Membrane Lipid Replacement: Clinical Studies Using a Natural Medicine Approach to Restoring Membrane Function and Improving Health

Functional oral supplements containing cell membrane glycerolphospholipids and antioxidants have been used to safely replace damaged membrane lipids that accumulate during aging and in various clinical conditions. This approach differs from other dietary and intravenous interventions in the composition of phospholipids and the presence of fructooligosaccharides that protect the phospholipids against oxidation and bile and enzymatic damage. Various chronic clinical conditions are characterized by membrane phospholipid oxidative damage, resulting in loss of cellular function. Recent clinical trials have shown the benefits of Membrane Lipid Replacement in replenishing damaged membrane lipids and restoring mitochondrial function, resulting in reductions in fatigue in aged subjects and patients with a variety of clinical diagnoses. Recent in vitro experiments with nonphysiological concentrations of phospholipids did not result in enhancement of mitochondrial electron transport enzyme activities. This can be explained by the use of the wrong phospholipid fatty acids, over-dilution of membrane constituents and mitochondrial swelling. A similar phenomenon was seen when human sperm were incubated in vitro with high concentrations of glycerolphospholipids and their motility was assessed. Only lower, more physiological concentrations of glycerolphospholipids stimulated sperm motility. Additional studies are needed to determine the functional effects of Membrane Lipid Replacement on other cellular membranes, such as the plasma membrane and other intracellular membranes of various cells and tissues.