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Unlock the Power of LPC DHA for Brain Function & Organ Health

Key Takeaway

LPC DHA is more bioavailable and effective than traditional omega-3 supplements, supporting brain function, eye health, heart health, liver function, kidney recovery and immune function.  

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are needed to help you stay healthy. 

Among the various forms of DHA, Lysophosphatidylcholine-bound DHA (LPC DHA) stands out due to its superior bioavailability and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This unique form of DHA has been shown to significantly benefit major organs, including the brain, eyes, heart, liver, kidneys and more. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the proven benefits of LPC DHA, organ by organ, and explain why it’s a game-changer for your overall health.  

What is LPC DHA?

LPC DHA is a specialised form of DHA bound to lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), a phospholipid that improves its absorption and transport into tissues, especially the brain and retina. 

Unlike traditional omega-3 supplements, which must be metabolised into LPC-bound forms, LPC DHA supplements deliver this bioactive form directly, meaning it’s used by the body efficiently and your omega-3 levels in those organs actually boost. 

The Proven Benefits of DHA

Before diving into organ-specific benefits, let’s address the overarching question: What are the proven benefits of DHA?

• Helps with brain development and cognitive function.  
• Improves eye health and visual acuity.  
• Reduces inflammation and supports heart health.  
• Improves immune function and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.  
• Is needed for foetal and infant development during pregnancy and breastfeeding.  

Learn about the difference between LPC DHA and LPC EHA. 

Now, let’s break down how LPC DHA specifically benefits each major organ.  

The Benefit of LPC DHA for Major Organs

1. The Brain: What is the most important reason that DHA is essential for brain function?

The brain is the most DHA-dependent organ, with DHA making up 30 to 40 per cent of its lipids. The most important reason DHA is essential for brain function is its role in maintaining the structure and fluidity of cell membranes, which is needed for neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity and overall cognitive performance.  

Key Benefits of LPC DHA for the Brain:

• Best Brain Uptake: LPC DHA is transported into the brain via the MFSD2A transporter, allowing it to be easily transported into the brain compared to other forms of DHA.  
• Boosts Cognition: Studies show that LPC DHA improves memory, learning and overall cognitive function.  
• Neuroprotection: LPC DHA has amyloid and Tau pathologies, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.  
• Mood Regulation: While DHA itself is less effective for depression, LPC-bound EPA (often paired with LPC DHA) can boost brain EPA levels, which are needed for mood improvement.  

Why Choose an LPC DHA Supplement?

Traditional omega-3 supplements only generate a small fraction of LPC-bound DHA after metabolism. LPC DHA supplements, on the other hand, provide this bioactive form directly, meaning your brown as actually receiving omega-3 and you can experience the benefits. 

2. The Eyes

The retina contains one of the highest concentrations of DHA in the body, making it important for visual function and retinal integrity.  

Key Benefits of LPC DHA for the Eyes:

• Retinal Protection: LPC DHA is easily transported into the retina via the MFSD2A transporter, helping preserve retinal structure and function.  
• Prevention of Retinopathies: LPC DHA helps protect against age-related macular degeneration and other retinal diseases.  
• Enhanced Visual Development: In infants, DHA intake (from breast milk or fortified formula) is linked with faster visual development.  

Did You Know?

LPC-bound EPA may be even more beneficial than LPC DHA for the retina, as EPA is preferred for synthesising very long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that support retinal health.  

Learn more about the ideal DHA to EPA omega-3 ratio you should get for optimal health.

3. The Heart

DHA is well-known for its heart-protective effects, including reducing inflammation, lowering triglycerides and improving cholesterol levels.  

Key Benefits of LPC DHA for the Heart:

• Reduced Risk of Heart Disease: LPC DHA helps lower blood pressure, prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of arrhythmias.  
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: DHA’s anti-inflammatory properties protect against endothelial dysfunction, a key factor in cardiovascular disease.  
• Improved Recovery After Cardiac Events: Higher plasma levels of LPC DHA are associated with better neurological outcomes following cardiac arrest.  

4. The Liver

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a growing health concern linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. LPC DHA has shown promise in improving liver health.  

Key Benefits of LPC DHA for the Liver:  

• Reduced Hepatic Steatosis: Phospholipid-bound DHA (including LPC DHA) is more effective at reducing liver fat accumulation.  
• Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects: LPC DHA lowers levels of pro-inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in the liver.  
• Gut-Liver Axis Support: LPC DHA supplementation can improve gut microbiome diversity, which indirectly benefits liver health.  

5. The Kidneys

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious condition with limited treatment options. LPC DHA has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent.  

Key Benefits of LPC DHA for the Kidneys

• Faster Recovery: LPC DHA supplementation improves kidney function and reduces damage after ischemic reperfusion injury.  
• Reduced Inflammation: LPC DHA lowers inflammatory markers and encourages tissue repair in the kidneys.  
• Protection of Proximal Tubules: LPC DHA helps restore the structure and function of S3 proximal tubules, which are needed for kidney function.  

Learn more about the role of Omega-3 in Kidney Repair.

6. Immune System

DHA plays a key role in controlling the immune response and reducing chronic inflammation.  

Key Benefits of LPC DHA for Immunity:

• Improved Antibody Production: LPC DHA boosts the activity of B cells, improving immune response.  
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: DHA reduces inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.  
• Protection Against Chronic Diseases: By regulating immune function, LPC DHA may help prevent conditions like hypertension, diabetes and cancer.  

7. The Skin

DHA’s anti-inflammatory properties extend to skin health, particularly in managing acne.  

Key Benefits of LPC DHA for the Skin:

• Reduced Acne Severity: Higher omega-3 intake is associated with lower rates of acne.  
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: DHA helps reduce redness, swelling and irritation associated with acne.  

What About Other Major Organs That LPC DHA May Benefit? 

The way that LPC Omega-3s cross the blood-brain barrier is through a transporter called MFSD2A. This transporter is also found in other organs, indicating it may help transport LPC Omega-3s into those parts of the body, too. These include:

• Brain: As mentioned, MFSD2A is prominently expressed in the endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), playing an important role in its formation and function. 
• Liver: High levels of MFSD2A expression have been detected in the liver. 
• Lungs: Significant MFSD2A expression is present in the lungs. 
• Kidneys: The kidneys exhibit notable levels of MFSD2A expression. 
• Intestine: MFSD2A is expressed in the intestine. 
• Placenta: Expression of MFSD2A has been identified in the placenta. 
• Colon: This protein is present in the colon and may play a role in protecting against colon cancer. Research suggests that higher levels of MFSD2A are linked to better outcomes for colon cancer patients.
• Adipose Tissues: Both brown and white adipose tissues exhibit low basal levels of MFSD2A expression, however, its expression can increase significantly during conditions such as fasting, cold adaptation, and in response to circadian rhythms, suggesting a role in energy metabolism.

MFSD2A has also been found in the breast, thyroid, bone marrow, testes and lymph nodes, but more research is needed to learn its role in these areas of the body. 

Further Reading: Where to Buy LPC-bound Omega-3 in Singapore

End Note

LPC DHA is a great form of omega-3 that offers targeted benefits for major organs, from the brain and eyes to the heart, liver and kidneys. Its unique ability to cross the blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers makes it especially effective for cognitive and visual health. 

Whether you’re looking to support brain function, protect your heart or improve recovery after injury, LPC DHA supplements and LPC-bound omega-3 supplements are better than their traditional fish oil counterparts in improving your health

If you’re looking for an LPC DHA omega-3 supplement, Xandro’s LPC Neuro includes the patented LYSOVETA™, the world’s most advanced omega-3 for the brain. With it, you can boost your brain health but also receive the great benefits of omega-3 throughout your body. 

You can read more about LPC Neuro here.