An Exploration of Lauric Acid
What Is Lauric Acid & How Might It Benefit Your Body?
Disclaimer: The research below is offered for information and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. See Terms & Conditions
What is
Lauric Acid
Lauric acid, a form of saturated fat, has recently received an increasing amount of attention. The primary source for this fat is usually coconut oil. Commercial cooking products have been introduced containing this saturated fat and have been championed to be a healthier alternative to standard cooking oils. Lauric acid may also hold potential therapeutic properties that could useful in supporting immune health.
When the body digests lauric acid, a bioactive compound known as monolaurin is derived. Monolaurin has been the subject of scientific studies which explore its potential antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Read more about monolaurin in the comprehensive Essential Guide to Monolaurin.
What Does Lauric Acid Do For The Body?
Lauric acid has been researched in various laboratory studies which suggest it may possesses certain immune supporting benefits (Ref #1). The medium chain fatty acid has been adopted as a dietary supplement and individuals may take it to support a healthy immune response.
Is Lauric Acid Good For Your Skin?
The use of lauric acid goes beyond the oral consumption as a dietary supplement. One study (Ref #2) that was conducted by the University of California, among others, found that this saturated fat is useful in the treatment of Acne Vulgaris.
“Lauric acid did not induce cytotoxicity to human sebocytes. Notably, both intradermal injection and epicutaneous application of lauric acid effectively decreased the number of P. acnes colonized with mouse ears, thereby relieving P. acnes-induced ear swelling and granulomatous inflammation. The obtained data highlight the potential of using lauric acid as an alternative treatment for antibiotic therapy of acne vulgaris.” [Ref #2]
The scientists found the use of the lauric acid to be beneficial for killing off the bacteria that causes Acne Vulgaris, as well as for reducing the inflammation that the condition causes.
When the skin becomes damaged as a result of a burn, it is important to keep the skin clean and free of infection. Some of the most serious complications of burns include septic infections, and common treatments may include antibiotics. One study tested the efficacy of lauric acid in treating burn wounds on the skin. The study goes on to show:
“Lauric acid had the strongest inhibiting effect on microbial growth of Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Satisfactory zones of inhibition were also observed in the case of Escherichia coli. Growth inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed only when pure lauric acid was used. Due to its aseptic and regenerative effect on chemically damaged tissues, lauric acid can be a promising modifier of the burn healing process. [Ref #4]
Is Lauric Acid Good For Your Hair?
The use of products containing lauric acid on the hair may also be beneficial. One particular study (Ref #3) explains that the molecular weight and the fact that the chain has a straight linear shape means it is easier for lauric acid to enter the hair shaft. This, in turn, makes lauric acid a compound that may benefit the hair from the inside.
“Among three oils, coconut oil was the only oil found to reduce the protein loss remarkably for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product. Both sunflower and mineral oils do not help at all in reducing the protein loss from hair. This difference in results could arise from the composition of each of these oils. 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 #3]
Which Foods Are High In Lauric Acid?
Two of the most common foods that are known to be high in lauric acid include coconut oil and palm kernel oil. Coconut oil, however, is the preferred source amongst these two as palm kernel oil contains a very large amount of saturated fats and its farming techniques may cause environmental damage.
How Can I Increase My Intake of Lauric Acid?
Coconut oil is not the only coconut-derived source of lauric acid. People can also opt for coconut water, coconut flour, grated coconut, and coconut milk if they wish to increase their intake of lauric acid. Swapping standard cooking oil with coconut oil, adding a few bottles of coconut water to the fridge and switching unhealthy potato chip snacks for healthier coconut-based snacks are all great ways to start adding more lauric acid to your diet.
Because monolaurin is synthesized from lauric acid, a potentially easier and more measured way to ingest the product it is via a dietary supplement.
References
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1138/lauric-acid
Nakatsuji, T., Kao, M. C., Fang, J.-Y., Zouboulis, C. C., Zhang, L., Gallo, R. L., & Huang, C.-M. (2009). Antimicrobial Property of Lauric Acid Against Propionibacterium acnes: Its Therapeutic Potential for Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 129(10), 2480–2488. http://doi.org/10.1038/jid.2009.93
Rele A.S., Mohile R.B. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. The Journal of Costmetic Science. 2003. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12715094
Bobiński R, Wyszomirski M, Machnickam A, Pielesz A, Kawecki M, Waksmańska W, Staniszewski L. "The Effect of Lauric Acid on Pathogens Colonizing the Burn Wound: A Pilot Study. " Altern Ther Health Med. 2019 Oct 1. pii: AT5826. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31634869