What Form of Omega-3 is Best? All About LPC-DHA Omega-3 Supplements
8th Nov 2024
LPC-EPA/DHA: What It Is and How It Works for Brain Health
Many of us are aware of the brain benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
We’re told to consume plenty of fatty fish like salmon and tuna due to omega-3s helping with learning and memory, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease as well as improving blood flow to the brain.
As in the name, omega-3 contains three types of fatty acids, EPA, DHA and ALA. EPA and DHA are found in fatty fish and have strong anti-inflammatory and other health benefits (so, in terms of what form of omega-3 is best, it would be these two), while ALA is found in plant foods. The body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA, but not very well, so we need to make sure we consume enough EPA and DHA, especially since our body cannot make omega-3 fatty acids.
Unfortunately, despite omega-3s being so great for our brain, they’re not easily absorbed into the brain. With new developments, though, this has changed with LPC-EPA/DHA!
Know what you’re after? Jump there now:
- What Is LPC-EPA/DHA?
- Why Omega-3s Matter for the Brain
- How Does LPC-EPA/DHA Work?
- Potential Benefits for Different Health Conditions
- Is LPC-EPA/DHA Safe?
- How Long Does It Stay in the Body?
- Who Might Benefit Most from LPC-DHA/EPA?
- The Future of LPC-DHA/EPA Supplements
- End Note
Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-bound omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), are special forms of omega-3s designed for better brain absorption.
Traditional omega-3 supplements, like fish oil, usually carry DHA/EPA in forms bound to triglycerides or phospholipids, which have limited access to the brain. LPC-bound forms, however, are believed to enter the brain more effectively, potentially offering better neuroprotection. This could be particularly useful for people with specific genetic conditions like ApoE4, which increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
DHA is an essential building block of the brain and makes up over 30% of brain lipids. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids has long been linked with better brain health and a lower risk of dementia. The thing is, thought, that regular fish oil supplements haven't always shown the same benefits in clinical studies. This may be because only a small fraction of these supplements convert to LPC-bound forms, which the brain can absorb easily.
LPC-bound omega-3s use a specialised transport system to cross the blood-brain barrier — a protective shield around the brain. This transport system involves a protein called Mfsd2a, which allows LPC-DHA/EPA to enter brain cells more efficiently than standard omega-3 forms.
It is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and is less likely to break down into free DHA. Once inside the brain, these fatty acids help maintain cell membranes, reduce inflammation and support cognitive function. Research suggests that this superior uptake might make LPC-DHA/EPA supplements more effective for brain health compared to traditional fish oil.
- Cognitive Function and Dementia: Preclinical studies suggest that LPC-DHA/EPA could offer neuroprotection and might benefit individuals with the ApoE4 gene, who are at higher risk of Alzheimer’s. Observational studies show higher levels of phospholipid-bound DHA (similar to LPC-DHA) are linked to better memory and lower dementia risk. LPC-DHA increases brain incorporation, improving cognitive performance (e.g., Morris water maze in mice) and boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. For example, lipase-treated krill oil (enriched with LPC-DHA/EPA) significantly enhances brain DHA/EPA levels compared to untreated oils.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Phospholipid-bound PUFAs offer better liver access, potentially reducing inflammation and oxidative stress markers in NAFLD models.
- Exercise Recovery: Krill oil supplements improve antioxidant capacity post-exercise and support choline repletion, aiding recovery.
- Cerebrovascular Injury: Higher plasma LPC-DHA levels correlate with better neurological outcomes in cardiac arrest and ischemic brain injury models.
- Cancer (Preclinical Evidence): LPC-DHA and PC-DHA show stronger anti-cancer effects than TAG-DHA, reducing cell viability and promoting apoptosis in lung and breast cancer cells.
- Retinal Degeneration: Very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs), which include DHA, are crucial for proper eye function. LPC-DHA may increase DHA levels in the retina by 96%, linked to preserving retinal structure and function in mice.
Early studies suggest that LPC-bound omega-3s have a safety profile similar to traditional fish oil supplements, which are generally safe but carry a small risk of increased bleeding. Clinical trials are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness, though.
What is the best source of LPC-DHA? Naturally, the best way to get phospholipid-bound DHA/EPA, including LPC-DHA, is by eating raw fish, especially fish roe. Top sources are krill, mackerel, salmon and scallops — keeping in mind that cooking or freezing lowers these nutrients. Aker Biomarine has created a new LPC-DHA/EPA supplement from krill oil, called LYSOVETA™, which is now being used in supplements.
- Free DHA: Quickly removed from the bloodstream (about 30 seconds).
- LPC-DHA: Stays in circulation longer, around 5–10 minutes.
- In tissues like the brain, DHA has a much longer half-life, meaning its effects last over time.
- ApoE4 carriers: This group often has trouble absorbing DHA through traditional supplements, so LPC forms could provide better brain support.
- Older adults: LPC-DHA/EPA may help maintain cognitive function as they age.
- People with high fish intake: Those who consume more fish typically show higher DHA levels in the brain, suggesting these forms offer benefits that fish oil alone may not replicate.
While current omega-3 supplements have many health benefits, LPC-bound forms may represent the next frontier in brain health.
LPC-bound omega-3s like DHA and EPA are promising new forms of omega-3s that might help improve brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, especially for those with unique needs such as ApoE4 carriers.
New products like LYSOVETA™ are now making it easier to support brain health through more targeted supplementation.
Don’t confuse LPC-EPA/DHA with standard LPCs. LPCs are bioactive fats involved in inflammation and the development of conditions like atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries). While they are normally present in the blood, their levels can rise during inflammation.
Research suggests lower LPC levels are linked with worse outcomes in diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes and schizophrenia. LPC levels also drop in ageing, liver disease and asthma, potentially increasing health risks, but, on the other hand, high levels are seen as harmful as they can trigger inflammation, so LPC is a possible target for future therapies.
When combined with EPA/DHA is LPC helps transport omega-3 fatty acids across the blood-brain barrier (a barrier that selectively controls what substances can enter) and into the brain through Mfsd2a.
Where can I buy LPC-DHA?
As mentioned, LYSOVETA™ now makes LPC-bound EPA and DHA widely available, opening new avenues for targeted delivery to the brain and eyes. Here at Xandro, we’ve been busy developing a cognitive supplement to help with your longevity efforts.
We’re proud to introduce LPC Neuro, a LYSOVETA™ supplement/nootropic to help you improve your brain health as you age. Learn more about this LPC-DHA omega-3 supplement here!