[6] It is a bright white, powdery solid with a faint odor of bay oil or soap.

[19][20] Lauric acid induces apoptosis in cancer and promotes the proliferation of normal cells by maintaining cellular redox homeostasis.

[22] In general, a lower total/HDL serum lipoprotein ratio correlates with a decrease in atherosclerotic incidence.

[23] Nonetheless, an extensive meta-analysis on foods affecting the total LDL/serum lipoprotein ratio found in 2003 that the net effects of lauric acid on coronary artery disease outcomes remained uncertain.

[24] A 2016 review of coconut oil (which is nearly half lauric acid) was similarly inconclusive about the effects on cardiovascular disease incidence.