Plasmalogens are a structural fat class that human cells make in large amounts, sold as a supplement from scallop, sea squirt, chicken or laboratory sources for memory and metabolic health. Levels fall with age, and people with higher blood levels tend to live longer with less metabolic and heart disease. Oral doses raise blood levels reliably and short courses are well tolerated, but whether that changes anything remains open. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma ethanolamine plasmalogen (PlsEtn) | No established target; track change from own baseline, aiming for a sustained rise | Confirms the product is absorbed and reaching the bloodstream |
| Erythrocyte plasmalogen (% of total phospholipid) | No established target; track change from own baseline | Reflects membrane incorporation rather than transient plasma load |
| Omega-3 Index (red-cell EPA + DHA) | 8–12% of total red-cell fatty acids | Marine products co-deliver omega-3 fats; separates that effect from the plasmalogen effect |
| High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) | <1.0 mg/L | Tracks the inflammation signal seen with ether-lipid precursor dosing |
| Fasting triglycerides | <80 mg/dL (0.9 mmol/L) | The blood lipid that moved in the precursor trial |
| Ferritin | 30–100 ng/mL (women), 40–150 ng/mL (men) | Iron load is the theoretical amplifier of the iron-dependent oxidation concern |
| Haemoglobin A1c | 4.8–5.4% | Metabolic context; the plasmalogen score tracks inversely with diabetes risk |
| Validated cognitive battery (e.g. composite memory score) | No established target; track change from own baseline on the same platform | The outcome most people buy the supplement for |
| Liver enzymes (ALT, AST) | ALT and AST both <25 U/L | Generic safety screen for a long-term oil supplement |
Cadence: Baseline draw before starting, with the cognitive battery run twice; repeat plasma plasmalogens, the inflammatory and lipid panel and cognition at 12 weeks; then a 6–12 month cadence if the picture is stable. Red-cell measures are not informative if repeated sooner than 3 months.