Social media was lit up the weekend Vayarin was discountinued. Parents and medical practitioners frantically looked for alternatives. Many opined that they could simply buy EPA and DHA from fish oil and alternative sources of Phosphatidylserine (PS)and…presto…you have an alternative to Vayarin. But is this really the case? No.
Vayarin was comprised of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA conjugated to phosphatidylserine which was marketed to address lipid imbalances.
Let’s break that down, what does that mean?
EPA and DHA are important long chain fatty acids that are prevalent in the brain. They are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which means they are big and take up space. They increase cell membrane fluidity in the brain, which helps cell signaling. It has been reported that individuals who struggle with focus and emotional balance are often deficient in EPA and DHA. The body cannot synthesize EPA or DHA on its own, which is why people use supplements to increase the amount of EPA and DHA in the body.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a naturally occurring membrane phospholipid that is found in high concentrations in brain tissue, where it comprises 10–20% of the total phospholipid pool. PS plays a critical role in activating important signal transduction pathways and modulating neurotransmitter release and receptor function. These signal transduction pathways are more utilized when PS is conjugated to DHA and EPA. PS alone, does not have this function.
EPA and DHA in fish oil are most often provided in ethyl ester (EE) or triglyceride (TG) form. This is NOT the form found in the brain. EPA and DHA in both EE and TG for must be metabolized by bile, pancreatic lipases, and the liver before it becomes absorbed in the body. If eaten with food, both EPA and DHA in EE and TG form will be absorbed, but that doesn’t mean it will end up in the brain. Studies show that EPA and DHA in PL form is more likely to be incorporated in the brain.
Accentrate – Tissue Targeted EPA and DHA which is specifically formulated to be brain ready nutrition.
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.
