06/27/2026
I just stated these today because at 64 with a lifetime of teaching aerobics classes; I’ve got inflammation!
SPMs (Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators) are natural, lipid-based signaling molecules in your body that actively switch off inflammation and promote tissue healing.
While traditional anti-inflammatories just "muffle" the immune response, SPMs actively clean up dead cells, stop further immune damage, and restore tissue to normal.
1. Where do they come from?SPMs are biochemical byproducts produced naturally when your body processes essential omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA (found in fish and algae).
2. The Main Types of SPMsThere are over 30 different identified SPMs, but they are grouped into a few primary families based on the parent fatty acid:Resolvins: Derived from both EPA and DHA; named for their ability to "resolve" inflammation.Protectins: Derived from DHA; protect tissues and nerves from oxidative damage.Maresins: Derived from DHA; help repair macrophages and clean up cellular debris.Lipoxins: Derived from omega-6 fatty acids; help stop white blood cells from infiltrating inflamed areas.
3. Why are they important? When you get injured or face an infection, your body triggers acute inflammation to fight off pathogens. If this process goes unchecked, it leads to chronic inflammation, which is the root of many diseases.
Healing: SPMs act as a "finish line" signal. They tell your white blood cells to stop secreting damaging chemicals and start clearing debris, allowing your body to finalize repair.Immunity: They turn off the immune system's active killing mechanisms so surrounding healthy tissue isn't accidentally destroyed.
4. How are they used? In functional and integrative medicine, SPM supplements are becoming popular for managing persistent or chronic inflammation. While standard omega-3 supplements just give you the raw building blocks, SPM supplements provide the active, ready-to-use compounds.
This is particularly useful for people whose bodies struggle to convert omega-3s efficiently into SPMs.
