Numerous epidemiological and post-mortem studies have reported structure-specific associations between plasmalogen deficiencies and reduced cognition and mobility. Plasmalogens are lipid-derived compounds with antioxidative properties.
Twenty cognitively impaired persons were administered an escalating dose of the DHA-specific plasmalogen precursor and their blood plasmalogen levels and cognition were evaluated. Oxidative stress biomarkers were also measured.
Benefits
Plasmalogens are unique phospholipid molecules that have been shown to support key cellular functions such as membrane fusion, ion transport and vesicle formation. Their deficiency has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Plasmalogen supplements can help increase these levels to improve mental health and slow memory decline.
Plasmalogen precursors are naturally produced in the body and found in foods such as salmon, trout, sardines, anchovy and sockeye. However, their production declines with age, making supplementation a viable option. Plasmalogens are also found in the brain and have been associated with cognitive function. Plasmalogens have been shown to improve the quality of life of people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
One study showed that the DHA-AAG plasmalogen precursor has a dose-dependent and species-selective elevating effect on serum ethanolamine phospholipids (PlsEtns) in humans, with DHA-containing PlsEtns elevated more than non-DHA-containing ones. The plasmalogens also blocked the increase in Ab1-42 induced by cholesterol loading. This suggests that plasmalogens act as endogenous antioxidants protecting other lipid and lipoprotein particles from oxidative damage.
These properties are important because free radicals, which are uncharged molecules, bind to and damage lipid molecules. This process is known as oxidative stress and can lead to inflammation, disease and aging. Plasmalogens have been shown to bind with free radicals and neutralize them, preventing them from damaging cells.
Another benefit of plasmalogens is that they support normal cellular metabolism and lipid processing. Studies have shown that people with low plasmalogen levels have impaired cholesterol metabolism and decreased mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis. Plasmalogens also promote normal vascular structure and function by inhibiting LDL oxidation.
A study by Rush University showed that a person of 95 with high plasmalogen levels had an 80 percent chance of living to see their 100th birthday, while someone with low plasmalogen levels had only a 20 percent chance. Plasmalogens are necessary for healthy aging and are an essential part of the diet.
Each dose of the NeuroPlasma Plasmalogen Complex contains 16mg of Ethanolamine plasmalogens, which are important for improving memory and cognition. It also includes curcumin, which has been shown to assist with the breakdown of amyloid plaque in the brain.
Dosage
Currently available as a supplement, plasmalogens have been shown to increase the levels of DHA in the brain and improve cognitive function. They also exhibit anti-oxidative activity by interfering with lipid peroxidation.
Plasmalogens are a class of fatty acid-containing lipids that make up phospholipids, the main constituent of all cell membranes. These lipids are found throughout the body and in the brain. Some research suggests that a decline in the level of these lipids occurs as people age, leading to problems such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Some scientists are investigating whether taking a supplement that contains these lipids can help prevent or reverse this process.
The plasmalogen precursor DHA-AAG has been used in clinical trials to elevate plasmalogen levels and provide anti-oxidative protection. This is because plasmalogens do not break down as readily as PUFA fatty acid esters and may interfere with the propagation of oxidative stress in the cells.
Plasmalogens can be incorporated into cellular membranes in the place of other lipids and have been shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation. These lipids can also be used to stabilize cell membranes against the effects of oxidative stress and apoptosis. They also inhibit the inflammatory response.
Studies of human cellular culture suggest that plasmalogens have anti-inflammatory effects and can suppress apoptosis. They can also reduce oxidative damage and improve cell function in the liver, lungs, heart, and brain.
These lipids have unique properties that distinguish them from other lipid classes. They are bound to the sn-1 and sn-2 positions of glycerol and act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals by binding to them before they can cause damage. They can also modulate lipid metabolism and signal transduction.
In a clinical trial of cognitively impaired adults, the plasmalogen precursor DHA-AAG was given to the subjects and the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic responses were evaluated. Blood plasmalogens were dose-dependently elevated and oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase) improved. Cognition and mobility improved in those who had their plasmalogens levels increased.
Plasmalogens are not yet widely used in the United States, but they could have potential for improving brain health and reducing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. These supplements are a good option for those who have a high risk of these diseases or those who suffer from sarcopenia, which can lead to reduced mobility and memory loss. They can also be a great way to prevent the onset of these diseases in younger adults.
Form
Plasmalogens are unique membrane phospholipids that have attracted scientists’ attention for decades. They are present in all tissues, but are particularly abundant in the brain and heart. The physiological role of plasmalogens is not yet well understood, but it may be to help stabilize membrane domains and protein interactions. Plasmalogens also have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Plasmalogens belong to the ether lipid family, which distinguishes them from other phospholipids by an ether bond in the sn-1 position instead of the typical ester linkage. This ether bond is cis-oriented with respect to the glycerol backbone, giving plasmalogens a vinyl-ether structure (see Figure 1 below). The cis-alkylation of the sn-1 position also makes plasmalogens more resistant to peroxidation. The sn-1 vinyl-ether bond is believed to protect the sn-2 acyl chain of the plasmalogen from oxidative damage by blocking its interaction with superoxides, which would otherwise lead to the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the lipid bilayer.
Research has shown that plasmalogens increase the concentration of fatty acids in the brain and help prevent cognitive decline with aging. They are also able to break down amyloid plaques that are known to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Plasmalogen supplements are now being marketed as brain-health products. These supplements contain plasmalogens in addition to other nutrients that support the body’s natural defense against neurodegenerative diseases such as alzheimers and dementia.
One of the most promising new forms of plasmalogen supplementation is DHA-AAG. This lipid is composed of a synthetic alkyl-acylglycerol backbone containing chimyl alcohol and batyl alcohol with DHA covalently bound at the sn-2 position. DHA-AAG has been clinically tested in humans, and results showed that it increased plasmalogen levels in the blood of participants.
Plasmalogens are a vital part of the cell membrane and can be found in high concentrations in the brain and heart. They are important for the release of neurotransmitters and support memory and focus in adults. They are also reported to be low in people with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Side Effects
PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE SOME DELAY IN DESPATCHING THIS PRODUCT DUE TO HIGH DEMAND.
Plasmalogens are a class of phospholipids that contain both fat and phosphate groups. These lipids are abundant in the brain and appear to play a role in memory and cognitive function. Plasmalogens are being marketed as supplements that can improve focus, enhance mental clarity, and reduce brain fog in older adults. However, the evidence supporting these claims is limited and based on only one preliminary clinical study published in 2022. Additionally, plasmalogens are not widely available and are quite expensive compared to other supplements.
In a recent clinical trial, participants took 4 weeks of either placebo or a supplement that contained plasmalogens. Neither the placebo nor plasmalogens supplement improved the primary outcome, which was mood, as measured by individual mood dimensions on the POMS scale. In addition, the plasmalogens group did not improve physical performance or mental focus compared to the placebo.
The plasmalogens used in this trial were DHA-ADG precursors that had been conjugated with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at the sn-2 position. These precursors were administered to healthy volunteers and their levels in the blood were measured. Plasmalogens remained elevated in the plasma of the healthy subjects throughout the duration of the study. Blood DHA levels also increased and oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde and catalase reduced.
The researchers believe that plasmalogens are able to reduce the buildup of beta-amyloid plaque, which is a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease. They think that this is because phosphatidylethanolamine plasmalogens have been found to inhibit the activity of g-secretase, an enzyme involved in the production of beta-amyloid proteins. They also found that these lipids promoted neuroprotection in animal models of neurodegeneration. Plasmalogens have also been found to promote cardiovascular health and protect against oxidative damage to the brain. These benefits are likely due to the fact that they contain oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fatty acid that promotes heart health and contains polyunsaturated fatty acids like DHA, which are important for brain function and overall health. They are also known to have antioxidant properties.