Majority of acute illnesses both in the old and modern generation are brought about by abnormal rapid growth of specific microorganisms in the body. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus or parasites. While treatment for infection-associated conditions are mostly symptomatic, studies show that the use of certain health supplement ingredients like Glycerol Monolaurate is quite beneficial in treating these conditions from its root cause. Glycerol Monolaurate, also known as Monolaurin, is a beneficial compound which has been isolated from certain sources. It is growing in popularity in the field of alternative medicine as experts are finding out its benefits in controlling growth not only of bacteria but also of viruses and fungus. This effect of Glycerol Monolaurate is quite advantageous as there are only a few supplement ingredients which effectively control growth of these three microorganisms. Glycerol Monolaurate, however, must be used with caution especially among persons who are undergoing antimicrobial therapies.
What is Glycerol Monolaurate?
More popularly referred to in the field of alternative medicine as Monolaurin, Glycerol Monolaurate is a compound derived from coconut fat. It is also found in relative amounts in breast milk. Aside from being a popular health supplement ingredient, Glycerol Monolaurate is also used in the production of cosmetic products, as well as an ingredient in food product. In latest statistical surveys, it was also found that certain amounts of Glycerol Monolaurate are used in the making of insecticides and pesticides, as well as in detergents as the effects of the compound in microbial growth control is recognized. Overall, when used in health supplement formulations, Glycerol Monolaurate is believed to control microbial growth by improving function of the immune system. Glycerol Monolaurate is a safe ingredient for modern health supplement products but recent studies show that increased amounts of the compound in the body may pose risks for toxic side effects.
What are the benefits of using Glycerol Monolaurate?
Supplements with Glycerol Monolaurate provide many benefits which include the following:
- It may prevent acne growth
Acne is primarily caused by increase of microorganisms in the skin, secondary to factors like stress, hormonal imbalances and pollution. Studies have shown that Glycerol Monolaurate effectively prevents acne growth by controlling bacterial growth.
- It controls flu and colds
Viruses causing flu and colds are various but it these conditions may be prevented with Glycerol Monolaurate use, according to studies. The compound, however, is not intended to be used to treat symptoms of the conditions.
- It may prevent UTI
Urinary tract infections are also prevented effectively with Glycerol Monolaurate as the compound helps prevent growth of microorganisms in the urinary tract. However, massive UTI cases cannot be treated with Glycerol Monolaurate supplementation.
Conclusion
Many experts believe that Glycerol Monolaurate is mostly beneficial. It is, however, important to remember that it is not yet recognized as an antimicrobial agent.
