How can krill oil help prevent brain damage?

A new study from the Netherlands has found a link between Omega-3 fatty acid consumption and the prevention of brain damage in animals. 

It has been suggested that dietary supplements designed to target krill-derived LPC-EPA/DHA delivery may protect against neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. It has been observed that short-term supplementation of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-related Omega-3 fatty acids, provides neuroprotection in mice. This occurs by preventing brain damage and myelin loss due to hypoxia-ischemia (lack of oxygen and reduced blood flow).

Perinatal asphyxia is a leading cause of hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury in neonates, contributing significantly to a variety of lifelong health challenges and neonatal mortality. "Neonatal brain injury has been shown to reduce DHA levels in the brain, leading to the hypothesis that DHA supplementation may mitigate this deficiency and thereby reduce risk," explained Linne Johnsen, senior vice president of Aker BioMarine. "The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are part of a specific molecular structure (LPC) that facilitates the accumulation of DHA in the brain. We believe that with regular intake of supplements rich in Omega-3, there is great potential to mitigate brain damage, as seen in this recent study."

The study used dietary supplements that contain in their composition krill oil. DHA and EPA cannot be synthesized efficiently in the brain, they must be transported across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by the compound MFSD2A. This constituent recognizes only esterified DHA and EPA in the form of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). LPC transport is critical for providing building blocks for neuron formation and regulating membrane phospholipid composition. MFSD2A is also present in other vital organs such as the eyes and liver, indicating the broad potential benefits of dietary LPC.

In the study published in Nutrients, scientists from Utrecht University and Aker BioMarine Human Ingredients AS investigated the potential benefits of krill oil supplementation in combination with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in neonatal mice with hypoxia-ischemia. MSC is considered one of the most promising current therapies for neonatal brain injury. Mice 9 days old were fed krill oil for seven days, with or without MSCs, starting three days after brain injury.

Results showed that krill oil supplementation significantly reduced gray and white matter loss. However, the effectiveness of MSC therapy was not increased. Functional improvements were also not observed, which the researchers believe may be due to limitations in the study design.

"In summary, this study shows that dietary supplementation with krill oil early in life may be a promising strategy to reduce neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury by protecting against neuronal damage and myelin loss associated with oxidative stress-induced injuries," said Dr. Caroline de Teijhe of Utrecht University, an author of the study. "We also recognise the need for further research into the effects of krill oil, including treatment doses, timing and duration, to establish the most beneficial treatment regimen."

Products with the purest and most consistent krill oilavailable on the Bulgarian market are those of the brand Krilixir. They are available throughout the pharmacy network and can be obtained online at krilixir.com.