Candida and Yeast Infections
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Monolaurin &
Yeast Infections
Fungus and Yeast - It's all around us
The human body and environment are surrounded by different microbial agents including fungi and yeast. This relationship is natural and safe, but complications may arise when the balance is disrupted. Candida is a genus of yeasts and is the most common cause of fungal infections worldwide [ Ref #4]. In fact, 75% of U.S. women experience a Candida infection during their reproductive years. Between 40% to 50% of these women have recurrent episodes, and 5% to 8% experience chronic candida infections. [Ref #5]
Candida albicans and Yeast infections:A literature review
Candida albicans is the strain most commonly associated with urinary tract and yeast infections in women. Candida albicans and other Candida species can also affect the intestines following use of antibiotics or chemotherapy.
Many traditional treatments rush to apply topical creams to treat the infection, but this can lead to drug resistance and iterating side effects. Monolaurin is a supplement naturally derived from lauric acid, which is found in coconut and palm oil. Monolaurin may present an alternative approach to supporting a healthy immune response. Monolaurin has been the subject of a number of published research studies which investigate it’s potential relationship to Candida in lab settings.
Monolaurin has been shown in laboratory studies to inactivate Candida albicans and other yeast strains [Ref #1-3, 9-12]
“In summary, the results show that both capric and lauric acids are active in killing C. albicans and may therefore be useful for treatment of infections caused by that pathogen” [Ref #3]
Monolaurin may exhibit positive digestive properties [ Ref #8]
“Organic acids have several additional effects that go beyond those of antibiotics. These include reduction in digesta pH, increased pancreatic secretion, and trophic effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa.” [Ref #8]
Monolaurin does not appear to contribute to drug resistance [Ref #7]
“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.” [Ref #7"]
Monolaurin may be taken over time to maintain healthy immune system function [Ref #6]
“Monolaurin has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status and is considered to be nontoxic. It is effective against many microorganisms and can be taken on a daily basis, given that evidence suggests it does not create antiviral or antibacterial resistance.” [Ref #6]
Additional Monolaurin and Candida Studies
One research study focused on Candida albicans compared monolaurin against natamycin (a powerful antifungal drug). Results demonstrated monolaurin had the ability to eliminate over 90% Candida yeast cells rapidly within 15 min, and caused a complete loss of yeast viability in 120 min [Ref #1].
"Results of anti-yeast activity on solid medium by agar diffusion method showed that the anti-yeast activity of the microemulsion at 4.8 mg/ml was comparable to that of natamycin at 0.1 mg/ml as positive control. Results of anti-yeast activity in liquid medium by broth dilution method showed that the growth of both C. albicans and S. cerevisiae was completely inhibited when the liquid medium containing 10(6) cfu/ml was treated with 1.2 mg/ml microemulsion, which was determined as minimum fungicidal concentration. The kinetics of killing results showed that the microemulsion killed over 90% yeast cells rapidly within 15 min and caused a complete loss of viability in 120 min. Among the components, sodium benzoate (SB) and glycerol monolaurate (GML) had a similar anti-yeast activity, followed by propionic acid." [Ref #1]
In addition to better targeting of an invasive overgrowth, monolaurin does not seem to contribute to microbial resistance as some antibiotics have shown [Ref #7].
"Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus spp. did not exhibit any resistance to monolaurin and had statistically significant (P <.05) differences in resistance rates to these antibiotics. 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." (Ref #7)
These studies exhibit interesting findings between the potential antimicrobial natura of monolaurin and Candida in laboratory settings. However, additional research is needed to determine if there is a relationship in the body.
Monolaurin as a Dietary Supplement
If you are looking to support your immune system, some dietary supplements may provide a natural alternative. Read additional research and literature reviews regarding monolaurin and yeast infections.
For more detailed information on monolaurin dosing, please see the Monolaurin Dosing Guide.
Looking to try monolaurin? Consider some of the products located on this external site: Shop Monolaurin.
As with any dietary supplement, it is safest when taken under the supervision of a health care professional .
References:
Zhang H, Xu Y, Wu L, Zheng X, Zhu S, Feng F, Shen L. Anti-yeast activity of a food-grade dilution-stable microemulsion. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 2010 July;87(3):1101-8
Huang CB, Alimova Y, Myers TM, Ebersole JL. Short- and medium-chain fatty acids exhibit antimicrobial activity for oral microorganisms. Archives of Oral Biology. 2011 July; 56(7):650-4
Bergsson G, Arnfinnsson J, Steingrímsson O, and Thormar H. In Vitro Killing of Candida albicans by Fatty Acids and Monoglycerides. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2001 November; 45(11): 3209–3212
Manolakaki, D., Velmahos, G., Kourkoumpetis, T., Chang, Y., Alam, H. B., De Moya, M. M., & Mylonakis, E. Candida infection and colonization among trauma patients. Virulence, 2010 1(5), 367-375.
Wilson C. Recurrent vulvovaginitis candidiasis; an overview of traditional and alternative therapies. Advance for Nurse Practitioners. 2005 May; 13(5):24-9
Lieberman S, Enig MG, Preuss HG. A Review of Monolaurin and Lauric Acid Natural Virucidal and Bactericidal Agents. Alternative & Complimentary Therapies, December 2006.
Carpo BG, Verallo-Rowell VM, Kabara J. Novel antibacterial activity of monolaurin compared with conventional antibiotics against organisms from skin infections: an in vitro study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology . 2007 Oct;6(10):991-8
Dibner J.J., Buttin P. (2002): Use of organic acids as a model to study the impact of gut microflora on nutrition and metabolism. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 11, 453–463.
Boddie RL, Nickerson SC. Evaluation of postmilking teat germicides containing Lauricidin® saturated fatty acids and lactic acid. J Dairy Sci 1992;75:1725–1730.
Isaacs CE, Thormar H. The role of milk-derived antimicrobial lipids as antiviral and antibacterial agents. In: Mestecky J, et al, eds. Immunology of Milk and the Neonate. New York: Plenum Press, 1991.
Isaacs CE, Kashyap S, Heird WC, et al. Antiviral and antibacterial lipids in human milk and infant formula feeds. Arch Dis Child 1990;65:861–864.
Enig M. Lauric oils as antimicrobial agents: Theory of effect, scientific rationale, and dietary application as adjunct nutritional support for HIVinfected individuals. In: Watson R, ed. Nutrients and Foods in AIDS. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1998.