Phospholipids are the main component of all our cell membranes, and the omega-3s contained in krill oil are in the exact form that the body needs for optimal cellular absorption: in the form of phospholipids.

A phospholipid molecule consists of two fatty acids, which are long chains of carbon and hydrogen molecules. They are attached to a glycerol backbone, which is also attached to a phosphate group. The phosphate group attached to glycerol does not qualify this structure as a phospholipid, so the phosphate group must be attached to an amino alcohol such as choline or serine. If it binds to choline, it gives rise to the phospholipid phosphatidylcholine. Choline, phosphate and glycerol constitute the hydrophilic side of the molecule and fatty acid chains are the hydrophobic part, as shown

in the figure.

Phospholipids are amphipathic in nature, that is, they have hydrophilic parts and hydrophobic parts. This feature is important for the structural function of phospholipids, which serve as building blocks of cell membranes. When phospholipids are exposed to water, they are organized into micelles (small spheres), with their hydrophobic tails pointing toward the center of the sheet and the hydrophilic heads toward the surrounding

water.

Phospholipids can help improve the bioavailability of compounds that are poorly soluble in water, by increasing their degree of dispersion and solubilization in the gastrointestinal tract and stimulating lymphatic transport.

PL+ technology is an excellent option for improving the absorption and bioavailability of highly lipophilic and poorly soluble molecules in water.

It consists of the use of phospholipids from Antarctic krill oil, specifically phosphatidylcholine, which mainly contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), providing a flexible structure that can optimally “accommodate” different lipophilic components, forming micelles. In this way, the different lipophilic nutrients are easily incorporated into the tissues in a more effective and efficient way

.

With PL+ technology, a highly absorbable and bioavailable source of DHA is achieved, with great performance for our cells.

If we compare the absorption of marine oils (fish or microalgae), which come in the form of triglycerides or ethyl esters, with those in the form of phospholipids (as in krill oil), we see that they are incorporated into the body more efficiently.

• Compared to an ethyl ester oil, the absorption of omega-3 fatty acids with PL+ technology is improved up to 10 times.
• Compared to triglyceride oil, the absorption of omega-3 fatty acids with PL+ technology improves up to 5 times.

Consequently, although these fish or microalgae oils may contain more omega-3 fatty acids than those in the form of phospholipids (as in krill oil), they suffer from emulsification properties, limiting their digestion and, in turn, their absorption, and therefore their performance.

NKO ^® Krill Oil: The real krill oil. Rich in long-chain omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, combined with phospholipids, improving the absorption and bioavailability of

omega-3.

NKO ^® Childrens Krill Oil: infant formula developed for the healthy growth and development of little ones. With NKO ^{® Krill Oil and Fish Oil (Solutex ®}) as sources of omega-3 fatty acids, astaxanthin

and vitamin D3.