Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a crucial component of cell and mitochondrial membranes and thus is essential for optimal brain function. Phosphatidylserine accounts for as much as 15% of the phospholipids in the human cerebral cortex and influences signaling processes that play a role in neuronal survival, neurite growth and synaptogenesis, as well as modulating neurotransmitter release and receptor function. Because PS is fundamental for the overall viability and proper functioning of brain cells, research has shown that it benefits a range of brain activities.
There are no foods rich in PS except for brain (which, of course, is not recommended as a food), so PS supplementation may be the best way to increase levels of this valuable brain nutrient. PS is synthesized endogenously (using either phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanolamine as a precursor, along with substantial amounts of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA1,2), but synthesis declines during the aging process and certain situations may increase the need for it, so supplementation may be warranted for some individuals.
PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE MAY HELP TO:
• Support mental focus
• Support healthy cortisol metabolism
• Promote a healthy mood
• Lessen the eect of seasonal aective disorder
• Improve quality of life in Alzheimer’s patients
• Maintain healthy memory
AGE-RELATED MEMORY LOSS
Many individuals experience some degree of memory loss and decline in cognitive function as they age. PS may help to reverse or slow this process.3 Patients with age-related memory impairment or dementia given PS have shown improved performance on tests related to learning and memory tasks of daily life.3,4 A review in the journal Nutrition noted, “Exogenous PS (300-800 mg/d) is absorbed eciently in humans, crosses the bloodbrain barrier, and safely slows, halts, or reverses biochemical alterations and structural deterioration in nerve cells. It supports human cognitive functions, including the formation of short-term memory, the consolidation of long-term memory, the ability to create new memories, the ability to retrieve memories, the ability to learn and recall information, the ability to focus attention and concentrate, the ability to reason and solve problems,” and more.5 Among younger individuals, PS may be beneficial for improving memory and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as was shown in a double-blind RCT of children ages 4-14
not previously treated for the condition.6
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), PS has shown promise for potentially helping to slow the progression of this disease.7,8 One of the hallmarks of AD is reduced cerebral glucose metabolism. PS supplementation has been shown to increase this as much as 20%, although significant symptomatic improvement was not seen.9 Other research indicates that PS does positively impact brain function in subjects with probable AD but that this effect diminishes over time.10 It is possible that PS may be more effective if used in
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