The neuroprotective effect:

The neuroprotective effect of DHA and EPA on nerve cells has been demonstrated in both human [20] and animal [21] studies and their mechanisms of action have been investigated in greater detail in in vitro cell models [22]. For example, in an interesting study with rats carrying diabetes mellitus, supplementation with Omega-3s (specifically DHA) made it possible to prevent anatomical and functional deterioration in neurons, a characteristic picture of diabetic neuropathy [23], and also reduce the oxidative damage and learning disabilities (Morris water maze model) in rats with traumatic brain injury [24]. In other studies, rats fed a diet low in DHA showed learning and cognitive function disorders, effects that were reversed when DHA supplementation is restored [25].

Another interesting study was focused on the neuroprotective effects of Omega-3s  in Alzheimer’s disease, since patients with this disease have low levels of DHA in plasma and in their cell membranes [26].

In an animal model (mouse with Alzheimer’s disease), when administering a diet enriched with Omega-3s (EPA + DHA), a reduction in the accumulation of β-amyloid peptide (peptide with neurotoxic actions) was observed in more than 70% of the cases [27]. It is currently postulated that the Omega-3s DHA and EPA can be used as part of the treatment of multiple neuropathologies, in addition to diabetic neuropathy and Alzheimer’s disease, among which Parkinson’s disease [28, 29] and multiple sclerosis [30] and depression [31] stand out.

Serotonin is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the nervous system. The behavioral and neuropsychological processes modulated by serotonin include mood, perception, reward, anger, aggression, appetite, memory, sexuality and attention. Low serotonin levels are implicated in different mental illnesses such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia [32,33]. Even various aspects of behavior, such as decision making and impulsivity, are linked to this vital neurotransmitter. Due to the importance of this neurotransmitter, the scientific community has been addressing this problem in order to investigate what factors can influence its production in the body. In this sense, it was discovered that vitamin D is essential to regulate the conversion of tryptophan (an essential amino acid) into serotonin. In addition, it has been verified that Omega-3 EPA increases serotonin release from presynaptic neurons by reducing series-2 prostaglandins, counteracting the effect of inflammatory signals in the brain, which inhibit the release of this neurotransmitter. DHA also participates in the action of various serotonin receptors, making them more accessible to serotonin, increasing the fluidity of the cell membrane in neurons [33].

Another important component of the Nutribiolite OMEGA-3 + D3 + K2-7 formula is vitamin K. This vitamin is involved in the synthesis of sphingolipids (lipids that are part of cell membranes), which are particularly abundant in neuronal cell walls [34]. Sphingolipids are involved in important processes such as cell division, differentiation, and aging, as well as the interaction between cells. Alterations in sphingolipid metabolism have been associated with cognitive impairment and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, studies indicate that vitamin K may also have a protective function against oxidative stress in myelin membranes, independent of its function in neuronal membranes [35].