WHAT ARE PLASMALOGENS?
Plasmalogens are critical membrane components involved with neurotransmitter release. They are found in high concentrations in the brain and heart. They are made primarily in the liver, and there are no adequate food sources. Levels dramatically decrease after age 60. They are an essential part of nerve cells and help cells communicate and function. Several scientific studies show plasmalogen levels are low in people with neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis. Plasmalogen levels are also low in pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and heart and stroke patients.
Plasmalogens also have antioxidant properties – some plasmalogens contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive oil, and some contain polyunsaturated fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), essential for health. DHA (an omega-3 found in fish oils) promotes cardiovascular health, is required for optimal brain function, is needed for cells to function, and is anti-inflammatory.
ARE PLASMALOGENS FOUND IN FOOD?
Plasmalogen levels in the brain increase up to 30 to 40 years of age and significantly decrease after 60 (click here for PubMed link). There are no ADEQUATE food sources. The body makes plasmalogens in the peroxisomes of cells, mainly in the liver. The body’s ability to make plasmalogens becomes impaired with age. The body’s peroxisome function is compromised, and plasmalogens degrade from inflammation and oxidative stress.
CAN I TEST MY PLASMALOGENS LEVELS?
Yes. This specialized blood test is available only through qualified US healthcare professionals like Dr. Fortin, certified in how to interpret and how to intervene. The test is ordered through Prodrome Sciences using Dr. Fortin’s unique code CFORTIN25, saving you 25% of the retail cost. The ProdromeScan blood test reports 14 sections with over 40 different biomarker levels for a comprehensive assessment of the key biochemical systems in the body. Each of the biosystems measured by the ProdromeScan is modifiable using targeted lifestyle, supplementation, and diet-based strategies. The test allows Dr. Fortin to objectively measure, track and optimize the performance of your targeted intervention strategy. Dr. Fortin will interpret your results and customize your plasmalogen prescription.
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To order your ProdromeScan, contact us via email or our online Chat assistant Natalie.
CAN I USE SUPPLEMENTS TO INCREASE MY PLASMALOGENS LEVELS?
Yes. There are several brands to choose from. Dr. Fortin recommends the Prodrome brand as it contains 100-900% more plasmalogen than other brands. The plasmalogen products offered on Amazon are purified from animal sources and have a very low concentration of plasmalogens. One Amazon product has 0.5mg of plasmalogen per 1 capsule (or 30mg of plasmalogen per bottle). Another product on Amazon has 4mg of plasmalogen per one capsule (or 240mg per bottle). Compare that to the Prodrome product which has 900mg per serving and 27,000mg per bottle! Their product has more plasmalogens in just one serving than the others have in the entire bottle.
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To get started on developing your Plasmalogen Replacement Therapy (PTR), contact us via email or our online Chat assistant Natalie.
WHY WOULD I TEST MY PLASMALOGEN LEVELS?
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To assess overall mortality risk.
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To assess the modifiable risk of dementia despite genetic predisposition.
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To assess the modifiable risk of a brain disorder, including neurodegenerative (Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s Disease).
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To assess the modifiable risk of cardiovascular disease, including dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart disease.
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To provide a scientifically based, modifiable, quantifiable corrective action plan to optimize the above issues risk-free.
DO YOU NEED MORE SCIENCE? HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
We've got you covered! Click on the button below for access to Dr. Fortin's personal notes, drafted for his patients to help them get better informed about the Plasmalogen Replacement Therapy. If you want the science behind it, and an outline of next steps, click the button. The notes document is quite large and full of scientific references, designed to be read via your laptop, not printed, to save trees. A sample report and next steps are at the bottom of his notes. Take a look!