Phospholipids in Krill Extracts
Phospholipids are a class of lipids and are a major component of all biological membranes. All phospholipids contain a diglyceride, a phosphate group, and a simple organic molecule such as choline. They are a type of molecule. They form a lipid bilayer within a cell membrane. They also transport DNA.
Membranes
All living cells have something known as a cell membrane. This membrane is very selective about what it allows to pass through; this characteristic is referred to as "selective permeability." For example, it allows oxygen and nutrients to enter the cell while keeping toxins and waste products out. The cell membrane controls the exchange of materials, receives hormone messages and is very thin. It can be described as a phospholipid bi-layer - meaning that it is made from phospholipid molecules and has two layers. The lipid bilayer is a critical component of all biological membranes, including cell membranes, and so is absolutely essential for all known life on Earth.
Structure
The phospholipid bi-layer is so thin it can barely even be seen by an electron microscope - a x100,000 magnification is required, and only shows a double black line around 7nm wide. Since we cannot properly see the membrane, we have to take what we know about it and create a model - in this case known as a fluid mosaic model.
The 'head' of a phospholipid is hydrophilic (attracted to water) wheras the hydrophobic 'tails' repel water. When placed in water, phospholipids form a variety of structures depending on the specific properties of the phospholipid. In biological systems, the phospholipids often occur with other molecules (e.g., proteins, glycolipids, cholesterol) in a bilayer such as a cell membrane. Lipid bilayers occur when hydrophobic tails line up against one another, forming a membrane with hydrophilic heads on both sides facing the water.
This membrane is partially permeable, capable of elastic movement, and has fluid properties, in which embedded proteins and phospholipid molecules are able to move through. Also, the hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends allow the phospholipids to transfer and be associated with water. It is able to be resistant and associate with it at the same time. This happens because only one end of the molecule is soluble in water.
Phospholipids and Omega-3s
Since omega-3s (especially DHA and EPA) are essential in our diets, we would want to get these omega-3s in the best form possible. Unlike regular fish oils which deliver their omega-3 to the cell membrane in the form of triglycerides, Krill Extract omega-3s are already in a phospholipid state. This means better absorbtion and less work for the body in delivering omega-3 into the body.