Phosphatidylserine is an essential phospholipid found on the inside of most cells. Its migration to the exterior of the cell sends out an “Eat me!” signal that triggers engulfment by cells called phagocytes. (R)
Phosphatidylserine supplementation has a nootropic effect in the healthy and has been proven effective in treating many health issues, primarily of cognition.
Read on to learn about PPS’s many brain-boosting benefits and other health boons.
The phosphatidylserine I take
Double Wood Supplements PhosphatidylSerine 300mg (Amazon)
Memory impairment
A review concluded that phosphatidylserine supplementation improves some memory functions but that it is not clear how. (R)
In a review of studies on nutrients and memory impairment, phosphatidylserine was highlighted for its proven capacity to attenuate aging’s impact on neurons and improve memory in adults with modest memory impairment in some areas – specifically, recall of word lists. (R)
A review of studies on mild memory dysfunction, Alzheimer’s, and age-associated memory impairment mentioned phosphatidylserine as an effective therapy established from randomized controlled trials. (R)
A review of 127 human studies found that phosphatidylserine effectively slows, halts or reverses processes of aging in the human brain; improves many measures of memory function; and bolsters reasoning, learning and communication skills. Recommended dosing is 300-800mg/day. (R)
Cognitive dysfunction
Phosphatidylserine inhibits neural inflammation and promotes clearing of damaged neurons. (R)
In a review of therapies for cognitive dysfunction arising from mitochondrial insufficiency, phosphatidylserine was one of several nutrients identified that supported mitochondria and improved cognition in double-blind trials. (R)
A review arguing that Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented and reversed identified phosphatidylserine as an important therapeutic tool. (R)
In a review of nutrients and botanicals for alleviating cognitive dysfunction, phosphatidylserine emerged as a worthy contender due to its success in double-blind studies in enhancing memory, learning, concentration, word recall, and mood in older subjects with dementia and age-related cognitive decline. Phosphatidylserine was also shown to have a favorable risk-to-benefit ratio. (R)
A review of cholinergic precursors in Alzheimer’s disease concluded that phosphatidylserine increased availability of key neurotransmitter acetylcholine (involved in learning and memory) and slightly improved cognitive function. (R)
ADHD
A review of studies on ADHD in children concluded that phosphatidylserine can ameliorate symptoms of the disorder. (R)
A review of the therapeutic benefits of combing Omega-3 fatty acids with essential phospholipids found that a DHA/EPA combination with phosphatidylserine attached (Omega-3 PS) improved ADHD symptoms. (R)
Parkinson’s disease
A review argued that phosphatidylserine was one of many therapies necessary in the management of Parkinson’s disease. (R)
Prolonged stress
A review found that phosphatidylserine was an effective therapy for coping with systemic and prolonged stress. (R)
Exercise capacity
A review of studies found that doses of 750-800mg of phosphatidylserine daily alleviated cortisol spikes associated with weight overtraining, reduced perceived muscle soreness, and improved overall well-being. There was also support for short-term phosphatidylserine supplementation increasing exercise capacity during high-intensity cycling and intermittent running. (R)
Phosphatidylserine improves reflexes and rapid reactions. (R)
Heart disease
Phosphatidylserine may be the key atheroprotective component of the highly complex HDL molecule. (R)
A review concluded that phosphatidylserine is atheroprotective due to its roles in inflammation, coagulation, and programmed cell death and its ability to enhance HDL activity. (R)
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