Plasmalogens are a subclass of phospholipids (types of fats) that play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of cell membranes. What makes them different from other phospholipids is their unique chemical structure which is characterized by a vinyl ether at the sn-1 position of the glycerol backbone. This bond basically allows them to do their job better, especially when it comes to the brain and nervous system.
Plasmalogens are involved in many important biological processes such as cell membrane structure where they help maintain the fluidity and integrity of cell membranes, ensuring proper cell function. They also have anti-oxidant properties which helps protect against oxidative damage, and they are important signalling molecules involved in various processes such as inflammation and immune response.
Plasmalogens are predominantly in the brain, heart, lungs, eyes, and kidneys, comprising a significant portion, around 20%, of brain tissue.
Plasmalogens are particularly important for neurological health and are often depleted in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s. Research indicates that plasmalogen levels can decline decades before the onset of these diseases, and deficiencies in these lipids are correlated with the progression of these conditions.
Plasmalogen content is very small in newborns but then increases 8-fold in the first year of life. Plasmalogen levels continue to increase until 30-40 years of age. At age 70, a significant decrease (40%) is seen in comparison to young healthy subjects. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation are all increased around this time period too and all are involved in many chronic diseases.
Plasmalogens have the “unique ability to restore and optimize cellular functions requiring high levels of omega-9, such as in brain white matter, myelin, and heart membranes, is crucial for maintaining cellular health and functionality. Moreover, plasmalogens support functions reliant on DHA, such as in brain gray matter, neuron function, and neuromuscular synaptic activity, thereby aiding in preventing neurodegeneration. Furthermore, they facilitate reverse cholesterol transport, reduce amyloid formation, improve cognition, enhance mobility, and mitigate lipid peroxidation…”
Plasmalogens can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and enhance memory and learning. This has been shown in studies on mice.
One of the best use cases for plasmalogens in my opinion, is using them to help prevent concussion and TBI’s, as well as using them in any post TBI protocols. Plasmalogens used alongside the Q-Collar is a good way to minimize your chances of suffering a TBI. When combined with other nutrients like creatine, you give yourself the best chances of minimizing the likelihood of suffering a TBI.
Plasmalogens are also associated with cardiovascular disease. Low plasmalogen levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Plasmalogens are involved with inflammatory disorders. Plasmalogens have anti-inflammatory properties, and decreased levels have been linked to inflammatory disorders such as arthritis.
There are different types of plasmalogens. For example, you can get omega-3 plasmalogens and omega-9 plasmalogens.
You do get plasmalogens from meat (especially beef, lamb and chicken), and seafood, but if you are trying to replace levels, the problem is you wouldn’t be able to eat enough to get the required dosage of plasmalogens from food.
“While natural sources of plasmalogens bear the potential of providing a dietary plasmalogen supplementation, the decreased bioavailability and the enormous amount of raw material required make it impractical. For instance, scallops have ca. 7.5 μg of plasmalogen/g of muscle. To achieve a common dose of 50 mg/kg, it means that a human with an average weight of 70 kg would need to eat ca. 460 kg of scallops.”
When supplementing with plasmalogens, a general dose of plasmalogens is 4-8 softgels daily for 1-3 months followed by 2 softgels per day thereafter.
If you would like to purchase plasmalogens Prodrome Science is the place to get them. You can use code THP25 at checkout for 25% off.
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