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Lauric acid
Lauric acid
Lauric acid
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Lauric acid
Skeletal formula of lauric acid
Skeletal formula of lauric acid
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
Dodecanoic acid
Other names
n-Dodecanoic acid, Dodecylic acid, Dodecoic acid, Laurostearic acid, Vulvic acid, 1-Undecanecarboxylic acid, Duodecylic acid, C12:0 (Lipid numbers)
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEBI
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.005.075 Edit this at Wikidata
EC Number
  • 205-582-1
KEGG
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C12H24O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12(13)14/h2-11H2,1H3,(H,13,14) ☒N
    Key: POULHZVOKOAJMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N ☒N
  • InChI=1/C12H24O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12(13)14/h2-11H2,1H3,(H,13,14)
    Key: POULHZVOKOAJMA-UHFFFAOYAP
  • O=C(O)CCCCCCCCCCC
Properties
C12H24O2
Molar mass 200.322 g·mol−1
Appearance White powder
Odor Slight odor of bay oil
Density 1.007 g/cm3 (24 °C)[1]
0.8744 g/cm3 (41.5 °C)[2]
0.8679 g/cm3 (50 °C)[3]
Melting point 43.8 °C (110.8 °F; 316.9 K)[3]
Boiling point 297.9 °C (568.2 °F; 571.0 K)
282.5 °C (540.5 °F; 555.6 K)
at 512 mmHg[1]
225.1 °C (437.2 °F; 498.2 K)
at 100 mmHg[3][4]
37 mg/L (0 °C)
55 mg/L (20 °C)
63 mg/L (30 °C)
72 mg/L (45 °C)
83 mg/L (100 °C)[5]
Solubility Soluble in alcohols, diethyl ether, phenyls, haloalkanes, acetates[5]
Solubility in methanol 12.7 g/100 g (0 °C)
120 g/100 g (20 °C)
2250 g/100 g (40 °C)[5]
Solubility in acetone 8.95 g/100 g (0 °C)
60.5 g/100 g (20 °C)
1590 g/100 g (40 °C)[5]
Solubility in ethyl acetate 9.4 g/100 g (0 °C)
52 g/100 g (20°C)
1250 g/100 g (40°C)[5]
Solubility in toluene 15.3 g/100 g (0 °C)
97 g/100 g (20°C)
1410 g/100 g (40°C)[5]
log P 4.6[6]
Vapor pressure 2.13·10−6 kPa (25 °C)[6]
0.42 kPa (150 °C)[4]
6.67 kPa (210 °C)[7]
Acidity (pKa) 5.3 (20 °C)[6]
Thermal conductivity 0.442 W/m·K (solid)[2]
0.1921 W/m·K (72.5 °C)
0.1748 W/m·K (106 °C)[1]
1.423 (70 °C)[1]
1.4183 (82 °C)[3]
Viscosity 6.88 cP (50 °C)
5.37 cP (60 °C)[2]
Structure
Monoclinic (α-form)[8]
Triclinic, aP228 (γ-form)[9]
P21/a, No. 14 (α-form)[8]
P1, No. 2 (γ-form)[9]
2/m (α-form)[8]
1 (γ-form)[9]
a = 9.524 Å, b = 4.965 Å, c = 35.39 Å (α-form)[8]
α = 90°, β = 129.22°, γ = 90°
Thermochemistry
404.28 J/mol·K[4]
−775.6 kJ/mol[6]
7377 kJ/mol
7425.8 kJ/mol (292 K)[4]
Hazards
GHS labelling:
GHS05: Corrosive
Danger
H318[7]
P280, P305+P351+P338[7]
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704 four-colored diamondHealth 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g. turpentineFlammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oilInstability 1: Normally stable, but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. E.g. calciumSpecial hazards (white): no code
1
1
1
Flash point > 113 °C (235 °F; 386 K)[7]
Related compounds
Related compounds
 Glyceryl laurate
Related compounds
Related compounds
 Undecanoic acid
Tridecanoic acid
Dodecanol
Dodecanal
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Lauric acid, systematically dodecanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon atom chain, thus having many properties of medium-chain fatty acids.[6] It is a bright white, powdery solid with a faint odor of bay oil or soap. The salts and esters of lauric acid are known as laurates. Lauric acid accounts for nearly half of the fat in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.

Occurrence

[edit]

Lauric acid, as a component of triglycerides, comprises about half of the fatty-acid content in coconut milk, coconut oil, laurel oil, and palm kernel oil (not to be confused with palm oil).[10][11][12] Oils with high levels of lauric acid are known as lauric oils.[13][14] Otherwise, it is relatively uncommon. It is also found in human breast milk (6.2% of total fat), cow's milk (2.9%), and goat's milk (3.1%).[10]

In various plants

[edit]

Insect

[edit]

Uses

[edit]

Like many other fatty acids, lauric acid is inexpensive, has a long shelf-life, is nontoxic, and is safe to handle. It is used mainly for the production of soaps and cosmetics. For these purposes, lauric acid is reacted with sodium hydroxide to give sodium laurate, which is a soap. Most commonly, sodium laurate is obtained by saponification of various oils, such as coconut oil. These precursors give mixtures of sodium laurate and other soaps.[11]

Lauric acid is a precursor to dilauroyl peroxide, a commercial initiator of polymerizations.[6]

Production and reactions

[edit]

Lauric acid is mainly isolated from natural sources.[11] Its reactions are representative of those of similar long chain, saturated fatty acids. It can be converted to the symmetrical fatty ketone called laurone (O=C(C11H23)2).[17] It transesterifies with vinyl acetate.[18] Treatment with sulfur trioxide gives the α-sulfonic acid.[19]

As a dietary fat and cardiovascular risk factor

[edit]

Lauric acid increases total serum lipoproteins more than many other fatty acids, including LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), making it a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.[12] Lauric acid has been characterized as having "a more favorable effect on total HDL than any other fatty acid [examined], either saturated or unsaturated",[20] which may favor a lower cardiovascular disease risk.[21] However, given the prominence of lauric acid in palm kernel and coconut oil (about 47% of total fat), replacing dietary coconut oil and its high lauric acid content with oils containing mostly unsaturated fats would alter total blood lipids in a way that reduces cardiovascular disease risk.[12]

Although 95% of medium-chain triglycerides are absorbed through the portal vein, only 25–30% of lauric acid is absorbed through this vein.[12][22]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lauric acid

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lauric acid, also known as dodecanoic acid, is a saturated with the molecular formula C₁₂H₂₄O₂ and a molecular weight of 200.32 g/mol. It features a straight-chain structure consisting of twelve carbon atoms and a , classifying it as a medium-chain that appears as a white, crystalline solid at . Physically, lauric acid has a melting point of 43.2–48 °C and a of 298.9 °C, with low in (approximately 4.81 mg/L at 25 °C) but good in organic solvents like , , and . In nature, lauric acid is predominantly found in , where it constitutes 45–55% of the total fatty acids (or about 41.8 g per 100 g of oil), as well as in and, to a lesser extent, in human and certain edible oils like those from laurel. Commercially, it is produced through the of vegetable oils such as and oils, yielding a product that is typically 99% pure. Lauric acid is widely utilized in various industries due to its surfactant properties and stability. In personal care and , it serves as an emulsifying, cleansing, and in products like soaps, shampoos, and cleansers. It is also employed in food applications as a flavoring agent and in the production of medium-chain triglycerides for nutritional supplements, with the global market for lauric acid-based products valued at approximately $241 million as of 2025. Additionally, its attributes, stemming from its ability to disrupt microbial cell membranes, have led to explorations in biomedical contexts, including potential roles in treating infections, cancer, and metabolic disorders, though it can cause and eye upon direct contact.

Chemical properties

Structure and nomenclature

Lauric acid is a straight-chain with the molecular formula C₁₂H₂₄O₂ and the CH₃(CH₂)₁₀COOH, consisting of a 12-carbon alkyl chain attached to a carboxyl group. This configuration identifies it as a , where the chain is unbranched and fully saturated, lacking any double bonds between carbon atoms. The systematic IUPAC name for lauric acid is dodecanoic acid, reflecting its 12-carbon chain length in the for alkanoic acids. It is classified as a saturated medium-chain (MCFA), a category encompassing fatty acids with 6 to 12 carbon atoms that are fully hydrogenated and exhibit distinct metabolic properties compared to longer-chain counterparts. The common name "lauric acid" originates from the Latin laurus (laurel), derived from its initial isolation in the 19th century from the berries and oil of the laurel plant (Laurus nobilis). Other synonyms include n-dodecanoic acid and dodecylic acid, emphasizing its linear structure and systematic naming conventions. This nomenclature underscores its historical association with natural plant-derived lipids, such as those in laurel and coconut oils.

Physical characteristics

Lauric acid appears as a white, crystalline solid at . It has a of 43–44 °C and a of 298.9 °C at standard pressure. Its solubility in is low, approximately 4.81 mg/L at 25 °C, but it is readily soluble in organic solvents such as , , and .

Natural occurrence

In plants

Lauric acid occurs naturally in high concentrations in the oils and fats of certain tropical plants, where it forms a significant portion of the content in seeds and fruits. (Cocos nucifera) contains the highest levels of lauric acid among common plant sources, comprising 45–52% of its total fatty acids. Palm kernel oil (Elaeis guineensis), derived from the kernel of the oil palm fruit, similarly features lauric acid at 44–53% of total fatty acids. The compound's name originates from the laurel or bay tree (Laurus nobilis), whose berry oil includes notable amounts of lauric acid, ranging from 12–31% depending on extraction and variety. Lauric acid is also present in other plant-derived fats, and in smaller quantities within () and mace oils. In these plant seed oils, lauric acid primarily functions as a storage , serving as an reserve to support seed development, , and early growth in tropical environments. Its medium-chain structure facilitates efficient accumulation in such oils, aiding plant adaptation to warm climates.

In animals and other sources

Lauric acid occurs in mammalian , where it plays a role in infant nutrition due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties that help protect against infections. In human breast , it comprises approximately 5.8% of total milk fat. Cow's milk contains lauric acid at levels of about 2.2–3% of the milk fat. Goat's milk has around 3.1% lauric acid in its fat content. Trace amounts of lauric acid are present in other animal fats, including and sheep fats at 1–3% of total fatty acids. It also appears in minor concentrations in some , such as in the of black soldier fly larvae or as a component in cuticular waxes and precursors in various species. Lauric acid is found in small quantities as a metabolic byproduct in certain bacteria and fungi, though these microbial sources contribute negligibly compared to higher levels in plant oils like coconut oil.

Biosynthesis and production

Biological synthesis

Lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid (C12:0), is synthesized endogenously through de novo fatty acid biosynthesis pathways in various organisms, primarily via iterative elongation of shorter acyl chains starting from acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). In both plants and animals, the process begins with the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to form malonyl-CoA, catalyzed by acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which provides the two-carbon building blocks for chain extension. Malonyl-CoA is then transferred to acyl carrier protein (ACP) to form malonyl-ACP, which undergoes condensation with an acyl-ACP primer (initially acetyl-ACP) by β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase enzymes, accompanied by decarboxylation to release CO₂ and form a β-ketoacyl-ACP intermediate. This is followed by a cycle of reduction (by β-ketoacyl-ACP reductase), dehydration (by β-hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydratase), and enoyl reduction (by enoyl-ACP reductase), elongating the chain by two carbons per iteration within the fatty acid synthase (FAS) complex. In plants, particularly those accumulating high levels of lauric acid such as (Cocos nucifera) and oil palm (), the FAS pathway occurs in plastids as a type II system comprising discrete multifunctional . Elongation proceeds through multiple cycles to produce lauroyl-ACP (C12:0-ACP), where chain termination is mediated by specific medium-chain ases, notably lauroyl-ACP ase (FatB family). This hydrolyzes the thioester bond of lauroyl-ACP, releasing free lauric acid and regenerating ACP, thereby limiting further elongation beyond 12 carbons due to its substrate specificity for C8–C14 acyl-ACPs. The catalytic mechanism involves a Cys-His dyad in the active site, with structural features like hydrophobic pockets ensuring preferential binding to medium-chain lengths; for instance, the Umbellularia californica FatB1 exemplifies this in natural lauric acid producers. This selective termination is crucial for directing flux toward medium-chain fatty acids in seed oils. In animals, de novo predominantly yields longer chains like (C16:0) via a cytosolic type I FAS complex, a large multifunctional polypeptide that performs the same elongation cycles but typically releases products at C16 due to its thioesterase domain's specificity. Lauric acid production is minimal endogenously, arising occasionally as a minor byproduct of premature termination or as an intermediate in , rather than through dedicated medium-chain synthases. steps in the animal pathway mirror those in , occurring during to drive , but the lack of C12-specific thioesterases results in low natural abundance outside dietary sources.

Industrial production

Lauric acid is primarily produced industrially through the of or , which are rich in medium-chain triglycerides containing lauric acid. This process begins with the splitting of the oils using high-pressure steam or enzymatic to separate the fatty acids from the backbone, resulting in a crude of fatty acids. The is then subjected to under vacuum conditions to isolate lauric acid, achieving purities of up to 99%. This method is favored for its efficiency and scalability in commercial settings. An alternative industrial route involves the of or with to form sodium laurate , followed by acidification with to liberate the free . This approach is particularly useful when integrated with manufacturing processes, allowing for co-production of lauric acid and glycerin. However, it requires additional purification steps, such as washing and , to remove impurities like salts and unsaponified oils. Global production of lauric acid is heavily concentrated in , with major producers in and the leveraging abundant coconut resources. Coconut oil serves as the primary feedstock, yielding approximately 50% lauric acid by weight, while contributes a similar proportion but raises concerns due to associated in palm plantations. Annual worldwide output exceeded 100,000 metric tons as of 2023, driven by demand in detergents, , and food industries.

Chemical reactions

Esterification and saponification

Lauric acid, as a saturated , undergoes through neutralization with a base such as , forming the corresponding salt and water. This reaction is represented by the equation: \ceCH3(CH2)10COOH+NaOH−>CH3(CH2)10COONa+H2O\ce{CH3(CH2)10COOH + NaOH -> CH3(CH2)10COONa + H2O} The product, sodium laurate, is a key component in production due to its amphiphilic properties, which enable effective emulsification and cleansing.) Esterification of lauric acid involves its reaction with alcohols, typically under , to produce . For instance, with , it forms methyl laurate via a reversible equilibrium process: \ceCH3(CH2)10COOH+CH3OH⇌CH3(CH2)10COOCH3+H2O\ce{CH3(CH2)10COOH + CH3OH ⇌ CH3(CH2)10COOCH3 + H2O} This reaction is catalyzed by strong acids like and is optimized by excess alcohol and removal of to shift the equilibrium toward the . Methyl laurate serves as a valuable (FAME) in , contributing to fuel properties such as and . Transesterification reactions involving lauric acid derivatives, particularly in lauric-rich oils like , entail the exchange of alkyl groups in triglycerides with alcohols such as , yielding methyl laurate and . In these processes, free lauric acid present in the feedstock may first undergo esterification before or alongside of the , enhancing overall yield from high-acid oils. This step is crucial for converting lauric acid-containing feedstocks into viable components.

Other reactions and derivatives

Lauric acid undergoes ketonization, a decarboxylative , to form the symmetrical laurone (\ceCH3(CH2)10C(O)(CH2)10CH3\ce{CH3(CH2)10C(O)(CH2)10CH3}), typically catalyzed by metal oxides such as alumina or zirconia at elevated temperatures around 300–400°C. This process involves the coupling of two lauric acid molecules with loss of CO₂ and water, yielding laurone in high selectivity (up to 80%) under continuous fixed-bed conditions, and is valued for producing specialty ketones used in fragrances and lubricants. Alpha-ation of lauric acid introduces a atom at the alpha position to the carboxyl group, often using or under acidic conditions, to produce alpha-halo derivatives that serve as intermediates for . For instance, alpha-chlorolauric acid is formed via chlorination of lauric acid or its salts, enhancing reactivity for further esterification into biodegradable with improved wetting properties in formulations. Sulfonation of lauric acid or its methyl with (SO₃) targets the alpha position, yielding α-sulfolauric acid or its ester analog, a key anionic component in detergents due to its high foaming and emulsifying capabilities. The reaction proceeds in a gas-liquid reactor, producing the sulfonated product with minimal side reactions when controlled at low SO₃-to-substrate ratios, and the resulting sodium salt exhibits excellent biodegradability and calcium tolerance in cleaning applications. Dilauroyl peroxide, \ce(CH3(CH2)10COO)2\ce{(CH3(CH2)10COO)2}, is synthesized by reacting lauroyl chloride (derived from lauric acid) with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a base, serving as an efficient free-radical initiator for polymerization of vinyl chloride, styrene, and acrylates at 60–80°C. This derivative decomposes thermally to generate lauroyloxy radicals, enabling controlled polymerization with high molecular weight yields, and is preferred over other peroxides for its stability in suspension processes. As a saturated fatty acid, lauric acid does not undergo hydrogenation to saturate double bonds, but in industrial contexts, catalytic hydrogenation over Pt/C or Ru-based catalysts can reduce it to lauryl alcohol for derivative synthesis, or purify crude mixtures by selectively hydrogenating trace unsaturated fatty acid impurities. Thermal decarboxylation of lauric acid, often catalyzed by Pd/C or Pt at 250–350°C, converts it to undecane (\ceCH3(CH2)9CH3\ce{CH3(CH2)9CH3}) via loss of CO₂, achieving conversions exceeding 90% in hydrothermal or gas-phase conditions, and is explored for biofuel production from lipid feedstocks.

Applications

Industrial and chemical uses

Lauric acid serves as a key intermediate in the , primarily derived from and oils through and processes. This production supports its in bulk , where it is traded internationally, with major producers and exporters including , , and the , which together supply a significant portion of the global market due to abundant tropical oil resources. In the production of surfactants and detergents, lauric acid undergoes sulfonation to form sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a widely used anionic that enhances foaming and cleaning properties in household and industrial cleaners. Additionally, it acts as a precursor for lubricants and plasticizers, where its ester derivatives, such as lauric acid esters, provide control and thermal stability in formulations for automotive and machinery applications. Lauric acid contributes to processes through its derivative dilauroyl , which functions as a free-radical initiator in the synthesis of (PVC) and , enabling controlled chain growth at moderate temperatures to produce durable plastics. It also plays a role in resins for paints and coatings, where lauric acid-based polyesters improve flexibility and adhesion, particularly in solvent-borne systems used for industrial finishes.

Food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical uses

Lauric acid serves as an emulsifier in processed foods, where it helps stabilize mixtures of fats and water-based ingredients, and is affirmed as (GRAS) by the U.S. (FDA) for direct use in accordance with . Its derivatives, such as glycerol monolaurate, function as preservatives in products and other processed items by inhibiting microbial growth. In cosmetics, lauric acid acts primarily as a surfactant and , enhancing lather and cleansing in shampoos, soaps, and bath products, often incorporated as sodium laurate or other laurate salts for better . The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has assessed it as safe in rinse-off products at concentrations up to 18% and leave-on products up to 13%, with reported uses in various shampoos, 71 bath soaps, and cleansing formulations. It also provides emolliency in lipsticks and creams, softening and improving texture without irritation when properly formulated. Pharmaceutically, lauric acid is employed in topical drug formulations as an for its emollient effects, aiding in barrier repair and moisture retention in ointments and creams. Its inherent properties make it suitable for topical antimicrobials targeting and fungi in wound care and treatments. Recent trends from 2023 to 2025 highlight lauric acid's rising popularity in natural cosmetics, driven by consumer demand for plant-derived ingredients; over 38% of new product launches in 2023 incorporated it for its and moisturizing benefits in sustainable formulations. As of 2025, the market continues to grow, with projections reaching USD 1.8 billion by 2034, driven by demand in personal care and sustainable products. Derived mainly from , its natural sourcing aligns with these eco-friendly shifts.

Biological and health effects

Nutritional role

Lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated with 12 carbon atoms, serves as a key component of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in human and animal , providing a readily available source. Unlike long-chain s, which are absorbed via the , lauric acid is primarily absorbed directly into the after , allowing for more efficient transport to the liver. This direct pathway facilitates rapid utilization, yielding about 8.3 kcal per gram of upon . In typical diets, lauric acid contributes roughly 0.5–1% of total caloric intake in Western populations, though this proportion can be significantly higher in tropical regions where and oils—rich sources of lauric acid—are dietary staples. It is also a prominent in human , comprising up to 5–6% of the content, which has led to its inclusion in infant formulas to mimic the nutritional profile of and support early growth and development. similarly highlight its role in providing quick for lactating mammals. Once absorbed, lauric acid undergoes rapid beta-oxidation in the liver, bypassing the slower carnitine-dependent transport required for long-chain fats, and is converted into that serve as an alternative fuel source, particularly beneficial during periods of high energy demand or restriction. Recent research since 2022 has emphasized its utility in ketogenic diets, where it enhances production for sustained mental and physical performance without the digestive burden of longer-chain fats. This metabolic efficiency positions lauric acid as a valuable for quick energy provision in both human and veterinary .

Antimicrobial and medical properties

Lauric acid exhibits potent antibacterial activity primarily against , such as , by disrupting their cell membranes through integration into the , leading to increased permeability and cell lysis. Studies have reported minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in the range of 128–256 μg/mL for lauric acid against S. aureus, demonstrating its efficacy at relatively low concentrations compared to some conventional antibiotics. The derivative , formed from lauric acid in biological systems, enhances this antibacterial efficacy, showing up to 200-fold greater bactericidal activity against Gram-positive pathogens by further destabilizing membranes and inhibiting bacterial growth more effectively than lauric acid alone. In addition to its antibacterial effects, lauric acid demonstrates antiviral activity against enveloped viruses, including HIV-1 and (HSV), primarily through the action of its derivative, , which disrupts the viral lipid envelope and prevents . Antifungal properties are also notable, with lauric acid inhibiting the growth of by altering fungal integrity, achieving MIC values around 100–200 μg/mL in laboratory assays. Recent and preclinical studies from 2020 onward have explored lauric acid formulations for topical applications in treatment, targeting acnes, and in oral care products to combat pathogens like , showing promising reductions in microbial load without significant irritation. Recent studies (2024-2025) have explored lauric acid's potential in inhibiting proliferation and modulating to prevent , though further is needed. The primary mechanism of lauric acid's antimicrobial action involves its amphipathic nature, which allows it to insert into microbial membranes, increase permeability to ions and metabolites, and induce production, ultimately leading to . Notably, this membrane-targeted approach results in minimal development of bacterial resistance, as mutations conferring resistance to such broad physical disruptions are rare and less likely to emerge compared to target-specific antibiotics. Furthermore, lauric acid holds potential in applications, where formulations like nanogels have accelerated tissue repair, enhanced , and reduced infection risk in animal models by combining antimicrobial effects with properties.

Safety considerations and risks

Lauric acid exhibits low , with an oral LD50 greater than 5,000 mg/kg in rats, indicating minimal from ingestion at typical dietary levels. However, exposure to high concentrations can cause mild upon direct contact, as observed in occupational settings and , though it is not classified as a skin corrosive. may result in serious , necessitating protective measures during handling. Regarding carcinogenicity, lauric acid is not classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), as it does not appear on lists of probable, possible, or confirmed human carcinogens, and no components meet regulatory thresholds for such designation. It is also absent from the National Toxicology Program's list of known or reasonably anticipated carcinogens. As a medium-chain saturated fatty acid, lauric acid consumption raises both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, with a disproportionate increase in HDL that results in a decreased total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio—a marker associated with neutral or potentially reduced cardiovascular risk compared to carbohydrate replacement. This effect is supported by a 2023 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, which found that medium-chain saturated fats like lauric acid elevate HDL more than long-chain saturated fats without significantly worsening the LDL-to-HDL ratio. Nonetheless, excessive intake through diets high in lauric acid-rich sources, such as palm kernel oil, contributes to overall saturated fat consumption, which may elevate cardiovascular disease risk if not balanced within total energy intake. Allergenicity to lauric acid is rare, with no positive reactions observed in patch testing of patients allergic to related coconut derivatives, indicating low sensitization potential. Diets heavily reliant on , a major source of lauric acid comprising about 45-53% of its fatty acids, raise indirect health concerns due to the environmental and social impacts of unsustainable production, including and , which can affect global and nutritional access in vulnerable populations.

References

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