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Omega-3 Phospholipids: Nutraceutical Synergy On the Cutting Edge 1 . Marine Omega-3 Nutraceuticals
Krill is a hardy, shrimp-like creature abundant in all the oceans. Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) are adapted to surviving Earth’s coldest waters through their high complement of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids—EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), much of which is linked to phospholipids. These have high nutritional value, and with its other nutritional properties krill has been a traditional food in Japan.
Krill has a relatively high content of oil. Using sophisticated processing methods, the oil is extracted and contains large amounts of phospholipids. These nutrients are called “life’s building blocks” because they make cell membranes, the microscopic structures that manage most of the important business of life. Within the cell membrane system, the phospholipids have a structural and functional synergy with fatty acids and antioxidants. Biochemical synergy between these three important nutraceutical classes is crucial to maintaining the conditions necessary for life (homeostasis). Krill phospholipids are a prototype of this profound synergy.The krill product carries a high proportion of its EPA and DHA in the form of phospholipids. In general this product falls into the category of “lecithin”. Much of the fatty acid content is structurally integrated with phospholipid molecules, just as occurs in cell membranes. Krill phospholipids typically have more than 40 percent phospholipids by weight (mostly PC, phosphatidylcholine) and upwards of 30 percent EPA+DHA. Its PC content also makes krill oil a good source of choline, an essential nutrient. The EPA+DHA content in fish oils are almost totally in the form of triglycerides.
Clinical research on the long-chain omega-3s EPA and DHA continues at a near-feverish pace. EPA+DHA are proven essential for fetal and early childhood development. They hold exciting potential to benefit childhood learning and behavioral disorders. EPA+DHA fight inflammatory processes that drive degenerative joint, circulatory, digestive, and brain diseases. They work integrally with antioxidants at the level of the cell membrane. Therein they are situated as “tails” on the phospholipids. By delivering substantial quantities of omega-3s in a similar form—co-functionalized with phospholipid molecules—krill oil helps optimize the omega-3 fatty acid benefits. And the powerful antioxidants it carries contribute to its natural synergy in support of homeostasis and against inflammation.
The carotenoid astaxanthin, small amounts of vitamin A and vitamin E, and a novel bioflavonoid all contribute to the exceptional stability and antioxidant potency. The high ORAC value (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) measures capacity to block the peroxy radical, one of the more common oxygen-derived radicals in vivo.
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