📝 Medically reviewed by Trager Hintze, PharmD, BCCCP
🔍 Last updated May 13, 2024
📚 12 citations
📖 7 minute read
About the Author:
Dr. Trager Hintze completed his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Idaho State University College of Pharmacy, followed by post-graduate residencies at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy and University Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Hintze is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy.
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Are you looking for a natural yet effective way to support your liver function and overall well-being? Though your liver often goes unnoticed, this multi-tasking organ is responsible for a myriad of functions, such as removing toxins from the blood and storing fat-soluble vitamins. ²
Monolaurin, a chemical derived from lauric acid, may be able to support liver health and the immune system.‡ For decades, researchers have been investigating the ways this coconut oil byproduct can be used in medicine and wellness. ³
Jump To:
- Understanding the Liver
- Exploring Monolaurin
- Benefits of Monolaurin for Liver Health
- Integrating Monolaurin Into a Healthy Lifestyle
- Conclusion
- References
Keep reading for more information about how monolaurin supplements can support your liver health.
See Related: The Top 10 Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil
Understanding the Liver
Most people know that the skin is the largest organ. However, did you know that the liver is the largest internal organ? In fact, it accounts for around 2% of your body weight.
The liver is situated in the upper right of the abdomen and plays a major role in several bodily functions. This versatile organ is critical for overall health and well-being. From detoxification to protein synthesis, the liver helps the body function properly. Here are some of the other key responsibilities of this organ:
- Bile production
- Fat-soluble vitamin and mineral storage
- Metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
- Support of the immune system
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels
The liver employs an intricate network of cells and enzymes to carry out a myriad of functions. By properly processing nutrients and toxins, your liver can support your body's biochemical balance.
Due to the far-reaching influence of the liver, any disruption to its function can have negative consequences on your overall health. ² In fact, millions of Americans suffer from liver-related health issues. ¹
Exploring Monolaurin
Monolaurin is a natural source of lauric acid and has been at the forefront of wellness interests for many years. Monolaurin, which is found naturally in coconut oil and human breast milk, has been the subject of many health-focused studies. ³
Since the mid-1960s, monolaurin has been a key ingredient in many dietary supplements. One such product is Natural Cure Labs' Premium Monolaurin. Each capsule contains 600mg of glycerol monolaurate and is formulated, blended, and bottled in the United States. Plus, this product comes with a ‘clean label’, meaning it does not have added synthetic colorants, flavors, preservatives, etc. The product is also proudly non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan. ‡
Bonus: What Are Lymph Nodes And What Do They Do?
Potential Benefits of Monolaurin for Liver Health
There are several ways that monolaurin can potentially support liver health. But even beyond your liver, monolaurin can support your overall health in many other ways.‡
#1. Monolaurin May Support Gut Health ‡
There is a well-established link between liver health and the gastrointestinal system. Known as the gut-liver axis, this connection balances the gut microbiome and liver function. ⁴ ¹¹ Coconut oil and monolaurin may be able to help support digestive health by maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. ⁵ ‡
#2. Monolaurin Can Promote the Detoxification Process ‡
Some research suggests that medium-chain fatty acids like monolaurin can aid in the liver's detoxification process. By assisting in the breakdown of toxins, monolaurin may help the liver carry out one of its most essential functions. ⁶ ⁷
#3. Monolaurin May Help Support a Healthy Immune Response
An abundance of research points to the potential of monolaurin to support and maintain a healthy immune system. ‡ In addition, this lauric acid derivative may also support healthy digestion.‡ This can help keep your liver healthy and in optimal condition, allowing it to function in a healthy manner. ⁸ ⁹ ¹⁰ ‡
Integrating Monolaurin Into a Healthy Lifestyle
It's important to understand the potential health benefits of monolaurin. Integrating monolaurin into your daily life can be helpful if you’re looking to prioritize your overall well-being. In general, a well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle will help to keep your liver strong and active. ‡
Coconut oil is a great source of monolaurin, but it's not feasible to consume it every day. Though rich in nutrients like vitamin E, coconut oil is also high in saturated fats. Too much saturated fat can raise LDL cholesterol levels and compromise your arteries. ¹² Luckily, it's easy to take botanical-based monolaurin supplements to give your body some of the benefits in a convenience capsule. ‡
A great place to start your wellness journey is with our Monolaurin Extra Strength supplements. Like the 600mg variant, Extra Strength Monolaurin 800mg is also vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. What sets the 800mg option apart is its generous and convenient fill - a full 33% more active ingredient per capsule than the original Premium Monolaurin 600mg. With the same capsule diameter as the 600mg option, Extra Strength Monolaurin 800mg is easy to swallow but delivers more monolaurin per capsule for a convenient and economical way to get higher doses. ‡
Another option is the L-Lysine + Monolaurin supplements from Natural Cure Labs. These capsules contain L-lysine in addition to glycerol monolaurate. This premium blend has a synergetic effect that helps to better support digestive health and immune function. ‡
Conclusion
Your liver lives largely unnoticed, only drawing attention when something is wrong. Maintaining optimal well-being can be simple when you take the right dietary supplements and make healthy lifestyle choices. That way, you can ensure your liver is properly supported and nourished. ‡
Keep Reading: How To Improve Your Gut Health, According To Research
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References
- Devarbhavi, H., Asrani, S. K., Arab, J. P., Nartey, Y. A., Pose, E., & Kamath, P. S. (2023). Global burden of liver disease: 2023 update. Journal of hepatology, 79(2), 516–537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.017
- Kalra A, Yetiskul E, Wehrle CJ, et al. Physiology, Liver. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535438/
- Barker, L. A., Bakkum, B. W., & Chapman, C. (2019). The Clinical Use of Monolaurin as a Dietary Supplement: A Review of the Literature. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 18(4), 305–310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2019.02.004
- Konturek, P. C., Harsch, I. A., Konturek, K., Schink, M., Konturek, T., Neurath, M. F., & Zopf, Y. (2018). Gut⁻Liver Axis: How Do Gut Bacteria Influence the Liver?. Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 6(3), 79. https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci6030079
- Rial, S. A., Karelis, A. D., Bergeron, K. F., & Mounier, C. (2016). Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Health: The Potential Beneficial Effects of a Medium Chain Triglyceride Diet in Obese Individuals. Nutrients, 8(5), 281. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8050281
- Zhong, W., Li, Q., Xie, G., Sun, X., Tan, X., Sun, X., Jia, W., & Zhou, Z. (2013). Dietary fat sources differentially modulate intestinal barrier and hepatic inflammation in alcohol-induced liver injury in rats. American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology, 305(12), G919–G932. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpgi.00226.2013
- Hodges, R. E., & Minich, D. M. (2015). Modulation of Metabolic Detoxification Pathways Using Foods and Food-Derived Components: A Scientific Review with Clinical Application. Journal of nutrition and metabolism, 2015, 760689. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/760689
- Nitbani, Febri & Tjitda, Putra & Nitti, Fidelis & Jumina, Jumina & Detha, Annytha. (2022). Antimicrobial Properties of Lauric Acid and Monolaurin in Virgin Coconut Oil: A Review. ChemBioEng Reviews. 9. 10.1002/cben.202100050.
- Carpo, B. G., Verallo-Rowell, V. M., & Kabara, J. (2007). Novel antibacterial activity of monolaurin compared with conventional antibiotics against organisms from skin infections: an in vitro study. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 6(10), 991–998.
- Matsue, M., Mori, Y., Nagase, S., Sugiyama, Y., Hirano, R., Ogai, K., Ogura, K., Kurihara, S., & Okamoto, S. (2019). Measuring the Antimicrobial Activity of Lauric Acid against Various Bacteria in Human Gut Microbiota Using a New Method. Cell transplantation, 28(12), 1528–1541. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963689719881366
- Albillos, A., de Gottardi, A., & Rescigno, M. (2020). The gut-liver axis in liver disease: Pathophysiological basis for therapy. Journal of hepatology, 72(3), 558–577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2019.10.003
- Teicholz N. (2023). A short history of saturated fat: the making and unmaking of a scientific consensus. Current opinion in endocrinology, diabetes, and obesity, 30(1), 65–71. https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000791
‡ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Natural Cure Labs provides dietary supplements made from naturally derived ingredients. Our research-backed products contain premium botanicals and antioxidants that encourage healthy living and holistic wellness. Each high-quality product comes with a Clean Label that certifies our commitment to quality, transparency, and research. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
