lauric acid is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)
