Nutrients for Cell Membrane Health

Calcium AEP is a top nutrient for supporting cell membrane health, especially for cells that form the sheathing of nerves a great nutrient to assist pain management. Other good cell membrane nutrients include essential fatty acids like DHA(cardiovascular and mood health), and phosphatidyl serine (memory and stress tolerance). Fat soluble antioxidants help protect cell membranes (like tocotrienols, Q10, and lipoic acid), and are not discussed in this section.

Calcium AEP is 10% calcium bound to 90% Amino Ethanol Phosphate (AEP, also known as colamine phosphate). It is the AEP part that gives this product its unique characteristics. AEP is attracted to cell membranes, giving rise to its nickname membrane integrity factor. It was discovered in 1941 by biochemist Erwin Chargaff. Hans Nieper, a German physician, popularized its use beginning in the 1960s. Our Calcium AEP supplement provides 900 mg of AEP per capsule, an excellent level of natural dietary support.*

Thus, AEP is a natural component of the cell membrane and is involved in maintaining the proper electrical charges on the surface of cell membranes as well as supporting the cells structural integrity. Properly energized cell membranes help protect the cell from toxins or other foreign substances. At the same time, the transport systems of nutrition into the cell and waste products out of the cell are supported.*

In a properly nourished state, cell membranes retain the electrical charges of calcium, magnesium, and potassium ions. From a cells point of view, this is like having a charged car battery. Because Calcium AEP is highly attracted to the phospholipid-rich structure of nerve membranes (like the myelin sheathing), this helps boost nerve cell integrity and support the energy needed for normal electrical nerve conduction. Calcium itself is also important for normal nerve transmission. Stress and various forms of wear and tear take their toll on nerves. Calcium AEP is a stellar nerve support nutrient.

Another nutrient with similar phospholipids-building properties is PhosphatidylSerine (PS). PS is a highly regarded memory and coordination nutrient, known to boost stress tolerance. It is especially good to help offset the physically draining aspects of emotional stress. Because it is the fastest acting nutrient for short term memory students often use it while cramming for an exam.

Last but not least are the essential fatty acids, especially DHA and GLA. Both of these important fats are needed for cell membranes to function in an optimal way, especially in terms of inflammation management. Our premier product for this is Leptinal^® which contains DHA from molecularly distilled fish oil (free of mercury) and GLA from borage oil.