Plasmalogens

Plasmalogens are required for proper membrane and nerve function and are found in high concentrations in the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and eyes. Low levels are linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

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Glycerophospholipids are the most abundant and most important class of lipids in the body to make and maintain the membranes of every cell in your body and are the primary reservoir for the storage of essential fatty acids.

Dietary phospholipids containing ethanolamine or choline are typically available in low amounts, about 2–5 g per day, through the intake of almost all foods, especially eggs, soybean, meat, fish, milk and other dairy products. There are 2 types phosphatidyl and plasmalogen. The glycerol backbone and the components comprising all three of the glycerol positions in phosphatidyl phospholipids can be obtained from the diet. Skeletal muscle (meat) from ruminants such as sheep, cattle and deer have been reported to be good dietary sources of plasmalogen.

Dietary sources of plasmalogens can be degraded by stomach acids and poorly absorbed.

Plasmalogens are required for proper membrane and nerve function and are found in high concentrations in the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and eyes and although every cell can make plasmalogens, they are mostly made in the liver. They make up as much as 20% of brain lipids. They are also the most important antioxidant and free radical scavengers in the body. The amount and composition of plasmalogens modulate the fluidity of membranes, especially in nerve cells. Low brain DHA-plasmalogens are associated with impaired cognitive status and higher DHA-plasmalogen levels are associated with lower incidence of dementia.