Description:
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid
that is vital to brain cell structure and function. Phospholipids are molecules with an
amino acid 'head' (serine for PS), and one or two fatty acid (lipid) 'tails'. They are
found in the membranes of every cell in our bodies.
Potential Benefits of
Phosphatidyl Serine (PS):
Millions of healthy adults over age 50 are affected by
"Age-Related Cognitive Decline" (American Psychiatric Association), resulting in
diminished memory. At least 23 peer-reviewed studies, more than half of which were double
blind, suggest that PS may help maintain or improve cognitive functions such as memory and
learning in mature adults. The results in these well-controlled, published studies on PS,
many of which involved individuals suffering from cognitive decline, included
statistically significant improvements in measures of brain function such as:
Learning and remembering names of persons after introduction
Recognizing people one has seen previously
Recall of location of frequently misplaced objects
Remembering numeric information such as telephone numbers
Ability to maintain concentration
Improvement in scores on standard neuropsychological tests
Results such as these tend to substantiate the benefits of PS,
relative to learning and memory. Although these and other results are encouraging, more
studies are needed to complete our full understanding of the role of PS in brain function
and to confirm that PS, when consumed as a dietary supplement, will consistently improve
cognitive ability. However, taken together, the available studies suggest that a PS
dietary supplement, accompanied by exercise and a good diet, may help individuals maintain
mental fitness in order to meet the challenges of daily life.
How Phosphatidyl Serine
(PS) Works in the Brain:
The outer membrane of cells, including the brain, is composed of
a double layer of phospholipids including PS, with their heads facing out and their tails
facing in. This double layer is responsible for bringing in nutrients, expelling waste,
and enabling the cell to coordinate with the rest of the body. The various proteins found
in outer cell membranes, such as ion pumps, transport molecules, enzymes, antigens and
receptors, are held in place and managed within the double layer. PS plays an important
part in these functions, and the depletion of PS with age appears to be correlated with
their decline.
PS plays important roles in neurotransmitter systems, metabolism
levels in the brain, maintaining nerve connections (synapses) in the brain, and various
higher mental activities. PS is also important for nerve cell differentiation, activation
and renewal, neurotransmitter production and release, and maintaining electrical current
flows in and between the cells.
The Case for
Supplementation:
While lecithin can be readily obtained from soybeans, eggs and
other sources, PS is not common in the food supply. Our bodies make it through a complex
process that uses a lot of energy. If any of the parts (or sufficient energy) are not
available, the process can slow or break down. This can both be caused by and worsen the
effects of aging, in a vicious circle. Dietary supplements of PS are a reliable method of
replenishing a diminished supply, as it is absorbed in the blood about 1/2 hour to one
hour after ingestion, and reaches the brain within minutes after that.
Indications:
Nutritional support for memory, learning, and emotional well
being. Especially indicated for people over 50 years of age, and for people who may have
prematurely damaged brain cell membranes due to disease, alcohol, drug use, pollution, or
other causes. Lifetime supplementation with PS may be strongly indicated for epilepsy, in
support of conventional treatment. Also indicated for protection against stress hormone
release, which is a negative adaptation to stress, in adults of any age.
Suggested Use:
One capsule (100 mg PS), three times a day with meals, for at
least 2 weeks. May then be reduced to one or two times a day, if desired. Taking too close
to bedtime may delay falling asleep.
Safety & Toxicity:
In 23 peer-reviewed human studies, PS has been shown to be safe
and effective for human use. 200 mg or more PS taken at once may (rarely) cause nausea, by
stimulating an excessive release of dopamine. 300 mg per day is associated with lower uric
acid and liver SGPT levels, without adverse clinical effect. Dogs survived 70 grams daily
(233 times the normal human dose) for a year without apparent histological damage. Because
no reproductive studies appear to be available, it is not recommended for use when
pregnant or nursing without supervision by a knowledgeable health care practitioner.
References:
Crook, T. H., et al. (1991) Effects of phosphatidyl serine in
age-associated memory impairment. Neurol. 41: 644-649.
Monteleone, P, et al., (1990) Effects of phosphatidyl serine
on the neuroendocrine response to physical stress in humans. Neuroendocrinology 52 (3):
243.
Scapagnini, U., et al., (1990) Therapeutic perspectives in
psychoneuroendocrine-immunology (PNEI): potential role of phosphatidyl serine in
neuroendocrine-immune communications. Intern. J. Neuroscience 51: 299-301.
Engel, R. R., et al., (1 992) Double-blind crossover study of
phosphatidyl serine vs. placebo in patients with early dementia of the Alzheimer type.
European Neuropsychopharma-cology 2:149-155.
Notice:
Although PS has been studied for its potential effect on disease
and health conditions, PS is a dietary supplement, and not a drug. The statements made
herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. PS is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |