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If you're looking to buy monolaurin for the first time, compare monolaurin brands, research monolaurin reviews, and more - look no further than this comprehensive buying guide for monolaurin. There is more to buying monolaurin than the capsule weight or count. Many factors should be considered when selecting a brand of monolaurin.

Monolaurin Quick-reference Buying Checklist:

Intro to Monolaurin:

Monolaurin is a medium chain fatty acid synthesized from lauric acid. Lauric acid can be found naturally in different oils and mother's breast milk. Because the amount of lauric acid which is metabolized into monolaurin in the body is uncertain, many individuals prefer to take a supplement to realize the potential benefits of monolaurin. When deciding to buy monolaurin for the first time, the following considerations may help guide your selection. 

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#1 Source of Monolaurin: Coconut vs. Palm

Monolaurin is synthesized form lauric acid, which is found naturally in coconut and palm oil. However, not all monolaurin is created equal. Lauric acid which is extracted from the cheaper palm kernel oil is considered inferior quality and potency than the oil extracted from coconut. Always look for a monolaurin source which comes from coconut for the best quality and potency. If the label does not explicitly say coconut source, it's likely from palm kernel oil.

Takeaway: Look for a label which confirms coconut source - which may be higher quality and potency than palm kernel oil.

#2 Delivery of Monolaurin: Capsule vs. Pellet vs. Powder

As detailed in the article titled Monolaurin Supplement Delivery Options - Which is Best?, when you buy monolaurin as a supplement there are a variety of forms and options.

• Pellets: Pellets may offer a high dose on the label, but may pass though the digestive tract un-absorbed and may contain high amounts of potentially stomach-irritating glycerol. Pellets are relatively expensive and inconvenient to transport / fit in pill organizers.

• Capsules: Capsules offer are more precise dosage, are easy to transport, ensure complete digestion in the stomach and intestine, and come in either animal gelatin or vegetable cellulose formulas for those with vegetarian considerations.

• Powder: Monolaurin by nature has a strong soapy and bitter taste. Taking monolaurin in powder form, even when mixed with another substance like apple sauce, can be unpleasant and is not well tolerated by many.

Takeaway: Capsule is the most convenient, precise, and popular format for taking monolaurin as a supplement

#3 Milligrams per Capsule: 300mg, 600mg, 800mg

Therapeutic doses of monolaurin (which are explored in the Monolaurin Dosing Guide) can be quite high depending on the individual and what they are trying to accomplish. Monolaurin capsules are offered with a range of fill weights typically ranging from 300mg to 600mg per capsule. Caution needs to be taken when reading label claims - always note the serving size and amount per serving. Often, manufactures will increase a serving size to make the amount per serving appear larger. For example, a label claim of “990mg per dose” is actually for two capsules - a mere 495mg per capsule.

Takeaway: Always note the serving size to calculate amount per capsule. 800mg is the current industry max per capsule

#4 Capsule Count per Bottle: 60, 90, 100 capsules

As monolaurin can be taken over long periods of time, as well as at higher amounts during an immune challenge, many customers are looking to maximize their capsule count per bottle in addition to milligrams per capsule. Although a bottle may have a high capsule count, be sure to observe how many milligrams are offered per capsule - you may be getting less product per bottle, despite a high capsule count. Don't buy monolaurin based on the count alone. 

Takeaway: High capsule counts are great - just be cautious of monolaurin (mg) per capsule

#5 Excipient (Anti-caking / Flow Agent): Natural vs. Synthetic 

Modern high speed encapsulation equipment needs an anti-caking or flow agent (known in the industry as an excipient) to ensure uniform capsule fill and optimal machine performance. Many manufacturers resort to using synthetic excipients such as magnesium stearate or silica. Although these are economical and effective, they may come with unwanted side effects like stomach irritation or disrupting absorption. Natural rice powder can be used in place of these synthetics and will not cause unwanted side effects.

Takeaway: Avoid synthetic excipients like magnesium stearate and opt for a natural alternative like rice powder

#6 Additives: Pure Formula vs. Bulk 

Some manufacturers bulk up their products with unwanted additives like Inosine, Glycerol, Vitamin C, or Echinacea. While individually these additives may provide some benefit, they may also interfere with the monolaurin delivery. When researching and deciding to buy monolaurin, look for purity.

Takeaway: Look for a pure Monolaurin option and avoid the extras

#7 Packaging Features: Safety and Quality Control Measures

An important but often overlooked component of supplements are the physical packaging and safety features put in place. When you buy monolaurin, always look for:

• Desiccant - Absorbs moisture and odor which may be present during storage or transport. Natural desiccants (made of clay or other natural ingredients) are desirable to potentially toxic alternatives like silica gel

• Cotton pack - Protects the capsules during transit and can help prevent breakage and settling

• Foil seal - Under the cap this should always be present to indicate product tampering and ensure freshness

• Protective Neckband - A visual indicator to prevent tampering and keep the lid secure

• Lot # & Expiration Date - Ensures quality control measures are in place and the product is consumed within a safe time frame

Takeaway: Look for a natural desiccant, cotton pack, foil seal, neckband, and expiration date on all bottles

#8 Manufacturing: Facility Location and Certifications

Supplement manufacturing facilities can earn certifications from various governing bodies and standards including NSF International Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA registration, Natural Products Association (NPA) membership, among others. A GMP system ensures that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards, minimizing the risks involved in production and handling that cannot be eliminated through testing the final product. Before you buy monolaurin, check the bottle label for these important certifications.

Takeaway: GMP facility, FDA registered, and USA-made certifications provide a degree of confidence over non-certified manufacturing or foreign facilities

#9 Label: Claims, Formatting, and Research

Label claims and published research can indicate a lot about the professionalism and trustworthiness of a product or company. FDA guidelines strictly govern disclaimers and formatting of labels. Product labels which make unqualified claims about the efficacy of a product or do not adhere to accepted formats (including unit count, weight, serving size, amount per serving, % daily value, other ingredients, etc.) may indicate a lack of process control or quality.

Takeaway: Always look for proper citations, label formatting, and research when selecting a monolaurin brand

#10 Monolaurin Reviews: Opinion vs. Professional Research

Reviews for monolaurin are a wonderful way for customers to share their personal experiences, feedback, suggestions, and provide confidence when it comes time to buy monolaurin. However, with the proliferation of dishonest or fabricated reviews, some common sense approaches should be taken to avoid succumbing to fake or misleading reviews. Look for concentrations of reviews in a short time period, frequently used language, overly positive reviews, etc. Even better - trust published research and professional guidance when making a selection.

Takeaway: Customer reviews should be taken with some healthy skepticism, with more weight placed with published research and professional medical advice

Conclusion:

When looking to buy monolaurin for the first time, there are many considerations - from coconut to capsule to count. Whatever decision you make, ensure your treatment protocol is under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. Read more about monolaurin in the Complete Guide to Monolaurin.

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Looking to try monolaurin? Consider some of the products located on this external site: Shop Monolaurin.