Lauric Acid, Monolaurin, and coconut oil in the body - Studies? Viruses?

[Guest guest]

I wonder whether any of the research experts connected with this site, or

their friends, is knowledgeable about studies on the production of

monolaurin in the body from lauric acid.

Coconut oil is under discussion at the moment on a site for people with

fibromyalgia who are taking guaifenesin

(http://www.psha-inc.com/guai-support/) and some of the members are trying

coconut oil (and experiencing symptoms of die-off!).

One person spoke to a product specialist at 'Ecological formulas':

http://arxc.com/formulas/ecoform.htm (though I can't get the click-on boxes

to work on this site), who seemed knowledgeable, though her qualifications

are not known.

This representative said that coconut oil is not effective in killing

viruses. She went on to state that the body cannot make monolaurin from

coconut oil contrary to what one reads on the internet. Obviously she has a

vested interest since they sell monolaurin but she also said that they sell

tons of the product and have no need to manufacture propaganda against

anyone using coconut oil instead of the monolaurin, or words to that effect.

The articles by Enig and Ray Peat and others on the Dr Mercola site

refer to sources which contradict this assertion, but it is such a definite

statement that one would wish to know what studies might support the

opposite view, if any - they are saying " this cannot happen and is wrong

information... the body cannot make monolaurin from coconut oil. " and

" Monolaurin can only be made from coconut oil in a special process and not

in the body. " The contact also said that it was critical that the

monolaurin should be taken all at once and on an empty stomach.

Another question is how much lauric acid it takes to make a given amount of

monolaurin. One person on the list said that the monolaurin is very

expensive and that it's cheaper for her to get the coconut oil - but is she

comparing apples with apples? How much oil would she have to take to get

the same amount of monolaurin, if we do manufacture monolaurin from the

lauric acid in the oil?

Although I have called the contact " she " , it might have been a " he " , and the

informant the " she " .

As I was the one who originally raised the subject of coconut oil in

connectiion with leaky gut etc. on the guai support list, I've been asked to

research the above claim, but I'm only a new ignoramus myself, still on a

steep learning curve, full of hope and coconut oil and die-off!

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with " Ecological formulas " and

their accuracy in their statements? (And a clear brain to analyse

statements and information, unlike my poor old grey matter?)

Some of you may have tried both and have results to report.

http://www.mercola.com/2001/mar/24/coconut_oil.htm

http://www.mercola.com/2001/jul/28/coconut_oil.htm

http://www.mercola.com/2001/jul/28/coconut_health.htm are articles on Dr

Mercola's site referring to the benefits of the oil. " Approximately 50% of

the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium

chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being

formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. " One's impression is

that lauric acid is a precursor to monolaurin; that the active antiviral

agent is made from the lauric acid in coconut oil.

I tend to accept and believe that. But is that because I want it to be

true? Is it true? I dunno. Do you?

Rowena