SPMs: The Role of Specialized Proresolving Mediators In Ending Inflammation

Secure Ordering   |   Free Shipping   |   Beat Quality   |   Best Prices

Along with providing information on whether Specialized Proresolving Mediators supplements might be right for you, this article also links to Fullscript where you can buy high quality supplements. Order online through Fullscript’s secure healthcare formulary to get the best prices and free shipping on professional-grade supplements.

In recent years, the focus on inflammation and its impact on overall health has brought Specialized Proresolving Mediators (SPMs) into the spotlight. Originating from omega-3 fatty acids, these naturally occurring compounds are gaining recognition for their unique role in the body’s inflammation resolution process. Unlike traditional approaches that primarily suppress inflammation, SPMs work intricately within the body to not only calm inflammation but also promote healing and restoration of affected tissues.

What Are Specialized Proresolving Mediators?

Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs) are compounds derived from omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These molecules are key in the body’s process of resolving inflammation.

Unlike traditional anti-inflammatory agents that suppress inflammation, SPMs actively guide the body through the resolution phase of inflammation. This includes reducing inflammation, clearing inflammatory cells, and helping tissues return to their normal state. This process is important for preventing inflammation from becoming prolonged and causing health issues.

In supplements, SPMs offer several potential benefits. They are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation in the cardiovascular system and improving immune function by balancing the body’s response to inflammation. They are also helpful in managing pain, particularly in conditions like arthritis, and are believed to support brain health, which may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

SPMs also contribute to joint health, assist in recovery after physical activities by reducing muscle soreness, and may be beneficial in managing conditions like obesity and diabetes that are linked to chronic inflammation.

Research is ongoing into the benefits of SPMs, and they are gaining attention as a natural approach to managing inflammation and promoting overall health. As more is understood about their role, SPMs are likely to become a more prominent option in nutritional supplements and health strategies.

How Are SPMs Produced?

The manufacturing of Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs) starts with extracting omega-3 fatty acids, primarily EPA and DHA, from high-quality fish oil or similar marine sources. These omega-3s are extracted using methods like mechanical pressing and solvent extraction, followed by a refinement process to remove impurities.

Next, the omega-3 oils are concentrated using molecular distillation, increasing the levels of EPA and DHA. These concentrated fatty acids are then enzymatically converted into SPMs, a process that imitates their natural formation in the human body. After conversion, the SPMs are purified and standardized to ensure a consistent concentration in the final product. The manufacturing process concludes with the encapsulation and packaging of the SPMs into soft gels or liquid products, preparing them for distribution as health supplements.

What Kinds Of SPMs Are There?

Each of these Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs) plays a distinct role in the body’s response to inflammation and in promoting overall health:

  • 18-hydroxy-eicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE): Derived from EPA, 18-HEPE is particularly effective in resolving inflammation. It works by intervening in the inflammatory process, helping to limit and resolve it, which is crucial for preventing chronic inflammation-related diseases. 18-HEPE also supports cardiovascular health by potentially reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and other heart-related conditions.
  • 17-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid (17-HDHA): As a DHA derivative, 17-HDHA is significant in the inflammatory resolution process. Its role extends beyond just inflammation, as it is also noted for its potential benefits in brain health. This includes supporting cognitive function, potentially influencing mood regulation, and possibly playing a role in protecting against neurodegenerative diseases.
  • 14-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid (14-HDHA): Another derivative of DHA, 14-HDHA, contributes to the resolution of inflammation. It enhances the overall anti-inflammatory effects of supplements containing it, aiding in the body’s process of returning to homeostasis after an inflammatory response.
  • Resolvin E1 (RvE1): Originating from EPA, RvE1 is known for its effectiveness in reducing inflammation. It is particularly useful in the context of inflammatory diseases and immune responses, where it helps to regulate the body’s inflammatory process, thereby preventing the progression to chronic inflammation.
  • Resolvin D1 (RvD1): RvD1, derived from DHA, plays a key role in stopping the excessive accumulation of neutrophils at sites of inflammation. By doing this, it aids in the resolution of inflammation and prevents potential tissue damage that can result from prolonged neutrophil activity.
  • Resolvin D2 (RvD2): Another DHA derivative, RvD2, shares similar anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly important in the healing process following tissue injury, aiding in both reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
  • Maresin 1 (MaR1): Derived from DHA, MaR1 is involved in tissue regeneration and repair, in addition to its role in resolving inflammation. This makes it a crucial mediator in the healing process, particularly in tissues that have undergone inflammatory damage.
  • Protectin D1 (PD1): PD1, also derived from DHA, is recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. It is believed to play a role in protecting the nervous system and may contribute to brain health, potentially influencing cognitive function and the aging process.

Each of these SPMs, with their unique properties and functions, contributes to the body’s natural ability to resolve inflammation and maintain overall health. They highlight the complex and beneficial roles of omega-3 fatty acid derivatives in human physiology.

These novel immunoresolvents, their biosynthetic pathways and receptors have proven to promote resolution of inflammation, clearance of microbes, reduce pain and promote tissue regeneration via specific cellular and molecular mechanisms. 

Specialized pro-resolving mediator network: an update on production and actions [PMC7682745]

What Are the Benefits of SPMs?

Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs) are compounds derived from omega-3 fatty acids that play a crucial role in resolving inflammation in the body. Including SPM supplements in your diet can offer several health benefits:

  • Reduces Chronic Inflammation: SPMs are effective in addressing chronic inflammation, which is a fundamental cause of various health issues. They work by promoting the resolution phase of inflammation, a critical step in the healing process. This action helps in preventing prolonged inflammatory responses that can lead to tissue and organ damage. By resolving inflammation rather than merely suppressing it, SPMs help in addressing the root cause of many inflammatory conditions. [PMC7682745]
  • Supports Cardiovascular Health: SPMs contribute significantly to heart health by reducing inflammation in the cardiovascular system. This reduction in inflammation can lower the risk of developing heart diseases, such as atherosclerosis and heart attacks. [PMC8955102]
  • Enhances Immune System Function: SPMs play a crucial role in modulating the body’s immune response. By regulating inflammation, which is a part of the immune response, SPMs ensure that the immune system reacts effectively to pathogens without overreacting, which can lead to autoimmune disorders. This balanced response is crucial for maintaining overall health and protecting against a variety of infections and diseases.
  • Aids in Pain Management: For conditions characterized by chronic inflammation, such as arthritis, SPMs can be particularly beneficial in managing pain. They work by reducing the inflammatory processes that contribute to pain, thereby providing relief. This action makes SPMs a valuable tool in the management of chronic pain, improving the quality of life for those suffering from inflammatory conditions. [PMC7579794]
  • Promotes Healthy Brain Function: There is evidence to suggest that SPMs support brain health and cognitive function. They may play a role in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Additionally, SPMs are believed to improve mood and mental clarity, suggesting their potential benefits in managing mood disorders and enhancing cognitive performance.
  • Improves Joint Health: SPMs are beneficial for individuals with joint issues, such as those caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. They help in reducing joint inflammation and pain, which are common symptoms of these conditions. This reduction in inflammation and pain leads to improved mobility and improves the overall quality of life for people with joint problems. [PMC10308764]
  • Supports Recovery After Exercise: In the context of physical activity and exercise, SPMs can aid in the recovery process. They help in reducing inflammation and muscle soreness that often follow intense physical activity. This property makes SPMs useful for athletes and individuals engaged in regular exercise, as they can help in quicker recovery and reduce downtime due to muscle soreness.
  • Helps in Managing Metabolic Conditions: SPMs can play a significant role in managing metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes, where chronic inflammation is a key factor. By reducing inflammation, SPMs can help in reducing the negative effects of these conditions, potentially improving insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health. This makes them a valuable component in the management and treatment of metabolic syndromes.
  • Other Benefits: Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs) are primarily researched and recognized for their role in resolving inflammation and its associated benefits. However, ongoing research is exploring additional potential benefits of SPMs. Here are some areas where further benefits of SPMs might be discovered:
    • Allergic Reactions: SPMs may play a role in reducing the severity of allergic reactions. By modulating the immune response, they could potentially lessen the inflammatory aspects of allergic responses.
    • Skin Health: Given their anti-inflammatory properties, SPMs might aid in improving skin conditions characterized by inflammation, such as eczema or psoriasis.
    • Gastrointestinal Health: SPMs could have a beneficial impact on gastrointestinal health by reducing inflammation in the gut, which might be beneficial for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). [PMC8771592]
    • Respiratory Health: They might also aid in managing respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by reducing airway inflammation. [PMC7744833]
    • Cancer Research: Preliminary research has explored the role of SPMs in cancer, particularly in how they might affect the tumor microenvironment and the body’s response to cancer cells.
    • Mental Health: Beyond improving mood and mental clarity, SPMs might have broader implications in the management of mental health conditions, potentially influencing stress responses and anxiety.
    • Aging: As inflammation is a key component of the aging process, SPMs might have roles in healthy aging, potentially mitigating age-related inflammatory conditions.
    • Wound Healing: Their role in inflammation resolution and tissue repair suggests that SPMs might be beneficial in enhancing wound healing processes. [PMC7698125]

Food Sources of Specialized Proresolving Mediators

SPMs are bioactive compounds made in the body from the metabolism of EPA and DHA. In general, fatty fish such as salmon, herring, anchovies, mackerel, and sardines are great sources of this omega-3.

Food SourceServing SizeEPA (mg per serving)DHA (mg per serving)
Salmon, Atlantic, wild, cooked3 oz500 – 1,000500 – 1,500
Sardines, canned in oil3 oz500 – 1,000200 – 500
Mackerel, Atlantic, cooked3 oz400 – 1,000400 – 1,000
Cod liver oil1 tablespoon800 – 1,0001,000 – 1,200
Walnuts1 ozTrace amountsTrace amounts
Chia seeds1 ozTrace amountsTrace amounts
Flaxseeds1 ozTrace amountsTrace amounts
This table shows the typical ranges of EPA and DHA found in each serving of these foods. Actual values can vary based on the specific type and preparation of the food. The body’s ability to convert these to SPMs also depends on individual metabolic health and other factors.

Are Specialized Proresolving Mediator Supplements Safe?

Specialized Proresolving Mediators (SPMs) are safe when used appropriately, largely because they are derived from omega-3 fatty acids, which have a well-established safety profile. SPMs are naturally produced in the body as part of the process of resolving inflammation, and they work in harmony with the body’s systems without suppressing the immune response.

Medication Interactions with Specialized Proresolving Mediators

The following is speculation because interactions are not well documented on the interaction of Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs) with specific medications. SPMs are a relatively new area of study. Possible interactions can be guessed at based on the known interactions of omega-3 supplements:

  • Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants) like Warfarin, Heparin, or Aspirin: Omega-3 fatty acids, from which SPMs are derived, have natural blood-thinning effects. Therefore, when combined with anticoagulants, SPMs may enhance the blood-thinning effect, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. This interaction requires careful monitoring of bleeding times and may necessitate adjustments in anticoagulant dosages.
  • Antiplatelet Drugs (e.g., Clopidogrel): Similar to their interaction with anticoagulants, SPMs might also increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet drugs. This is due to their potential additive effect in preventing blood clot formation, necessitating caution and possibly adjustment of antiplatelet medication dosages.
  • Antihypertensive Medications: Since omega-3 fatty acids can lower blood pressure, SPMs might potentiate the blood pressure-lowering effects of antihypertensive medications. This could lead to an increased risk of hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure), especially in individuals already taking medications to lower blood pressure.
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): The interaction between SPMs and NSAIDs is not well defined, but since both can affect the inflammatory process, there might be an additive effect. This could potentially enhance the anti-inflammatory benefits, but it could also necessitate adjustments in NSAID dosages to maintain balance and avoid over-suppression of inflammation.

Supplement Interactions with Specialized Proresolving Mediators

The following is speculation because interactions are not well documented. Given the biological role of SPMs and their origin from omega-3 fatty acids, here are some educated guesses about potential interactions with certain supplements:

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements (e.g., Fish Oil, Krill Oil): Since SPMs are derived from omega-3 fatty acids, supplementing with additional omega-3s might enhance the production and efficacy of SPMs. However, this could also increase the risk of side effects associated with high doses of omega-3s, such as blood thinning.
  • Vitamin E Supplements: Vitamin E, known for its blood-thinning properties, might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with SPMs. This is especially important for individuals on anticoagulant therapy.
  • Anti-inflammatory Herbal Supplements (e.g., Turmeric, Ginger): These herbs are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may have additive effects with SPMs. This could enhance the overall anti-inflammatory impact, but might also lead to over-suppression of inflammation, which is necessary for certain bodily processes.
  • Antioxidant Supplements (e.g., Selenium, Vitamin C): Antioxidants could enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of SPMs. They might work synergistically to reduce oxidative stress and support inflammation resolution.
  • Blood-Thinning Supplements (e.g., Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic Extract): Supplements known for their blood-thinning effects could amplify the risk of bleeding when taken with SPMs, similar to the interaction with Vitamin E and omega-3 supplements.

When you purchase linked products presented on this page, Supplement Sciences, LLC receives affiliate fees so that our dietitians can continue to create great content.

Thank you for your support!

Order Specialized Proresolving Mediators Online

Why Professionals Choose the Fullscript Formulary

Your health is on the line. Health professionals know that many other online and retail options set a very low bar for quality–sometimes amazingly low. The Fullscript formulary is the most secure online source for the highest quality brands securely sourced to assure freshness and purity. Here’s what makes Fullscript the best:

  • Meticulous vetting of brand quality. Health professionals trust Fullscript to continuously monitor the quality of each item on the platform. Other retailers operate with profit as their highest or only motive when choosing brands. Fullscript cares only about quality and reliability. Unlike discount stores, large online marketplaces, and other retailers you won’t find ingredients sourced from China or other questionable locations or companies.
  • Free shipping over $50 and best prices when you order through Supplement Sciences.
  • Freshness. Fullscript prioritizes freshness over bulk buying even if it means an increased risk of briefly being out of stock.
  • Top quality phone and online support. When you call, knowledgeable humans at Fullscript answer your questions.
  • How It Works:
    • Easy Sign-up & No Spam Email: Click the “View Product” button below to be taken to Fullscript’s login page where you can quickly create your secure account with just your name, email, and phone number. Then you will be taken directly to the product page.
    • Wide variety of supplement options: Once you sign in to your account, you are not limited to the products listed below. You will see similar items listed at the bottom of each product page on Fullscript.
    • Search For What You Want: Once inside Fullscript, you can search for the exact brands and products you want from their wide selection of quality brands.

When you purchase linked products presented on this page, Supplement Sciences, LLC receives affiliate fees so that our dietitians can continue to create great content.

Thank you for your support!

SPM by Nutritional Frontiers

This unique, SPM omega-3 derived supplement was designed to help modulate and resolve inflammation. SPM stands for “Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators” which are recently discovered, naturally occurring substances derived from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Our bodies make SPMs as a response to help resolve inflammation and they can be produced all over the body in areas like the bloodstream, nervous system tissue, and breastmilk. Specialized pro-resolving mediators are theorized to contribute to the demonstrable beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on reducing inflammation.The inflammatory process consists of a chain of events in response to trauma or injury. Inflammation may be acute or chronic and leads to changes in the tissues, cells, and blood vessels surrounding the inflamed area. While acute inflammation is a necessary and important response to trauma or injury, ongoing inflammation is associated with many disease conditions such as arthritis, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, asthma, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and more. Furthermore, the medical community now understands that uncontrolled inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases not previously categorized as inflammatory, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer.

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 softgels daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.


Amount per 2 Softgel Serving

Marine Lipid Concentrate providing … 2.1g

PRMs … 400 mcg

(including 18-hydroxy-eicosapentaeoic acid (18-HEPE), 17-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid (17- HDHA), and 14-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid (14-HDHA))

Food First!

Although this article discusses supplements in detail, don’t forget that we are absolutely committed to the “Food First” approach to nutrition. When it comes to your health, the totality of your eating habits far surpasses the impact of individual nutrients or any single supplement you consume. Even though this article doesn’t delve into the broader picture of your overall diet, it’s crucial to keep this element at the forefront of our minds. Your food needs to provide all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals to nourish your body systems down to the cellular level.

Food choices, rather than supplements, are the most critical factors for a healthy gut microbiome. These trillions of tiny inhabitants in your gut affect your brain waves; they orchestrate your immune system. They possess the power to create molecules that can switch genes on or off and are even capable of synthesizing neurotransmitters. Opting for organic foods and steering clear of plastic packaging (including those labeled BPA-free) is a smart move to limit toxin exposure. The sum of all these parts leads to a powerful conclusion: the ultimate key to your health lies in the quality and balance of the food you consume. Supplements are secondary.

What To Eat

To Sum It Up

Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs) offer a fascinating glimpse into the natural mechanisms our bodies use to manage and resolve inflammation. Derived from omega-3 fatty acids, these compounds play a crucial role in not just dampening inflammation but actively resolving it, promoting tissue repair, and restoring health. The benefits of SPM supplements span various aspects of well-being, from enhancing cardiovascular and brain health to improving joint function and aiding in recovery post-exercise. As research continues to unfold, the potential of SPMs in managing chronic inflammation and contributing to overall health becomes increasingly apparent, making them a noteworthy consideration in the realm of nutritional supplements.


This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Supplement Sciences website seeks to provide comprehensive access to the most relevant supplement information along with convenient online ordering. We do not provide medical advice and cannot guarantee that every product suggested is completely without risk. Since each person is unique in their health history and medication use, it is important to discuss supplements with your personal physician. Specifically, pregnant women and individuals being treated for cancer or liver or kidney problems must consult their physician about every nutritional supplement they plan to take. People taking medications for the treatment of HIV or with a history of organ transplant must not take supplements without consulting with their physician.


About the Author

Supplement Sciences

If you have any thoughts on this article, feel free to share them with us by emailing them to reviews@supplement-sciences.com.

Leave a Reply