Omega-3 is a critical part of our central nervous system
Only adipose tissue contains more fatty acids than the body's central nervous system, including the brain. The omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, which is the most common fatty acid in the human brain, constitutes 15% of all brain fatty acids.
Omega-3 phospholipids have been shown to be preferentially transported to brain tissue. Omega-3 is primarily obtained from diet. Particularly before birth and during early childhood - periods of rapid brain growth and development - the limited intracellular synthesis of omega-3 in the brain has been shown to be inadequate for sustaining brain health. Throughout life, the amount of omega-3 found in the brain is influenced by dietary intake of fatty acids and by the brain's developmental stage. Passage of fatty acids into the brain is restricted; only omega-3 and essential fatty acids cross the blood-brain barrier. While human milk contains relatively small amounts of omega-3, most is in the phospholipid form. Omega-3 phospholipids have been shown to be preferentially transported to brain tissue, compared with omega-3 delivered as triglycerides. The proposed mechanism is the presence of carriers which preferentially bind to and carry omega-3 into the brain; thus, Omega-3 phospholipids have been suggested as a superior source of omega-3 for brain tissue.
Omega-3 phospholipids and maintaining brain health
Omega-3 intake is reported to be valuable in maintaining memory and cognitive functions, which can become impaired in adults who have attained middle age. Cognitive decline is common among the elderly; although the presence and extent of any age-related decline is specific to the individual. Sufficiently high intake of omega-3 hasbeen found to be associated with prevention, delay, or amelioration of cognitive impairment among the elderly. An association has been suggested between intake of omega-3 and the amount of omega-3 in the brain, and the risk of developing dementia. Patients with dementia have shown decreased levels of DHA in brain tissue. Adequate consumption of omega-3 is recommended to maintain memory performance and reduce the risk of developing severe dementia.
Omega-3 phospholipids in early brain development
The developing brain undergoes particularly rapid growth during the third trimester of fetal life and the first two years of childhood. An association between infants' omega-3 status and developmental outcome has been observed. Mothers' milk provides most of its omega-3 content in phospholipid form, suggesting that omega-3 phospholipids are the preferred form for delivery of omega-3 to the human brain.
Omega-3 phospholipids and mood disorders
Omega-3 status has been shown to play a potentially important role in controlling mood disorders. Omega-3 and its association with depression is currently an area of great interest to researchers. Research suggests thatan omega-3 deficit may contribute to the onset of depression and that omega-3 can play a role in future treatment strategies for depression and mood swings.
Omega-3 phospholipids and ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is claimed to be the most common neurological disorder among children, affecting 8% to 12% of children worldwide. ADHD, classified as a mental disorder, impacts behavior; symptoms are inattention and hyperactivity. Both environmental and genetic factors can contribute to the development of ADHD. Omega-3 is a dietary factor suggested to ameliorate ADHD. Mechanisms of omega-3 phospholipids affecting brain health Several mechanisms have been proposed for omega-3's beneficial effects on the brain. Omega-3 phospholipids have been shown to be more efficiently taken up by brain tissue, compared with omega-3 triglycerides; observations also suggest greater availability and more beneficial effects on brain functions when omega-3 phospholipids are provided. Another beneficial effect of omega-3 on brain tissue is altered production of mediators of inflammatory processes, as follows: Increased incorporation of omega-3 into cell membranes results in increased production of omega-3-derived inflammatory mediatorsElevated levels of inflammatory mediators derived from omega-3 result in weaker inflammatory reactions, which cause less injury to surrounding tissue. Omega-3 also appears to impart beneficial effects regarding various brain cell functions and cell signaling when incorporated into membranes.
Omega-3 delivered in the phospholipid form has been shown to be preferentially transported into the brain, compared with omega-3 delivered in triglyceride form. Such evidence suggests that Superba Krill Oil is a superior source of omega-3 for delivery to the brain because of increased omega-3 availability and the benefits associated with omega-3 phospholipids on brain function and structure.
Superba Krill Oil providing omega-3 phospholipids to the brain
Superba Krill Oil is a rich source of omega-3 phospholipids, mainly phosphatidylcholine. Omega-3 biovailability increases when delivered as omega-3 phospholipids, compared with other sources, as a result of better fatty acid absorption and distribution to organs and tissues.
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