Phospholipids

Trillions of cells make up the human body, encased in membranes and carrying out the functions of life. Phospholipids are the building blocks for the cellular membranes, giving them the fluidity and the ability to permit fuel to enter cells and waste products to leave. Research has also shown that phospholipids assist in formation of chylomicrons and lipoproteins, required for the transport of fat and cholesterol throughout the body. The two main types are low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which delivers cholesterol to tissues, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which removes cholesterol from the tissues. Thus, lowering LDL levels, while leaving HDL levels unchanged, can result in more cholesterol being removed from the body.

The scientific research on the use of dietary phospholipids to lower circulating cholesterol dates back several years. The findings indicate that phospholipids, particularly from soy, consistently lower both total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. Since dietary phospholipids lower elevated blood cholesterol levels, they may affect development of arteriosclerosis, which is often caused by high cholesterol.

Lecithin has long been the primary source of phospholipids. It is, in fact, a complex mixture of phospholipids and other substances such as fatty acids. The most important phospholipids found in lecithin are phosphatidyl choline (PC), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl serine (PS) and phosphatidyl inositol (PI). Each phospholipid serves a different function in the body.

PC, for example, is the major building block for cell membranes, and is of primary importance in liver cell metabolism. The liver produces bile for digestion, receives nutrients from the intestine and converts them to metabolic derivatives, and regulates cholesterol metabolism. It also is the primary detoxification organ, and its cells are most susceptible to damage from alcohol, toxins and medicines. In clinical studies, PC has been shown to improve specific biochemical indicators of liver damage, assist in structural recovery of liver tissue and accelerate overall wellness.

PS, meanwhile, has been studied for its ability to alleviate different symptoms of age-related cognitive decline and to treat mild forms of depression. PS helps the brain cells produce and release natural chemical transmitters to help the brain function. It also helps the brain process energy and may lower stress-hormone levels. It has been researched in more than 50 human clinical studies over a period of more than 20 years in North America and Europe.

Lipoid is a leading manufacturer of pharmaceutical-grade lecithin and phospholipids, offering a complete range of products including Lipoid PS^® and Lipoid PC^®. New products in development include OmegaPS™, a PS product with a customized fatty acid profile; Lipoid GPC™ (Glycero Phosporyl Choline), designed to complement or replace PS in cognitive applications; and HepaCare™, a concentrated PC product for liver restoration and protection.

New technology platforms are setting Lipoid apart from other manufacturers of phospholipid ingredients. NutriVail™ is designed to improve trans-membrane transport of poorly absorbed nutrients, while ProLipo^® uses pre-formed lamellar structures to produce liposomes with simple equipment.

There are a number of highly desirable nutrients that have poor bioavailability and poor solubility or dispersibility, thus resulting in a high cost for an effective daily dose. These problems exist particularly with lipophilic nutrients. According to Lipoid, NutriVail mimics the process of digestion; it combines nutrients with mono-acylphospholipids (enzyme modified phospholipids) to form small areas that can trap and solubilize lipophilic compounds for easier delivery to the gastrointestinal tract. Each nutrient requires a specific type of mono-acylphospholipid; however, Lipoid uses food-grade, enzymatically hydrolyzed, vegetable phospholipids (often labeled as lecithin). Among the nutrients that could benefit from the technology are co-enzyme Q10 or plant sterol esters.

ProLipo is another technology being employed by Lipoid. Nutrients can be added to proliposomes that have pre-formed lamellar structures. With water-soluble nutrients, a concentrated solution is added to the Pro-Liposome, which triggers the immediate conversion into a concentrated liposome formulation. Diluting with additional water achieves final concentration, trapping the hydrophilic nutrient inside the aqueous compartments. With oil-soluble nutrients, the nutrient is dissolved in the liquid Pro-Liposome and converted into preparation by adding water.

The market potential for phospholipids is tremendous because of scientific support and history of use. Changing demographics also underscore the increasing need for phospholipid protection. Lipoid anticipates that through additional education (in the form of retail seminars, consumer articles and radio promotion), the market for phospholipids will only continue to grow.