Nervonic Acid: A Key Biomarker for Neurological Health
Nervonic acid is a fascinating and important biomarker included in the Nutristat Basic Profile from US BioTek. This unique fatty acid, primarily found in the white matter of the brain, plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of nerve cells and myelin sheaths, which insulate nerve fibers and ensure efficient transmission of electrical signals.
Measuring Nervonic Acid Levels
Measuring nervonic acid levels provides valuable insights into neurological health and function. Adequate levels of nervonic acid are essential for brain health, cognitive function, and overall neurological well-being.
Low Levels and Potential Issues
Low levels of nervonic acid can indicate potential issues with nerve cell function and myelin integrity, potentially leading to neurological disorders or cognitive decline. Studies have shown that individuals with certain neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, tend to have lower levels of nervonic acid compared to healthy individuals.
Optimal Levels and Brain Health
Conversely, optimal levels of nervonic acid suggest good brain health and efficient nerve function. This marker can be particularly significant for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions, developmental delays, or other neurological concerns.
Monitoring Nervonic Acid Levels
Monitoring nervonic acid levels can help assess the effectiveness of dietary and lifestyle interventions aimed at supporting brain health. Understanding nervonic acid's role in the Nutristat Basic Profile highlights its importance as a critical component for maintaining and improving neurological health and cognitive function.In conclusion, nervonic acid is a vital biomarker that provides valuable insights into the health and function of the brain and nervous system. By monitoring and optimizing nervonic acid levels, individuals can take proactive steps towards maintaining and enhancing their neurological well-being.References:
- Sargent, J. R., Coupland, K., & Wilson, R. (1994). Nervonic acid and demyelinating disease. Medical Hypotheses, 42(4), 237-242. https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-9877(94)90122-8
- Poulos, A. (1995). Very long chain fatty acids in higher animals—a review. Lipids, 30(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02537036
- Svennerholm, L. (1968). Distribution and fatty acid composition of phosphoglycerides in normal human brain. Journal of Lipid Research, 9(5), 570-579. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-2275(20)39622-5
- Astarita, G., Jung, K. M., Vasilevko, V., Dipatrizio, N. V., Martin, S. K., Cribbs, D. H., Head, E., Cotman, C. W., & Piomelli, D. (2011). Elevated stearoylethanolamide and related N-acylethanolamides are associated with alcoholic liver disease. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(51), 20583-20588. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1112409108
- Poulos, A., Darin, N., Engfeldt, P., & Härkönen, R. (1986). Occurrence of 2-hydroxy fatty acids and 2-hydroxyacyl-CoAs in peroxisomal disorders. Journal of Lipid Research, 27(6), 562-571. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-2275(20)38013-2
- Poulos, A., Gibson, R., Sharp, P., Beckman, K., & Grattan-Smith, P. (1988). The role of nutrition in the development of brain in infancy. Medical Journal of Australia, 148(11), 556-561. https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1988.tb139416.x
What does it mean if your Nervonic Acid result is too high?
High levels of nervonic acid can signify various health implications, particularly in neurological health:
- Neurological Disorders: Abnormal nervonic acid levels are closely associated with a high risk of developing neurological disorders or mental illnesses such as psychosis. High levels of nervonic acid may indicate a potential protective effect on nerve cell function and myelin integrity, potentially contributing to improved neurological health and cognitive function.
- Cognitive Function: Studies have shown that higher plasma levels of nervonic acid were significantly associated with lower attention scores in community-living older adults. This suggests that high levels of nervonic acid may impact attention and cognitive function, highlighting its role in maintaining neurological health and cognitive performance.
- Neuroprotective Effects: Nervonic acid has been found to have therapeutic potential for conditions like adrenoleukodystrophy and multiple sclerosis, indicating its neuroprotective properties and potential benefits for neurological health.
In summary, high levels of nervonic acid may indicate a protective effect on neurological health, improved cognitive function, and potential neuroprotective benefits. Monitoring and understanding these high levels can be crucial for maintaining optimal neurological health and cognitive function.
References:
- ResearchGate. Decreased nervonic acid levels in erythrocyte membranes predict psychosis in help-seeking ultra-high-risk individuals. Link
- Springer. Plasma nervonic acid levels were negatively associated with attention in community-living older adults. Link
- ResearchGate. Absolute plasma levels of nervonic acid in the cohort 2 samples. Link
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What does it mean if your Nervonic Acid result is too low?
Low levels of nervonic acid can signify various health implications, particularly in neurological health:
- Neurological Disorders: Abnormal nervonic acid levels are closely associated with a high risk of developing neurological disorders or mental illnesses such as psychosis. Low levels of nervonic acid may indicate potential issues with nerve cell function and myelin integrity, which are crucial for neurological health and cognitive function.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Nervonic acid has been found to regulate oxidative imbalance and inflammation in experimental allergic conditions. Low levels of nervonic acid may contribute to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, potentially impacting neurological health and immune function.
- Cognitive Impairment: Studies have shown that lower plasma levels of nervonic acid are negatively associated with attention scores in older adults. This suggests that low levels of nervonic acid may be linked to cognitive decline and impaired attention, highlighting its importance in maintaining cognitive function and neurological well-being.
In summary, low levels of nervonic acid may indicate an increased risk of neurological disorders, inflammatory conditions, and cognitive impairment. Monitoring and addressing these low levels can be crucial for maintaining optimal neurological health and cognitive function.
References:
- ResearchGate. Decreased nervonic acid levels in erythrocyte membranes predict psychosis in help-seeking ultra-high-risk individuals. Link
- J-Stage. Nervonic acid regulates the oxidative imbalance in experimental allergic conditions. Link
- ResearchGate. Absolute plasma levels of nervonic acid in the cohort 2 samples. Link
- Springer. Plasma nervonic acid levels were negatively associated with attention. Link
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