Foods Containing Monolaurin

According to the Journal of Bacteriology, monolaurin, also called monoglyceride of lauric acid, and glycerol monolaurate, can kill many different kinds of dangerous microbes. This substance is produced via the esterization of lauric acid, either through artificial processes, or in the human body after lauric acid has been consumed. Few foods naturally contain monolaurin or lauric acid, but it's added to some to help stabilize them.

Breast Milk

• Human milk isn't a common food for adults, but its monolaurin content plays a significant role in the immune development of babies. During the period when infants are dependent on breast milk for food, monolaurin helps protect them while their immune systems improve. This substance has been shown to be effective against bacteria and against lipid-coated viruses. Babies on formula may benefit from monolaurin supplements to replace this natural food.

Coconut Oil

• Lauric acid, a substance that the human body readily converts to monolaurin, is naturally present in coconut oil. Unfortunately, it's also easily destroyed by the most common oil processing methods. According to the Center for Research on Lauric Oils, only coconut oil and products which have not been processed with hexane contain appropriate amounts of lauric acid.

Cottage Cheese

• Monolaurin's anti-microbial properties make it an excellent additive to cottage cheese and other foods that spoil easily. According to Food Research International, adding monolaurin to even contaminated cottage cheese results in inhibited bacteria, mold and yeast growth. Monolaurin is not present in all cottage cheese brands. Consumers should contact manufacturers to find out if this fatty acid is present in their favorite brand.