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Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes
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Tuesday, 01 May, 2012, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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fiogf49gjkf0d Phospholipids
Phospholipids are essential components of the cell membranes. Their amphiphilic properties, i.e. hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail in the same molecule, permit the formation of a very stable bilayer membrane into which are included cholesterol, membrane proteins (receptors, ion channels, etc.) and other molecules (Figure 1). The main phospholipids present into the human cell membranes are phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and sphingomyelin (SM). All these phospholipids have very specific effects and so, the phospholipids composition of the membrane is different depending on the specialization of the cells. Indeed, the phospholipids are not limited to being only structural components of the cell membranes but help carry out the functions of the membranes and regulate biological pathways including signalling [1]. Unfortunately, the dietary intake of phospholipids has decreased, due to the mad cow disease and the replacement of lecithins by other emulsifiers in foodstuffs, to reach 3 g by day [2].
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
The main omega 3 fatty acids, found into the diet, are Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA, C18:3 w 3), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA, C20:5 w3) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA, C22:6 w3). Although one often speaks about omega 3 fatty acids, we have to keep in mind that DHA (Figure 2) is the most important among omega 3 fatty acids because cell membranes contain significant amounts of DHA when compared to ALA and EPA [3]. DHA is located mainly into PE and PS of cell membranes where it regulates activity of membrane proteins and can act as a second messenger when liberated by phospholipases in order to be metabolized into docosanoids. As the modern diet is rich in omega 6 fatty acids, the endogenous synthesis of DHA from ALA is very low, so we have to bring preformed DHA by the diet.
Interest of phospholipids and DHA as food supplements
Dietary intake of phospholipids and DHA can be not sufficient for general population, without taking into account that some diseases can further amplify this deficiency by impairing their metabolism. That can explain the beneficial effects observed with phospholipids and DHA on several diseases.
Alcoholic liver diseases
Phospholipids, and in particular PC, are effective in ameliorating alcoholic liver diseases by preventing cirrhosis [5].
Cardiovascular diseases
Omega 3 fatty acids are used since many years in clinic for secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In an interesting way, a supplementation with phosphatidylcholine lowers plasma homocysteine in humans, high homocysteine levels being a risk factor implicated in cardiovascular diseases [6].
Cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases
Over the years, several trials have been conducted on patients suffering from cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease using PS supplementation. The results indicate that PS can possibly reduce the cognitive decline related to aging [5]. Interesting results were also found using DHA supplementation on the brain related diseases [4].
Stress
A combination of PS and PA is effective against induced mental stress by modulating the pituitary-adrenal axis [7].
Other data demonstrate the effectiveness of DHA and PS to improve the exercise capacity and recovery in sportsmen [5], or the interest of DHA, and even PS, on the age-related macular degeneration, etc. There are a lot of diseases, which can be ameliorated by supplementation with phospholipids and DHA. That explains why Novastell has focussed on phospholipids and omega 3. Novastell proposes only essential bricks of the cells, i.e., phospholipids and omega 3 in their active form (phospholipids forms) and many exclusive and innovative products such as Caviar phospholipids and the LEA range products (combination of synergistic phospholipids and omega 3). Our products provide long lasting effects, contrary to the majority of products available on the food supplement market. All these products are made available in India by Novastell India Private Limited with a specific focus on the Indian market (vegan PS made with phospholipase D from cabbage, LEA range products in which DHA from egg is replaced by DHA from microalgae, etc.).
Please contact: swanand@novastell.com or +91 - 9300917373.
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