Phosphatidylserine

Overview

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a naturally occurring phospholipid that is a key structural and functional component of cell membranes, particularly in the brain and nervous system. It plays a vital role in cell signaling, neurotransmitter release, memory formation, and the stress response.

Phosphatidylserine is a combination of these substances:

 

 

 Bovine Phosphatidylserine contains Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Stearic Acid, and Oleic Acid as its Fatty Acids.

 Soy Phosphatidylserine contains Linoleic Acid and Palmitic Acid as its Fatty Acids.

 Phosphatidylcholine produced endogenously contains 37.5% Stearic Acid, and 24.2% Arachidonic Acid.

Cardiovascular System

 Phosphatidylserine may help prevent Atherosclerosis by mediating the removal of dead cells by Phagocytes in vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.  ^[1]

 Phosphatidylserine may help to prevent High Blood Pressure.  ^[2]

Cells

 Phosphatidylserine concentrates in Cell Membranes where it is intricately involved in the repair of, strength, permeability, elasticity, and maintenance of the structural integrity of all of the body's Cell Membranes (especially those of the Brain’s Neurons, i.e., the Myelin Sheaths):  ^[3]

 In Myelin Sheaths, Phosphatidylserine is the dominant Phospholipid; it appears to be important for anchoring Proteins.

Immune System

 Phosphatidylserine may activate cells of the Immune System:

 Phosphatidylserine may enhance the ability of Phagocytes to remove dead cells from vascular Smooth Muscle cells.  ^[4] 

Metabolism

 Phosphatidylserine may improve Athletic Performance.  ^[5]

 Phosphatidylserine may enhance the health of people who engage in intensive Exercise. It may reduce the endogenous release of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) and Cortisol, which are normally elevated by the Stress associated with intensive Exercise.  Phosphatidylserine may also improve Exercise capacity.  ^[6]

 Phosphatidylserine may increase Stamina.  ^[7]

Nervous System:  Ailments

 Phosphatidylserine may improve Memory and Mood in people with Age-Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI). It is estimated that supplemental PS may reverse approximately 12 years' worth of Memory decline.  ^[8]

 In one human study of Phosphatidylserine for AAMI, 300 mg of Phosphatidylserine per day for 12 weeks led to the greatest improvement in those with the worst Memory impairment. The improvement in Memory was sustained for up to one month after the cessation of Phosphatidylserine treatment.

 Phosphatidylserine (300 - 400 mg per day) may alleviate many of the symptoms associated with early Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia:  ^[9]

 Studies have shown that 300 mg of PS per day for eight weeks restores the EEG patterns of Alzheimer’s Disease patients to normal, while 400 mg of PS per day improves Brain Glucose metabolism, normalizes EEG patterns, and improves cognition.

 Phosphatidylserine may alleviate Anxiety.  ^[10]

 Phosphatidylserine may reduce Apathy (especially in people aged 55 - 80).  ^[11]

 Phosphatidylserine is under investigation as a possible treatment for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  ^[12]

 Phosphatidylserine (300 - 400 mg per day for 30 - 60 days) may alleviate Depression, especially in elderly subjects.  ^[13]

 Phosphatidylserine may help to stabilize Brain Wave patterns in Epilepsy patients. 

 Phosphatidylserine may be useful for treating Multiple Sclerosis.  ^[14]

 Phosphatidylserine may be useful for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease.  ^[15]

 Phosphatidylserine may counteract the excessive release of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) and Cortisol that occurs due to excessive Stress.  ^[16]

Nervous System:  Enhancement

 Phosphatidylserine may increase Alertness.  ^[17]

 Phosphatidylserine may improve Attention Span. 

 Phosphatidylserine may improve Concentration (especially in people aged 55 - 80).