Lauric acid found in Coconut oil, palm kernel oil and human breast milk

Lauric acid is a saturated medium-chain fatty acid with the chemical formula C₁₂H₂₄O₂. It's also known as dodecanoic acid and is most famously found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and human breast milk.

🔬 Key Characteristics:

• Type: Saturated fatty acid (12 carbon atoms)

• Structure: CH₃-(CH₂)₁₀-COOH

• Appearance: White, powdery solid at room temperature

🌿 Natural Sources:

• Coconut oil: ~45–53% lauric acid

• Palm kernel oil: ~45–55%

• Human breast milk: ~6%

• Also found in cow and goat milk in smaller amounts

⚙️ Health & Functional Benefits:

1. Antimicrobial & Antiviral Properties:
   Lauric acid converts to monolaurin in the body, which can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses (e.g., herpes, influenza), and fungi.

2. Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Role:
   It is sometimes classified as an MCT, though it behaves more like long-chain fats in digestion.

3. Energy Source:
   MCTs like lauric acid are quickly absorbed and used by the liver for energy, rather than being stored as fat.

🏥 Common Uses:

• Health supplements

• Cosmetics and soaps (antimicrobial properties)

• Infant formula

• Food preservation

• Functional foods (e.g., coconut oil)