Clinical Applications:
• Supports Healthy Cellular Structure, Function and Signaling
• Supports Mitochondrial and Immune Function
• Supports GI Barrier Health and Integrity
• Helps Maintain Normal Inflammatory Balance

IMMUNE HEALTH
Phospholipids are an integral part of biological membranes, and they tend to decrease as we age. They are critical for optimal cell and mitochondrial membrane function including their growth, shape and repair. Optimal cell membrane function facilitates healthy cell signaling, which is important for energy production, immune function, and regulation of inflammatory cascades. Additionally, this product leverages the benefits of a full-spectrum phosphatide blend to help balance the nervous system. Together, phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phosphatidylserine (PS) help achieve optimal nervous system function when it is overstimulated. This product also helps digest and process fats and supports better focus, cognitive function, and overall brain health. This rapidly absorbed blend provides 5840 mg of naturally bioavailable phosphatides per serving, making it one of the most concentrated preparations available.

Overview
Phosphatides make up the major structural lipids in cellular membranes. PC was one of the first biological amphiphiles (a molecule having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts) to be discovered, and it is the most abundant phospholipid in cellular membranes. With this initial research conducted at the same time as the fluid mosaic cell surface model developed, it led to a widespread view of phosphatides as cellular building blocks. But emerging evidence is making the case that in addition to its structural role, phosphatides also play a significant biological role in cell signaling, maintaining mitochondrial function, and transforming cellular membranes, enzymes, and receptors to be more functional. While phosphatides are sometimes used individually, the use of more complex phosphatide blends containing PC, PE, PI, and PS are considered more useful. Research shows that oral phospholipids are processed efficiently by the body, with more than 90% absorbed within hours of ingestion. For these reasons and more, restoring phosphatide levels through supplementation can be highly beneficial.

Phosphatides and the Mitochondrial-Immune Interface
In addition to cellular energy production, mitochondria perform several critical functions in the cell including the modulation of calcium signaling, regulation of cell death, maintenance of cellular redox balance, and innate immune signaling, making phospholipid movement to and from the mitochondrion essential for cellular integrity. While phosphatides make up a large portion of the lipids comprising cellular and intracellular membranes, it is their metabolism that creates a tightly controlled cell signaling network essential for a healthy innate immune response. Phosphatides and their metabolites influence multiple aspects of innate immunity including cell shape, stickiness and degranulation. Phospholipids themselves are also recognized by innate-like T cells, which are considered essential for recognizing foreign organisms, as well as self-antigens. When various cellular stressors including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and danger signals are released in the presence of cellular or mitochondrial damage, the formation of inflammasomes are induced, which triggers innate immune defenses. Inflammasomes such as NLRP induce cytokine release which increases oxidative stress and inhibits autophagy and mitophagy. The NLRP3 inflammasome is, itself, activated by mitochondrial ROS, suggesting that healthy mitochondria are essential for a balanced immune response. Studies show that stealth immune challenges are also associated with elevated mitochondrial oxidative stress. These results suggest an interruption in cellular communication may be at the core of continued mitochondrial stress and danger signals in stealth immune challenges. Oral phosphatides can be used to help modify mitochondrial signals and promote healthy inner mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby improving electron transport chain function and ATP synthesis (including perceived energy, mood and cognition) and overall immune-health balance.

Phosphatides and the Gut-Immune Interface
In a healthy gastrointestinal tract, the presence of PC in the mucosal secretion mucus creates a hydrophobic surface layer that safeguards the intestinal tissues and modulates mucosal signaling. PC represents more than 90% of the phospholipids comprising intestinal mucus, which serves as a primary component of the intestinal barrier creating a protectant shield against GI-related immune challenges by binding foreign matter. Poor nutrition, stress insults, and alterations in the gut microbiome all have a negative impact on the health of intestinal mucus. In the presence of GI challenges, the PC content of intestinal mucus may decrease by up to 70%, leaving the distal GI tract especially vulnerable. However, several studies show that oral PC supplementation replenishes the phosphatide content of intestinal mucus, reinforcing the body’s first, and perhaps most important, immune defense mechanism.

Directions
1 scoop (10 grams) per day with a meal or as recommended by your health care professional. May be mixed in juice or shakes, or sprinkled on food.

Does Not Contain
Gluten, corn, yeast, artificial colors and flavors.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.