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Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM) Supplement - The Apeiron Life Perspective



What it is:

Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are molecules in the body made from omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in foods like fish oil. These molecules help resolve inflammation by turning off the inflammatory response and aiding in the body's recovery process.


'Metagenics SPM Active' is a dietary supplement designed to mimic these naturally produced SPMs.



Purported claims:

Metagenics claims the SPM Active supplement:

  • Boosts the levels of SPM in your body to assist those who struggle with chronic inflammation.

  • Improves joint comfort, sleep, and mood.

  • Reduces inflammatory stress after strenuous physical exertion, allowing the body to recover faster.



What the science says:

First, let’s break down the ingredients contained within the SPM Active supplement. The active ingredients in SPM Active are fractionated marine lipid concentrates derived from omega-3-rich oils like anchovy, sardine, mackerel, or algae. These oils are processed to concentrate the SPM molecules, specifically 18-HEPE, 17-HDHA, and 14-HDHA, which are linked to reducing chronic inflammation.


The key difference between SPM Active and regular fish oil lies in the processing and concentration of these specific molecules. The fractionated marine oils are processed to isolate and concentrate the components of omega-3 fatty acids to maximize the levels of SPM molecules.


The specific molecules the Metagenics supplement focuses on are to reduce inflammation:

  • 18-hydroxy-eicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) - A molecule made from omega-3 fatty acids, specifically from one called EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), which is commonly found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.

  • 17-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid (17-HDHA) and 14-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid (14-HDHA) - These are molecules derived from omega-3 fatty acids, specifically from DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), which is abundant in fatty fish and algae.


All three of these molecules found in fatty fish have been linked to balanced inflammation responses with lower chronic inflammation overall. High levels of chronic inflammation lead to pain, swelling, and long-term damage, which is linked to conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and even some autoimmune disorders.


The theory that higher levels of SPM enhance the body’s ability to calm down inflammation claims that it could, therefore, reduce chronic inflammatory symptoms. However, research is ongoing on taking them as a supplement, like in SPM Active.


The body is fantastic at maintaining homeostasis that is specific to your personal signals with checks and balances. Therefore, just because you have consumed a higher amount of these concentrated fish oils does not mean the body is converting them directly to SPM molecules. The body can use these items for many processes, such as building other cells or signaling molecules. Your body needs certain enzymes and signals to convert SPMs, and this process can differ based on your health, age, genetics, and diet.


The body has a natural ability to resolve inflammatory responses related to the immune system and physical stressors when supported by healthy lifestyle habits. If you follow optimal health plans, as laid out by your Apeiron Life team, you should be producing your own SPM molecules without issue. Supplementing SPMs may help facilitate the body’s natural process, but the first step is to focus on your foundation of health.


If you’re curious about supplementation, some research studies paid for and sponsored by Metagenics suggest that these supplements may increase SPM levels in the body (Al-Shaer, 2022), reduce pain (Callan, 2020), and mitigate chronic inflammation overall.


However, there has been debate surrounding the topic, with many critics questioning the role of SPMs (Sharke, 2015), whether artificially increasing SPMs is beneficial, and if SPMs are increased, whether they have a hand in reducing inflammation to a high enough degree. So, if you suffer from chronic pain or inflammation, discussing your options with your personal doctor is the first step.


Currently, there is limited independent, peer-reviewed research directly comparing the effectiveness of SPM Active to regular fish oil or diets high in fatty fish. Most available studies emphasize the general benefits of SPMs in resolving inflammation rather than directly comparing these benefits to those derived from traditional omega-3 sources. Therefore, further research from independent sources is needed to substantiate claims that SPM Active offers superior benefits.


While there is some preliminary evidence that SPMs can aid in recovery from physical stress, the specific impact of SPM Active on post-exercise inflammation has not been extensively studied in large-scale, independent clinical trials. Until further studies are completed, utilizing supplemented SPMs for post-exercise recovery should be considered a later resort, secondary to proven healthy lifestyle choices.


A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, regular physical activity, proper hydration, sufficient sleep, and effective stress management are all foundational strategies that have a well-documented impact on reducing inflammation and promoting recovery. These lifestyle choices should remain the first line of defense against exercise-induced inflammation.


Additionally, it’s important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved this supplement. The Metagenics website clearly states, “This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.” As such, any claims regarding its efficacy in treating inflammatory diseases should be approached with caution and a critical eye.


NSAID - Pain Killers

Common over-the-counter painkillers, including aspirin and ibuprofen, belong to the class of medications called Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications are commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature. NSAIDs work by blocking the chemicals that cause inflammation and pain, but they also block other important signals that help the body heal and resolve the inflammation. This can sometimes slow down the healing process and lead to long-term complications.


While NSAIDs are effective for short-term relief of pain and inflammation, they come with significant side effects when used long-term. SPMs are being explored as an alternative to NSAIDs due to their ability to manage chronic inflammatory conditions without side effects. Research on SPMs as alternatives to NSAIDs is relatively new, and while promising, it is still in the experimental and early clinical trial stages.



Our take:

Supplements like SPM Active are designed to provide a direct source of SPMs, potentially offering a more reliable way to boost their levels in the body, especially in the context of managing inflammation. However, while there is substantial scientific research supporting the role of SPMs in resolving inflammation, the specific evidence that SPM Active significantly increases SPM levels in humans primarily comes from internal studies by Metagenics. The broader scientific community still needs to fully validate these claims through large-scale, peer-reviewed clinical trials.


There especially needs to be evidence that the supplement converts the consumed Omega 3s into high rates of SPM, benefiting the body, preferably in comparison to individuals who already consume the recommended rates of Omega 3s from their diet.


While the science behind SPMs is promising, the evidence for their effectiveness as a supplement isn’t fully established yet. If you’re dealing with chronic inflammation, it’s worth considering that SPM Active might help, especially if you’re deficient in Omega-3s, but it shouldn’t be your only strategy. Lifestyle choices such as increasing fatty fish intake, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and working with your Apeiron Life Client Advocate to manage inflammation are still crucial.



Will this benefit you?

If you suffer from conditions that involve chronic inflammation, like arthritis or certain autoimmune diseases, SPM Active might offer some relief. Speak to your doctor before adding any new supplements into your routine.



Still curious to try it? If you do, here’s what to keep an eye on:

When taking SPM Active, it’s important to be aware of how your body responds, as supplements can affect individuals differently. Look out for:

  • Digestive Issues such as nausea, bloating, or diarrhea.

  • Allergic Reactions such as itching, rash, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing.

It’s always best to start with a lower dose to see how your body reacts and gradually increase as necessary.



References and additional reading:



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