Hashimoto’s Disease and Monolaurin
Can lauric acid, the source of monolaurin, help in the regulation of normal thyroid function?
Disclaimer: The research below is offered for information and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. See Terms & Conditions
Monolaurin &
Thyroid Function
What is Hashimoto’s disease?
Hashimoto’s disease is the leading cause of hypothyroidism. It is when the immune system produces harmful antibodies that attack the healthy tissue of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck, regulates crucial body functions such as metabolism, muscle strength, and growth and development. The normal production of the hormone thyroxine, or T4, is essential to the function of the thyroid gland and, by extension, the body. In Hashimoto’s disease, inflammation of the thyroid gland interferes with hormone production. As a result, levels of T4 are too low and the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is too high. The opposite condition from Hashimoto’s disease is hyperthyroidism, most often caused by Grave’s disease, where there exists an excess of T4. Hypothyroidism affects primarily women and prevalence of the disease increases with age. Other names for it include chronic thyroiditis, lymphocytic thyroiditis, lymphadenoid goiter, and autoimmune thyroiditis. [Ref #1]
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease
Hashimoto’s disease progresses slowly and therefore it may take symptoms considerable time to appear. Early symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, and constipation. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include hair loss or slowed growth, brittle nails, depression, increased sensitivity to cold, and pain or stiffness in joints and muscles.
What causes Hashimoto’s disease?
The exact cause of Hashimoto’s disease remains unknown but connections between it and other autoimmune diseases have been discovered. Notably, the Epstein-Barr virus, more commonly known as mono, is a member of the HPV family and has been often found in conjunction with autoimmune thyroiditis.
“We assume that high prevalence of EBV infection in cases of Hashimoto's and Graves' diseases imply a potential aetiological role of EBV in autoimmune thyroiditis.” [Ref #5]
Is there a cure for Hashimoto’s disease?
“Hashimoto thyroiditis is a life long disorder with no cure; thus it is best managed by a multidisciplinary team that includes an endocrinologist, internist, primary care provider, and an internist. The key is to follow up on the levels of thyroid hormone.” [Ref #7]
Though there is no cure for Hashimoto’s disease, it can be treated by introducing synthetic thyroid hormones into the body by way of thyroid hormone replacement. Regular examination is important to determine a safe dosage as too much of a hormone can lead to complications. Additionally, there are substances that can help to ease the symptoms of autoimmune thyroidism and aid in the treatment efficacy. Monolaurin is one such substance.
The Benefits of Monolaurin with T4 (Hypothyroidism)
“Levothyroxine sodium (T4), administered orally, is used for the treatment of hypothyroidism. T4 is a narrow therapeutic index drug with highly variable bioavailability (40-80%). The purpose of the present study was to increase the transepithelial transport of T4 using straight chain fatty acids across Madin-Darby Canine kidney (MDCK) cell line. Capric acid (C10), lauric acid (C12) and oleic acid (C18) were studied in molar ratios of 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 (T4:fatty acid)….All three fatty acids proved to significantly increase T4 transport…. Hence, addition of fatty acids to T4 formulations at low concentrations can significantly improve intestinal permeability of T4 without any toxicity potentially leading to improved bioavailability.” [Ref #8]
Research into the benefits of lauric acid in specific relation to hypothyroidism yielded exciting results. A study found that the presence of lauric acid aided in the efficacy of synthetic T4 being introduced to the body. In the presence of lauric acid the T4 was better able to permeate the body and perform its necessary function.
The Benefits of Monolaurin with T3 (Hyperthyroidism)
“T3 action is mediated by T3 receptors (TRs) that bind to T3 response elements (T3REs) in this gene's 5'-flanking DNA. In transiently transfected hepatocytes, fragments of 5'-flanking DNA of the malic enzyme gene or artificial T3REs that conferred T3 stimulation also conferred MCFA inhibition to linked reporter genes. Thus, MCFA inhibition may be mediated through cis-acting T3REs and trans-acting TRs, distinguishing MCFA action from that of other fatty acids which act through unique sequence elements.” [Ref #14]
Research suggests T3 action regulation is aided by medium chain fatty acids. This study principally explores gene transcription that is related to the thyroid. However, an overactive thyroid is indicated by a high total of free T3, which MCFAs may help regulate.
Monolaurin (Lauric Acid) and Hashimoto’s disease symptoms
Hair Loss
“…published results showed that both in vitro and in vivo coconut oil (CNO) treatments prevented combing damage of various hair types…Coconut oil, being a triglyceride of lauric acid (principal fatty acid), has a high affinity for hair proteins and, because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft.” [Ref #9]
Hypothyroidism can greatly affect the growth of hair. As the disease progresses hair can become dry and brittle and eventually can result in significant hair loss. Coconut oil has been proven to counteract these effects because of the lauric acid contained in it.
Weight Gain
“From the literature reviewed, we conclude that MCT [medium-chain triglycerides] increase energy expenditure, may result in faster satiety and facilitate weight control when included in the diet as a replacement for fats containing LCT [long-chain triglycerides].” [Ref #12]
One of the most common symptoms of a thyroid disorder is fatigue and chronically low energy levels. The thyroid regulates metabolism which plays a key role in weight and energy. When the thyroid cannot function properly, inefficient metabolism decreases energy levels and a person is unable to maintain their current weight. Lauric acid is a medium-chain triglyceride. Research has found that, unlike other fatty acids, lauric acid can help to slow weight gain and that the fat is able to be converted into energy to boost metabolism.
Gut Health
“Growing evidence support the notion that the microbiota plays a significant role in maintaining nutritional, metabolic and immunologic homeostasis in the host….The whole thyroid peripheral homeostasis may be sensitive to microbiota changes but there is also evidence that the genesis and progression of autoimmune thyroid disorders may be significantly affected from a changing intestinal microbial composition or even from overt dysbiosis.” [Ref #13]
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease which means that maintaining a strong and healthy immune system is important. As demonstrated by the research above, gut health is greatly affected by thyroiditis and may even play a role in the start and progression of the disease. Monolaurin benefits from a number of positive studies on its role in supporting and maintaining immune health. Monolaurin is derived from a medium-chain triglyceride called lauric acid and “has been reported to have the greatest antimicrobial activity of all the monoglycerides” [Ref #2]
"…dietary medium chain triglycerides (MCT), previously found to promote lipid catabolism, energy expenditure and weight loss, can ameliorate metabolic health via their capacity to improve both intestinal ecosystem and permeability. MCT-enriched diets could therefore be used to manage metabolic diseases through modification of gut microbiota” [Ref #10]
For more information on Monolaurin, visit the comprehensive guide to Monolaurin benefits.
In addition to dietary supplements, other ways to support immune system and gut health include exercising regularly, getting sufficient sleep, and minimizing stress where possible. [Ref #4]
Using Monolaurin Safely
As with all dietary supplements, Monolaurin should be taken under the direction and supervision of a healthcare professional.
New to monolaurin and not where to start? Check out the Monolaurin buying Guide.
Looking to try monolaurin? Consider some of the products located on this external site: Shop Monolaurin.
References
Akamizu, T and N Amino. “Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.” Endotext.
Dufour, M, et al. “Characterization of Monolaurin Resistance in Enterococcus Faecalis.” Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 13 July 2007.
Girgis, CM, et al. “Current Concepts in Graves' Disease.” Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 3, no. 3, June 2011, pp. 135–144.
“How to Boost Your Immune System.” Harvard Health, Harvard Health Publishing, Sept. 2014.
Janegova, A, et al. “The Role of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in the Development of Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases.” Endokryologia Polska, 2015, pp. 132–136.
McCarty, MF, and JJ DiNicolantonio. “Lauric Acid-Rich Medium-Chain Triglycerides Can Substitute for Other Oils in Cooking Applications and May Have Limited Pathogenicity.” Open Heart, 27 July 2016.
Mincer, DL, and I Jialal. Hashimoto Thyroiditis. StatPearls Publishing LLC, 2019.
Pabla, D, et al. “Intestinal Permeability Enhancement of Levothyroxine Sodium by Straight Chain Fatty Acids Studied in MDCK Epithelial Cell Line.” European Journal of Pharmaceautical Sciences, 11 Aug. 2010, pp. 466–472.
Rele, AS, and RB Mohile. “Effect of Mineral Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Coconut Oil on Prevention of Hair Damage.” Journal of Cosmetic Science, Mar-Apr. 2003.
Rial, SA, et al. “Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Health: The Potential Beneficial Effects of a Medium Chain Triglyceride Diet in Obese Individuals.” Nutrients, May 2016.
Siddhanti, SR, et al. “Influence of Dietary Fat on Factors in Serum That Regulate Thyroid Cell Metabolism.” The Journal of Nutrition, Nov. 1990.
St-Onge, MP, and P J.H. Jones. “Physiological Effects of Medium-Chain Triglycerides: Potential Agents in the Prevention of Obesity.” The Journal of Nutrition, Mar. 2002, pp. 329–332.
Virili, C, et al. “Gut Microbiota and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.” Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 19 Dec. 2018.
Debbie C. Thurmond, Rebecca A. Baillie, Alan G. Goodridge, "Regulation of the Action of Steroid/Thyroid Hormone Receptors by Medium-chain Fatty Acids" Journal of Biological Chemistry, Volume 273, Issue 25, 1998, Pages 15373-15381,