Phosphoethanolamine

Magnesium and manganese are enzymatic cofactors in the metabolism of phosphoethanolamine. Deficiencies in these nutrients may contribute to elevated levels. The precursor to phosphoethanolamine is ethanolamine. As outlined previously, gut microbiome imbalances can influence ethanolamine levels. With that, elevated phosphoethanolamine has also been associated with gastrointestinal microbiome imbalance. Clinically, elevated phosphoethanolamine is associated with a rare condition called hypophosphatasia which results in the abnormal development of teeth and bones. Zinc and magnesium deficiencies further complicate this condition.

Decreased levels of precursors in the production of phosphoethanolamine, or lack of cofactors needed within the pathway, may contribute to low levels. Clinically, reduced plasma levels of phosphoethanolamine have been significantly correlated with depressed mood, diminished interest or pleasure, psychomotor change, psychomotor retardation, and major depressive disorder (MDD), making this a potential biomarker for MDD. Habitual alcohol intake was also a related to low phosphoethanolamine levels.

Phosphoethanolamine is an intermediate in the serineto-choline sequence. It is both a precursor and byproduct of phospholipid biosynthesis and breakdown. As a precursor to the phospholipid phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphoethanolamine plays a key role in myelination.