Phospholipids (PLs), including phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylinositol (PI), are structural lipids essential for membrane integrity, neurotransmission, hepatic lipid metabolism, and systemic homeostasis.

Their amphipathic design enables dynamic regulation of fluidity, permeability, receptor signaling, and vesicular transport, which is critical for high-demand tissues such as neurons, hepatocytes, and reproductive cells.

Modern diets, dominated by triglyceride-based fats, frequently lack sufficient structural lipids, resulting in vulnerabilities across multiple populations.

Evidence demonstrates that PLs:

(i) Enhance cognitive resilience in older adults by donating choline for acetylcholine synthesis and facilitating DHA integration into synaptic membranes;

(ii) Restore lipid flux in individuals with dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, or fatty liver disease by supporting VLDL assembly and reverse cholesterol transport;

(iii) Provide superior bioavailability of omega-3s in populations with impaired digestion, including elderly, post-surgical, or post-cholecystectomy patients;

(iv) Strengthen reproductive health by stabilizing sperm and oocyte membranes, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating neuroendocrine signaling; and

(v) Mitigate chronic inflammation by co-regulating NF-κB, oxidative stress, and pro-resolving pathways, thereby supporting long-term cardio-metabolic and immune stability.

Compared with triglyceride or ethyl ester matrices, phospholipid-bound omega-3 formulations (e.g., krill oil) demonstrate superior absorption, membrane incorporation, and functional synergy.

Collectively, PLs represent a structural nutrient strategy for targeted populations including older adults, individuals with weakened digestive capacity, those at cardio-metabolic risk, reproductive-age men and women, and patients requiring chronic inflammation management.