Plasmalogens: Tiny Superheroes in Your Body's Blueprint
What Are Plasmalogens and Where Do They Come From?
Plasmologens are a specialized type of phospholipid found throughout nature. Without getting too deep into their unique biochemistry, they contain a unique vinyl-ether link in their glycerol backbone. Plasmalogens are essential components of cell membranes, and serve as the architects that build and maintain our cellular structures. Plasmalogens are abundant in our nervous system, heart, and vital organs, influencing our cellular blueprint. They make up over 30% of the phospholipids in heart cells, 20% of those found in the brain, and over 70% of phospholipids in our myelin sheaths - the special wrapping that allows our nerves to conduct signals that power our body and make us who we are (Farooqui, et al., 2001). These critical lipids are derived from the foods we eat such as fish, meats, and plant-based oils (Lohner, et al., 2020).
Why Do You Need Plasmalogens for Proper Functioning and Health?
Beyond their structural role in our cell membranes, plasmalogens play a vital role in cellular health, acting as multitasking superheroes for our well-being. They’re heavily Involved in the microscopic signaling pathways, facilitating communication between cells and maintaining balance. Plasmalogens also function as antioxidants, shielding our cells from oxidative stress and damage, and ensuring proper cellular functioning. Their absence or imbalance has been linked to various diseases, including a possible role in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimers and cardiovascular conditions (Ridgway, et al., 2019). While this potential link is relatively recent, it’s unsurprising given their importance in supporting healthy cell membranes and overall cellular integrity.
How Plasmalogens May Impact Disease
Ongoing Research has shed light on the potential connection between plasmalogen levels and disease progression. Changes in plasmalogen levels have been associated with increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired cell signaling (Han, et al., 2019). Scientists are actively exploring the therapeutic potential of plasmalogens, especially in conditions like Alzheimer's and heart disease. Ongoing research is uncovering how increasing availability of plasmalogens could be a promising strategy to combat age-related cognitive decline and other health challenges (Das, et al., 2021). These studies pave the way for a deeper understanding of the role of plasmalogens and their potential applications in targeted therapies for various health conditions.
Plasmalogens, the unsung heroes of our bodies, are not just passive players but active contributors to our well-being. As evidenced by high-impact research, their essential role in cellular functioning and health positions them as potential targets for therapeutic interventions. So, the next time you hear about these tiny superheroes, know that they're not just in your diet but working diligently within your body's blueprint, influencing your health at the cellular level.
Formulation Tips🧙
-Plasmalogens are highly sensitive to stomach conditions, so it's strongly recommended to use delayed-release or enteric-coated softgels to ensure their effectiveness.
Synergistic Ingredients
-Fish Oil
-Astaxanthin (Huge Fan of Astareal Astaxanthin) https://astarealusa.com/
-Choline
-Alpha GPC
-Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators
-High Potency DHA/EPA
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Scientifically reviewed by James Kelley, MD, MBA
References
Farooqui, A. A., & Horrocks, L. A. (2001). "Plasmalogens: Workhorse lipids of membranes in normal and injured neurons and glia". The Neuroscientist, 7(3), 232–245.Link to the article: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/107385840100700306
Lohner, K., Balogh, G., & Puskás, L. G. (2020). Plasmalogens: versatile lipids in health and disease. World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics, 121, 137-154. Link to the article: https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/510817
Ridgway, N. D., & McLeod, R. S. (2019). Biochemistry of plasmalogens: potential therapeutic targets in humans. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, 1864(6), 900-906. Link to the article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1388198118302522
Han, X., & Gross, R. W. (2019). Plasmenylcholine and phosphatidylcholine membrane bilayers possess distinct conformational motifs. Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, 221, 85-91. Link to the article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000930841830189X
Das, A. K., Holmes, R. D., & Wilson, G. N. (2021). Plasmalogen deficiency in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like 1 disease: a case report and literature review. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A, 185(2), 546-553. Link to the article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajmg.a.61919