Autism Research, Phospholipids and Krill Oil
Autism research shows that autistic children have phospholipid/omega-3 deficiencies. Phospholipids, specifically the phosphatidylcholine type, are essential for brain health; they are the constituents of human cell membranes; and they distinguish krill oil among the most important alternative-herbal therapies for autism. Krill is the only animal source of omega-3 in phospholipid form, and the only source whose fatty acid profile is optimized for the brain. Thus its oil is readily absorbed by the cells, delivering essential fatty acids to body and brain as nothing, nothing else can. Because of this, clinical studies with Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) are showing significant results across a spectrum of patients with various brain disorders. Below, please find a discussion of deficiencies of this life-giving nutrient in children with autism.*
What Are the Phospholipid Deficiencies in Autism?
The word phospholipid might not be something you are familiar with, but if you have a child with autism, it could be a useful term to understand. Studies suggest that children with autism are lacking in essential fatty acids that are crucial for proper brain function and development. By measuring the amount of these fatty acids in the plasma phospholipids (otherwise known as the blood cell surface or membrane), some believe the information found will reflect neurological disorders in children with autism. The research is pointing towards phospholipid deficiencies in autism cases.
Phospholipids are essential for brain activity. It can be described as wax-like substance found in the membrane of the body’s red blood cells. In simple terms, this is how fat moves in and out of the blood cells. Though we have been told for many years now that fat is ‘bad’, some fats are essential for the proper working of the body and the brain. When there is an imbalance, there can be a knock on effect to behaviors and thought processes.
Though this problem is just now being associated with autism, it has also been associated with many other psychiatric disorders like Rett’s Syndrome and ADD.
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Fatty acids make up as much as 20 percent of the brain, and as you can imagine, are essential for proper brain function. Autism is not the only condition that is related to phospholipid deficiencies. It is suspected that this deficiency also accounts for problems with attention deficit disorder and even with dyslexia and dyspraxia. Because the body cannot produce these fatty acids that are needed, the source has to come from outside of the body.
The most common deficiencies associated with phospholipids in relation to autism and other problems are the decrease of polyunsaturated fats. There is also a notable increase of saturated fatty acids. This imbalance can lead to problems with cell homeostasis and the metabolism of fatty acids. Researchers who discovered that this might be linked to autism said that it might open a new door to understanding where autism comes from biologically. This might help with treatments for autism in the future.
While it appears that deficiencies in phospholipids might be a determining factor in many conditions, the treatment options are somewhat unclear. If you are concerned about phospholipid deficiencies in autism, you should talk with your doctor to see what new research and theories have been presented to them. It may be that filling this nutritional void might help with some of the problems that these children face. It may not solve problems, but it could help children better use the skills they do have when facing autism and daily life.
By: Rachel Evans
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Read more about krill oil and omega-3 essential fatty acids.
*Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. PRECAUTIONS: If you are pregnant, nursing, allergic to shellfish, have a blood coagulation condition, are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin, or are currently under a physician’s care for a health condition, please consult a healthcare professional prior to use.
What Others Are Saying…
Why Phospholipids are Good For You I have been reading up lately on the new push for phospholipids, which are essential building blocks of cell membranes, helping keep a strong cell structure.
Phospholipids and Liver Health In the general health tips below I will consider phospholipids and the way they are related to liver health care. Phospholipids are the main lipidic constituents of cellular membrane. They perform a number of functions in a human body.
Brain-Boosting Foods Although the body can make phospholipids, getting some extra from your diet is even better. The richest source found in foods is from the compound choline, abundant in egg yolks, organ meats and sardines. (This writer hasn’t discovered krill oil.)
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