Plasmalogens for Memory: Does It Really Work?
Quick Summary: A recent study found that taking a daily dose of plasmalogens, a type of fat found in certain foods, improved memory in adults with mild forgetfulness. This research suggests plasmalogens might help boost memory, but more research is needed.
What The Research Found
Researchers looked at how plasmalogens, taken from a sea creature called an ascidian, affected memory. They found that people who took plasmalogens daily for 12 weeks showed improved memory compared to those who didn't. Specifically, their combined verbal and visual memory scores increased.
Study Details
- Who was studied: 50 Japanese adults, aged around 46, who reported having mild memory problems.
- How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks (about 3 months).
- What they took: Participants took either a food product containing 1 mg of ascidian-derived plasmalogens or a placebo (a similar-looking food with no plasmalogens) every day.
What This Means For You
If you're experiencing mild memory issues, this research suggests that taking plasmalogens might help. However, it's important to remember:
- It's early research: This study is a starting point. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
- Specific type matters: The study used plasmalogens from a specific source (ascidian). Other types of plasmalogens might not have the same effect.
- Talk to your doctor: Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Study Limitations
- Small study: The study involved a relatively small number of people, so the results might not apply to everyone.
- Specific group: The study only included Japanese adults, so the results might not be the same for other populations.
- Short duration: The study lasted only 12 weeks, so we don't know the long-term effects of plasmalogens.
- More research needed: The study did not measure plasmalogen levels in the blood, so the mechanism of action is not fully understood.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
The study demonstrated that daily consumption of 1 mg ascidian-derived plasmalogen significantly increased composite memory scores (sum of verbal and visual memory) in healthy Japanese adults with mild forgetfulness. At 8 weeks, the intervention group showed a mean improvement of +3.0 ± 16.3 points versus placebo (p<0.05), rising to +6.7 ± 17.5 points at 12 weeks (p<0.05). No significant effects were reported for other cognitive domains assessed by Cognitrax. The authors concluded plasmalogen enhances memory function.
Study Design
This was a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were 50 Japanese adults (mean age 45.6–46.4 years) with self-reported mild forgetfulness: 25 in the intervention group (8 male, 17 female) and 25 in placebo (9 male, 15 female). Cognitive function was evaluated using the Cognitrax test battery at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks.
Dosage & Administration
Participants consumed 1 mg of ascidian (Halocynthia roretzi)-derived plasmalogen daily, administered as an active ingredient in a food product. The placebo group received an identical-looking food product without plasmalogen.
Results & Efficacy
The primary outcome—composite memory score—showed statistically significant improvement in the plasmalogen group compared to placebo at both 8 weeks (+3.0 ± 16.3 points, p<0.05) and 12 weeks (+6.7 ± 17.5 points, p<0.05). Effect sizes were modest but consistent. No significant changes were observed in attention, executive function, or processing speed. The study did not report confidence intervals or exact p-values beyond significance thresholds.
Limitations
Key limitations include a small sample size (n=50), short duration (12 weeks), and homogenous cohort (exclusively Japanese adults with mild subjective forgetfulness). The study lacked biomarker data (e.g., blood plasmalogen levels) to confirm mechanism. Results may not generalize to clinical dementia populations or other ethnicities. Funding transparency was limited, though the authors stated no external grants were received.
Clinical Relevance
For supplement users, this suggests ascidian-derived plasmalogen (1 mg/day) may support short-term memory in healthy adults experiencing mild forgetfulness. However, the effect size is modest, and benefits were isolated to composite memory—not broader cognitive enhancement. Users should note this applies only to the specific ascidian-derived formulation tested; results may not extend to other plasmalogen sources or higher doses. Long-term efficacy and safety remain unverified.
Original Study Reference
The Impact of Ascidian (Halocynthia roretzi)-derived Plasmalogen on Cognitive Function in Healthy Humans: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2020
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 33177278)