Phosphatidylserine Summary
Phosphatidylserine is naturally produced in the human brain. It's a fat-like substance that forms the lipid bilayer of the neuron cell. When integrated into the cell membrane, it is believed to contribute to the cell fluidity and positively impact Na+/K+ATPase activity and decrease acetylcholinesterase. Both of which are commonly targeted actions of many nootropic formulations.
Although not necessary to supplement, due to the brain's natural ability to produce this chemical, supplementation has been shown to increase cognitive function and memory overall. Especially in older patients. Phosphatidylserine levels have been shown to decline with age [3]. It is mainly used in nootropic formulations aimed at preventing cognitive decline with age, and taken in 3 doses of 100 mg each.
Where Does It Come From?
Phosphatidylserine is naturally produced in the human body, and can also be obtained from the diet.
In the human body, phosphatidylserine can be found in the brain, lungs, testes, kidneys, liver, skeletal tissue, heart, and blood plasma. [1].
In the diet, phosphatidylserine can be found in foods like soy lecithin, krill oil, and neural tissue of animals (not recommended for consumption). It is estimated that dietary intake of phosphatidylserine is around 130 mg/day on average. [2].
General Actions:
- Reduces ADHD Symptoms
- Improves Concentration
- Reduces The Effects Of Stress
- Antiacetylcholinesterase
- Increases memory and learning capacity
Specific Actions:
Acetylcholinesterase downregulation
Na+/K+/ATPase upregulation
Increases cell fluidity
Indications:
Preventative and treatment for Alzheimer's disease
To improve memory and learning capacity
ADHD
Age-related cognitive decline
Dosage
100 - 500 mg/day
This daily dosage is generally broken up into 3-4 smaller doses of 100 mg.
Order Some NowChemical Description:
Phosphatidylserine is similar in structure to triglycerides, only with 2 spots on the glycerol backbone occupied by fatty acids, while the third spot contains a phosphatidic acid molecule and serine amino acid.
Many different compounds go under this name as long as they have one serine group. The fatty acid portions will vary significantly.
Pharmacology And Medical Research:
+ Acetylcholinesterase Downregulation
Cell membranes that contain phosphatidylserine have been correlated with a downregulation of acetylcholinesterase activity [4]. This contributes to an increase in acetylcholine levels in the brain.
This has been backed up in several studies showing a marked increase in acetylcholine levels in aged rat brains [10 - 12].
+ ADHD And Concentration
A study investigating the effectiveness of phosphatidylserine gave 36 children (aged 4-14) either a placebo or 200 mg of phosphatidylserine for 2 months. The results were significant improvements in ADHD symptoms and short-term auditory memory. No adverse effects were noted in this study. [7].
In healthy adults, 2 weeks of 400 mg doses of phosphatidylserine were shown to increase the processing speed (20% improvement), and cognitive accuracy (13% improvement of incorrect responses) [8].
+ Alzheimer's Disease
Phosphatidylserine supplementation in doses ranging from 200 - 500 mg was shown to improve glucose metabolism by 13.5-16%, increase dopamine and serotonin metabolites in patients with Alzheimer's disease [13-17].
Additionally, doses ranging from 15-50 mg/kg of phosphatidylserine were shown to reduce the rate of cognitive decline in aging rats [18].
+ Memory
In rat studies, phosphatidylserine was shown to improve the memory and learning ability at a dose of 50 mg/kg. This was tested using several different studies including light-avoidance, open-field and Y mazes, as well as avoidance tests. [20].
+ Na+/K+/ATPase Activity Upregulation
Phosphatidylserine activates protein kinase C (PKC) and has been correlated with an upregulation in Na+/K+/ATPase activity [4-6].
+ Parkinson's Disease
Double-blind studies have shown marked improvements in EEG parameters for patients with Parkinson's disease after taking bovine phosphatidylserine [19].
Toxicity
Doses as high as 600 mg phosphatidylserine for 12 weeks have been shown to have no noticeable side effects in elderly patients [21].
Bovine sourced phosphatidylserine supplementation is not recommended as it can increase chances for contracting Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease. Soy-based products are recommended.
Synergy:
Improvements in ADHD symptoms and concentration improvements were noted to be higher in fish oil containing supplements than alone. This included both versions of phosphatidylserine with the fish oil fatty acid components, and a combination of phosphatidylserine and fish oil supplements separately. [9].
Nootropic Formulas Containing Phosphatidylserine:
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References:
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