Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 11, 2025 19 hours, 32 minutes ago
Medical News: A New Study Uncovers a Possible Protective Factor Against COVID-19
A recent study conducted by researchers from the IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Università del Piemonte Orientale, and AOU Maggiore della Carità in Novara, Italy, has revealed a potential link between serum monolaurin levels and a reduced risk of contracting COVID-19. The study, which followed a large group of healthcare workers, suggests that individuals with higher levels of monolaurin in their blood may have a lower chance of becoming infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Higher Serum Monolaurin Linked to Lower Risk of COVID-19
Understanding the Study and Its Findings
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted scientists worldwide to search for effective ways to prevent infection and reduce the severity of the disease. Among these efforts, researchers have been investigating the role of various nutrients and compounds in strengthening the immune system. This
Medical News report highlights a study that specifically examined monolaurin, a compound derived from lauric acid, which is naturally found in coconut oil and breast milk.
The study involved 2,712 healthcare workers from Maggiore della Carità Hospital in Novara, Italy. Participants underwent blood sampling and were monitored for six months to determine if their serum monolaurin levels had any effect on their likelihood of contracting COVID-19. A subset of 1,000 individuals was selected for detailed analysis, with an average age of 46.4 years and a predominance of female participants.
Researchers found that individuals with higher serum monolaurin concentrations were significantly less likely to test positive for COVID-19 at both three-month and six-month follow-ups. The data showed that an optimal protective threshold of monolaurin in the blood was 0.45 µg/mL. Those with levels above this threshold were found to be at a lower risk of contracting the virus compared to those with lower levels.
How Monolaurin Might Help Protect Against COVID-19
Monolaurin is known for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties. It has been extensively studied for its ability to fight various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Scientists believe monolaurin works by disrupting the protective lipid membranes of certain viruses, potentially preventing them from infecting human cells.
Previous research has suggested that monolaurin may have a protective effect against other viral infections, but this study provides the first large-scale evidence linking it to a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. The researchers used advanced metabolomic analysis techniques to measure monolaurin levels in blood samples and determine their association with infection rates.
Key Study Findings
Individuals with serum monolaurin levels above 0.45 µg/mL were significantly less likely to contract COVID-19.
At the three-month follow-up, 97.9% of
participants remained COVID-negative, while 2.1% tested positive.
At the six-month follow-up, 97.4% were still uninfected, while 2.6% had contracted the virus.
Those with lower monolaurin levels had up to 3.34 times higher risk of infection compared to individuals with higher levels.
The protective effect of monolaurin was consistent across different age groups and medical conditions, indicating a broad potential benefit.
Implications and Future Research
The findings of this study open new possibilities for using monolaurin as a nutritional supplement to reduce the risk of viral infections, including COVID-19. Since monolaurin is naturally present in coconut oil and is recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it could be an accessible and simple addition to daily diets.
However, while these results are promising, further research is needed to determine the best ways to utilize monolaurin for COVID-19 prevention. Scientists suggest conducting clinical trials to explore whether dietary supplementation with monolaurin can actively prevent infections in high-risk populations.
Conclusion
This study provides compelling evidence that higher serum monolaurin levels are associated with a lower risk of COVID-19 infection. The findings suggest that monolaurin may play a role in reducing viral infections, potentially offering a new dietary strategy to enhance immunity. However, more research is required to confirm these results and explore practical applications. If future studies validate these findings, monolaurin could become a valuable component of public health strategies aimed at preventing COVID-19 and other viral diseases.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/6/2452
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