ALL ABOUT PHOSPHOLIPIDS

What are phospholipids?

Phospholipids are naturally occurring fatty substances that provide structure, flexibility and protection to cells. They possess water-loving heads and water-hating tails, which enable them to arrange themselves into parallel layers forming a phospholipid bilayer, which makes up the cell membrane. This phospholipid membrane maintains strong barriers between the cell and its external environment. 

Why are they important in cell membranes?

Cell membranes determine which nutrients, minerals and drugs enter and leave the cells and because they form the cell membranes of trillions of cells in the body, they influence many organs and tissues in the body including the brain.

What do phospholipids do?

Phospholipids provide an important source of essential fatty acids (EFAs), and have many biological actions in the body, not just as membranes, but also as fuels and emulsifying agents that enhance fatty acid absorption. They are converted into regulatory compounds called prostaglandins and have been studied extensively. Together with EFAs they are important for a number of  biological actions in the body inc.: 

• Cell signaling

• Cell structure

• Processes related to growth and immune surveillance 

• Pathways for substances to cross membranes

• Regulating hormone production

• The transport of oxygen from red blood cells to all tissues

• Regulating inflammation, swelling and pain

• Helping to reduce pro-inflammatory substances that may trigger allergic conditions

What different types of phospholipids are there?

There are four major phospholipids: phosphatidylcholine, serine, inositol and ethanolamine. The most abundant of these is phosphatidylcholine. It stands apart as being the most important having the largest concentration (50%) in the cell membranes. 

What foods contain phospholipids?

The type of fats we eat determines the type of phospholipid in the membrane. They occur in a whole range of foods. Eggs, liver, soybeans, wheat germ and peanuts are particularly rich sources. It’s important to note that the number of phospholipids making up cell membranes declines with age.

Altrient liposomal supplements and phospholipids

The liposomes used in Altrient products are made from essential phospholipids that include a high percentage of Phosphaticylcholine. So, when you take an Altrient supplement you don’t just benefit from the active ingredients encapsulated within the liposome, you also gain greater cell membrane flexibility and many other health benefits due to the generous dose of phosphatidylcholine.