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A groundbreaking dietary supplement developed by researchers at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has demonstrated the ability to halt the progression of heart failure in animal models. The findings, published in the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology Plus, provide promising evidence that the supplement could be beneficial for human use in the future.
A Novel Approach to Heart Health
The study, conducted on mice, revealed that incorporating the supplement into their diet elevated levels of energy-boosting, antioxidant fats called plasmalogen lipids. These lipids play a crucial role in restoring the integrity of damaged cells in failing hearts.
Plasmalogens, which constitute approximately 15% of cell membranes, are primarily found in the brain and heart. They are essential for immune function, energy metabolism, and antioxidative properties, explained co-senior author Dr. Yow Keat Tham.
“The cell membrane acts as a barrier between external and internal cellular activities,” Dr. Tham said. “By supplementing the diet with plasmalogens, we are reinforcing the membrane’s structure and restoring functionality to diseased cells.”
Addressing Heart Failure Through Lipid Restoration
Disruptions in the composition of cellular lipids are known to exacerbate conditions such as obesity, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. According to first author Teleah Belkin, failing hearts typically exhibit reduced plasmalogen levels, leading researchers to investigate whether dietary supplementation could replenish these crucial lipids.
“We found that the dietary supplement not only restored cardiac function but also reduced other pathological features associated with heart failure,” Belkin stated.
Earlier studies at the Baker Institute have shown the potential of plasmalogen-enhancing supplements in treating atherosclerosis, fatty liver disease, and even obesity in human participants. However, this is the first study to establish its therapeutic potential for the heart, lungs, and kidneys in a preclinical model of dilated cardiomyopathy.
The Path Toward Human Trials
Dr. Tham emphasized that the supplement led to significant remodeling of lipid composition in the hearts of mice with heart failure, reducing harmful effects such as tissue scarring and impaired mitochondrial function. Interestingly, the study found that the supplement provided greater protection in males than in females, highlighting the importance of considering sex differences in preclinical and clinical research.
Plasmalogens are naturally present in foods such as mussels, scallops, octopus, and even strawberries, though consuming these in large quantities would be necessary to achieve therapeutic benefits. The Baker Institute’s supplement, licensed to Juvenescence Ltd, is designed to support plasmalogen production in the body more effectively.
Human clinical trials to assess the supplement’s efficacy in arterial function, lipid metabolism, and inflammation are set to begin in late 2025. Researchers are optimistic that the supplement could become widely available within the next two years.
“Future studies may explore whether this supplement can help patients who have suffered heart attacks by reversing some of the damage sustained by the heart,” Dr. Tham noted.
Disclaimer:
The findings discussed in this article are based on preclinical animal studies. While results are promising, the supplement has not yet been tested or approved for use in humans. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before considering any dietary interventions related to heart health.
