Cell membranes are structures that enclose cellular protoplasm (the interior of cells) to separate one cell from another and thus permit cellular individuality.  The cell membranes act as a barrier, but are selectively permeable, allowing the exchange of materials to pass inside and outside cells, as well as intracellular exchange.  Cell membranes need to be fluid to permit materials to move easily inside and outside the cell. 

Changes in fluidity in cell membranes can alter function in insulin receptors.  Insulin receptors are structures contained by cells that are sites that insulin initiates its biologic effects.  The following is from Harper’s Biochemistry, 25^th Edition, "As the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in the membrane is increased (by growing cultured cells in a medium rich in such molecules), fluidity increases.  This alters the receptor so that it binds more insulin.  (Appleton & Lance, Stanford, Connecticut, 2000,  Page 512).”  Furthermore, “lipid phase effects (such as increased cell membrane fluidity) may significantly alter the transport rate.”  The more rapid transport of insulin inside cells, the more efficient insulin is likely to be.  This can be achieved by increasing fluidity inside the cell, to help make transport easier. 

This means the insulin receptor is more sensitive to insulin.  Unsaturated fatty acids have tails with kinks, and the more kinks in the tails, the less tightly packed and therefore more fluid.  Saturated fatty acids have straight tails and this is why they are less fluid than unsaturated fats. 

Eating higher quality fats produces more fluid cell membranes.  This fluidity can influence the function of insulin at receptor sites.  The more fluid cell membranes, the greater is the functioning ability of insulin to bind at insulin receptor sites.  This can help a diabetic improve insulin sensitivity.   

Special Note – “It has been estimated that more than a million macromolecules per minute are transported between the nucleus (center of the cell) and the cytoplasm (the interior of the cell outside of the nucleus) in the active euharyotic (cells in humans).  You can see the importance of maintaining proper fluidity into and out of cells, as well as back and forth inside cells. The transport involving the nucleus of the cell can have a million transports per minute!  (Harper’s Biochemistry, Page 515.) 

Note – In order for these anti-aging ideas to be successful, you must use supplements of the highest quality. Dr. Bob often said, "almost all supplement companies produce poor quality." You can consider the product page of this web site. Almost all the products met Dr. Bob’s approval. Since he passed away we have attempted to keep the same high standards.

WARNING:  DO NOT STOP ANY TREATMENT OR MEDICATION YOU CURRENTLY USE.  CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING THE USE OF SUPPLEMENTS. 

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Page Last Modified: 04FEB02