Study Overview
A recent study funded by B&S Corporation investigated the potential cognitive benefits of scallop-derived plasmalogen (sPl) supplements in 66 Japanese adults with below-average verbal memory. Participants took the supplement for 12 weeks.
Key Findings
- The study found that sPls may enhance cognitive function, particularly verbally, indicating a moderate effect on memory improvement when compared to the placebo group.
- The supplement group also exhibited higher attention scores.
- A subgroup analysis indicated that participants without a bachelor’s degree showed more significant improvements in memory.
Background on Plasmalogens
- Plasmalogens are specialized phospholipids that are crucial for cell membrane integrity and are abundant in nervous, immune, and cardiovascular cells.
- They have antioxidant properties, protecting against oxidative damage and playing a role in cognitive health.
- A deficiency in plasmalogens is associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, leading to interest in plasmalogen replacement therapy.
Study Design
- The research was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 66 adults aged over 40 with verbal memory impairments.
- Participants received either 1 mg of purified sPls or a placebo daily for 12 weeks.
Assessment and Results
- Memory and cognitive performance were evaluated at the study’s start and end, including measuring plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a brain health indicator.
- While the study observed a rise in cholesterol levels in the supplement group, it deemed this change not clinically significant.
Conclusion
- The researchers emphasized caution in interpreting the results due to variability in the effect size and urged further studies for validation and assessment of long-term safety.
For full details, the study is published in Frontiers in Nutrition with DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1906996.
