Lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid. It is found in many vegetable fats and in coconut and palm kernel oils. People also use it as medicine.
People use lauric acid for viral infections such as the flu, common cold, genital herpes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using lauric acid for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Lauric acid is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if lauric acid is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Lauric acid is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if lauric acid is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. It might be passed to the infant during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
It is not known if Lauric Acid interacts with any medicines. Before taking Lauric Acid, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Lauric acid is commonly eaten in foods containing coconut oil, palm oil, and other vegetable fats. But as medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of lauric acid might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Acide Laurique, Acide N-dodécanoïque, Ácido Láurico, Coconut Oil Extract, Extrait d'Huile de Noix de Coco, N-dodecanoic Acid, N-alkanoic Acid.
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