GLYCEROL MONOLAURATE: Antiviral therapy

One of my prescriptions for certain viral infections is a special kind of fatty acid whose deficiency may partly account for the rampant growth of infectious diseases around the world.

THERAPEUTIC TARGET: THE ENVELOPE PLEASE

Glycerol monolaurate, a chemical compound of glycerin and a medium-chain fat called lauric acid, first proved its might more than a decade ago. Besides knocking out the influenza virus, it attacks herpes 1 and 2 viruses and the three major microbes seen in chronic fatigue syndrome: the cytomegalovirus, the Epstein-Barr virus and the herpes 6 virus. In lab experiments done at the US Centers for Disease Control, it killed respectable numbers of fourteen different so-called envelope viruses. These various bugs are distinguishable by their surrounding coats of fatty acids, which allow them to latch on to and infect cells in our bodies. Glycerol monolaurate dissolves the fatty acid ‘envelope’, rendering the virus incapable of grabbing on to cells and spreading.

LAURIC ACID IS EFFECTIVE

We’ve known about the completely safe, infection-fighting power of certain fatty acids for a long time. Lauric acid fell victim to a bad rap, though, because its chief sources include palm oil, coconut oil and butterfat – all saturated fats that traditional medical wisdom claims will raise cholesterol. Though this is still the official line, more sophisticated research now tells us that these fatty acids in fact raise the level of desirable HDL cholesterol. Among Polynesians, whose typical diet includes a plentiful amount of lauric acid from tropical oils, rates of heart disease are very low.
The presence of infectious diseases around the world seems to correspond to the declining consumption of medium-chain fats, leading some researchers to speculate that fats such as lauric acid may afford some protection against viruses. Others point out that HIV and HTLV, the pathogens associated with AIDS, are envelope viruses and more likely to spread in a medium-chain fat-deficient world.

SUPPLEMENT SUGGESTIONS

I am not enthusiastic about routinely administering flu shots every winter. As often as I can, I tell patients to avoid them. The best protection from colds and more severe viruses is a well-nourished immune system, combined with the strategy that a team of targeted vita-nutrients will be used at the first symptoms of a flulike illness. Glycerol monolaurate, which you might see in health food stores under the trade name of Monolaurin or Lauricidin, is a vital member of that team, along with vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, oregano oil and olive leaf extract. Glycerol monolaurate should be given at the first sign of a viral infection. On day one I prescribe four to six capsules of 300 mg each. When the illness begins to subside, I cut down to two to four capsules per day.