Disclaimer: The research below is offered for information and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. See Terms & Conditions
DISCLAIMER & PRECAUTIONS:
As with any dietary supplement, monolaurin should be taken under the supervision of a medical professional. The information below is not medical advice, and should not be treated as such.
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Consult a doctor before using a dietary supplement if you have a preexisting condition, are taking medication, are pregnant or nursing.
Considerations:
There are many factors which could contribute to how monolaurin is taken as a dietary supplement. These may include, but are not limited to:
Age
Weight
Personal health goals
General sensitivity to supplements
Although monolaurin is listed on the FDA's GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) list, precautions should always be taken when beginning any new dietary supplement. Results will vary by individual, and one cannot expect to see immediate health changes.
Clinical research to-date does not include studies or guidance with respect children, and therefore it is not recommended for kids.
A note on the Herxheimer (Herx) Reaction, or "Die Off" symptoms:
The Herxheimer Reaction occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi begin to die off and release their endotoxins and lipoproteins into the body faster than they can be removed. It can cause a sickness that is ironically similar to the flu, including body aches, headaches and sluggishness. This feeling is temporary, and it has been suggested the reaction might be avoided by a slow introduction of a medication or supplement to your system. This does not suggest monolaurin will cause a Herxheimer reaction.
Learn more about the Herx Reaction / Die Off symptoms.
#1 Monolaurin Build-up:
For those new to monolaurin (or supplements in general) and looking to avoid "die off" symptoms as described above, a slow introduction and buildup of the supplement can help your body acclimate to the supplement and allow time to remove any dead microbe waste. Below is an example of how to begin with low doses of monolaurin and slowly build up to a higher dose over time.
Monolaurin Build-Up: | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 and Beyond |
---|---|---|---|---|
Under 125 lbs | 1 capsule, every other day | 1 capsule, 1x per day | 1 capsule, 2x per day | 1 capsule, 3x per day |
Average Adult Dose | 1 capsule, 1 x per day | 2 capsules, 1x per day | 2 capsules, 2x per day | 2 capsules, 3x per day |
Above 225 lbs | 2 capsules, 1 x per day | 3 capsules , 1x per day | 3 capsules, 2x per day | 3 capsules, 3x per day |
#2 Monolaurin Dosage for Immune Health and Maintenance:
A dosage level of monolaurin may depend on the health state and personal health goals of an individual.
Pre-Symptoms: For those looking support their immune health, monolaurin may be taken before symptoms are present.
During an Immune Challenge: For those who are already exhibiting symptoms, an increased dose my better support a healthy immune response.
Maintain Health: For those looking to maintain a healthy immune state, a daily moderate dose may help promote sustained immune health.
Health & Maintenance: | Onset of Symptoms | Symptoms Present | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|
Under 125 lbs | 1 capsule, 3x per day | 2-3 capsules, 2x per day | 1 capsule, 2x per day |
Average Adult Dose | 2 capsules, 2 x per day | 2-3 capsules, 3x per day | 2 capsules, 2x per day |
Above 225 lbs | 3 capsules, 2 x per day | 3-4 capsules , 3x per day | 3 capsules, 2x per day |
#3 Monolaurin Dosage by Immune Challenge:
A dosage of monolaurin may depend on the type of immune challenge. Note that there are no known or accepted medical treatments for most viral infections. Guidance is based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated. Seek professional medical advise before starting any supplement routine. Dosage options by different immune challenges are not prescriptive nor medically evaluated.
Supporting Immune Response: | Bacterial (Examples of Bacteria: Lyme, E. Coli, H. Pylori, Giardia lamblia) |
Yeast (Examples of Yeast: Candida albicans, Thrush, Yeast Infections) |
Viral (Examples of Viruses: Herpes - HSV1, HSV2, Epstein Barr, Influenza, Cold Sores) |
---|---|---|---|
Under 125 lbs | 1 capsule, 3x per day | 2 capsules, 2x per day | 2 capsules, 3x per day |
Average Adult Dose | 2 capsule, 2 x per day | 2 capsules, 3x per day | 2-3 capsules, 3x per day |
Above 225 lbs | 3 capsules, 2 x per day | 3 capsules, 3x per day | 3-4 capsules, 3x per day |
#4 Monolaurin Dosage Timing, Duration, and Other Considerations:
Monolaurin can be taken with or without food and any time of the day. However, it is recommended to take monolaurin with food to avoid stomach upset and the naturally "soapy" taste from becoming unpleasant. Food may also aid in the bioavailability of some supplements.
Monolaurin can be taken before symptoms are present, until personal health goals are achieved, and after to maintain a healthy immune response. The duration or length of a dietary supplement routine will depend on the individual and the results they are looking to accomplish. Some additional considerations include:
Timing - Monolaurin can be taken any time of day, but it is recommended to take with food (with meals, for example).
Duration - Monolaurin may be taken as long as an an individual wants to support immune health, including ongoing daily supplementation
Maximum Dosage - Monolaurin has no determined upper limit, but caution should be taken when dosages exceed 6 grams/ day
Food - Monolaurin may be taken on an empty stomach, but it is recommended to take monolaurin with food to avoid upset stomach and an unnecessary strong soapy taste. Having food in the stomach may also aid in the bioavailability of some supplements
Beverage - May be taken with any liquid, warm or cold
Other Supplements - May be taken in conjunction with other supplements to support or maintain overall immune health
If this is your first time taking monolaurin, be sure to note some of the important considerations when selecting your first monolaurin product in the Buying Guide.