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Salmon Roe

Overview​

Salmon roe (fish eggs) provides omega-3 fatty acids in phospholipid-bound form, which enhances brain delivery compared to triglyceride forms. Salmon roe provides DHA, EPA, phospholipids, choline, astaxanthin; highly bioavailable; zero oxidation risk. Studies show phospholipid-bound omega-3s such as krill oil and fish roe provide EPA/DHA in a phospholipid form that gets easily converted to lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), which was 1.9-fold more efficacious for brain gray matter DHA accretion in porcine models compared to triglyceride forms.

Recipes​

no recipes found

Substances​

4 substances in this food
Chemical structure

Choline

Acetylcholine precursor; methyl donor; phospholipid synthesis for membranes

Chemical structure

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

Accounts for ~10–15% of total brain fatty acids, 20–30% of neuronal phospholipids (PE, PS), and >90% of brain omega-3 PUFA; critical for membrane fluidity, synaptic vesicle fusion, neurodevelopment

Preparation Notes​

  • Best consumed cold/raw (sushi, spoonful daily) to preserve phospholipid structure
  • Avoid cooking to preserve phospholipid structure and prevent oxidation
  • Zero oxidation risk when fresh
  • DHA or EPA incorporated into PC and converted into lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) crosses the blood-brain barrier far more efficiently than free fatty acid or triglyceride-bound forms Patrick 2019

Biological Target Matrix​

Biological TargetSubstanceTherapeutic AreasMechanism of Action
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)CholinePrecursor for phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis; PE can be converted into PC or N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamines (NAPEs); NAPEs are precursors to N-acyl ethanolamines (NAEs) like palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), and anandamide (AEA), bioactive lipids which act as neuromodulators with anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and mood-regulating effects
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)Production of docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA), an N-acyl ethanolamine for endocannabinoid-like signaling
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)Production of eicosapentaenoyl ethanolamide (EPEA), an N-acyl ethanolamine for endocannabinoid-like signaling
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)Omega-3 Fatty AcidsProduction of docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA) and eicosapentaenoyl ethanolamide (EPEA), N-acyl ethanolamines for endocannabinoid-like signaling
Hormonal ResponseOmega-3 Fatty AcidsSupport hormonal balance through membrane integrity and anti-inflammatory effects
InflammationDHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)Precursor to specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) including protectins and maresins; terminates inflammation without immunosuppression
InflammationEPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)Potent anti-inflammatory; precursor to E-series resolvins; specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) terminate inflammation without immunosuppression, downregulate COX-2, inhibit neutrophil infiltration, enhance macrophage clearance
InflammationOmega-3 Fatty AcidsSpecialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) - resolvins, protectins, maresins terminate inflammation without immunosuppression, downregulate COX-2, inhibit neutrophil infiltration, enhance macrophage clearance, limit glutamate-induced excitotoxicity
MethylationCholinePrecursor to trimethylglycine (TMG/betaine), a dietary methyl donor that helps recycle homocysteine to methionine via an alternative pathway; supports one-carbon metabolism alongside folate, riboflavin, and B12; influences methylation dynamics relevant to MTHFR and COMT activity
MethylationOmega-3 Fatty AcidsSupport homocysteine reduction in combination with B12, phospholipid methylation (PLM) dependent on SAMe
Neurochemical BalanceCholineEssential precursor for acetylcholine synthesis, supporting memory, learning, and neuroplasticity; supports membrane phospholipid biosynthesis (PC) which is critical for membrane fluidity and neurotransmitter receptor function; phospholipid methylation (PLM) alters membrane structure, facilitating faster neuronal recovery and influencing ion channel behavior in gamma oscillations linked to attention and cognition
Neurochemical BalanceDHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)Accounts for ~10–15% of total brain fatty acids, but represents 20–30% of fatty acids in neuronal phospholipids such as PE and PS, and more than 90% of the brain's omega-3 PUFA; critical for membrane fluidity, synaptic vesicle fusion, and neurodevelopment; transported across BBB as LPC-DHA via MFSD2A
Neurochemical BalanceEPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)Modulates dopamine and serotonin signalling; synergises with DHA but has independent mechanisms; membrane fluidity and neurotransmitter receptor function
Neurochemical BalanceOmega-3 Fatty AcidsMembrane fluidity and neurotransmitter receptor function, ion channel behavior and gamma oscillations, support neurotransmission and phospholipid methylation
Neurochemical BalancePhosphatidylcholine (PC)Major neuronal membrane phospholipid central to membrane fluidity, receptor function, and acetylcholine synthesis; DHA/EPA incorporated into PC are converted to lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), a key transport form across the BBB
Oxidative StressOmega-3 Fatty Acids—
Stress ResponseOmega-3 Fatty AcidsImprove vagal tone and HRV control, improve cortisol rhythms

References​

  • Salmon Roe: DHA, EPA, phospholipids, choline, astaxanthin; highly bioavailable; zero oxidation risk
  • Targeted foods such as salmon or lumpfish roe can be used to reliably and safely exceed minimum intakes
  • DHA or EPA incorporated into PC and converted into lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) crosses the blood-brain barrier far more efficiently than free fatty acid or triglyceride-bound forms Patrick 2019
  • Phospholipid-bound omega-3s such as krill oil and fish roe provide EPA/DHA in a phospholipid form that gets easily converted to LPC was 1.9-fold more efficacious for brain gray matter DHA accretion in porcine models Liu et al. 2014
  • Acetylcholine and choline: Memory, learning, neuroplasticity; food sources include egg yolks, fish roe, soy, wheat germ, liver