Phosphatidylserine is found in high amounts in the brain. It\u2019s a popular dietary supplement used to improve mental focus, memory, and mood. Does it really work? Read on to learn more about the health benefits of phosphatidylserine, potential side effects, and optimal dosage.<\/p>\n
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Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid (a fat molecule attached to a phosphate) and is a major component of all cell membranes. It has particular importance in brain function; people use it as a supplement to improve cognitive function and memory, relieve stress, and more [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A supplement containing 400 mg phosphatidylserine (PS) increased the speed of mathematical calculations and decreased errors in a clinical trial of 18 young people [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It also improved cognitive impairment in three clinical trials of 577 elderly people (at a dosage of 300 mg\/day) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Supplementation with 200-300 mg\/day of PS improved memory in three clinical trials with 263 participants (36 children with ADHD and 227 older adults) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In another clinical trial of 72 people, 300 mg\/day of phosphatidylserine with phosphatidic acid improved memory and mood [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n PS combined with omega-3<\/a> fatty acids or Ginkgo biloba<\/em><\/a> extract helped maintain or improve memory in three clinical trials of 158 people [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, phosphatidylserine, alone or with fish oil<\/a>, did not improve age-associated memory impairment in two trials of 206 older patients [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Alzheimer’s disease<\/a> is associated with the accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain. Studies have shown that phosphatidylserine (PS) prevents this accumulation, which could help prevent or slow the progression of the disease [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In a clinical trial of 51 people with Alzheimer\u2019s, PS reduced the symptoms and enhanced cognition, with greater results in those with milder impairment [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It improved some dementia symptoms in two more studies with 104 Alzheimer\u2019s patients in the early stages of the disease. Its beneficial effects might fade out with time<\/strong> [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n 300 mg\/day also improved dementia symptoms and behavior in a clinical trial of 42 senile patients [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm the promising beneficial effects of phosphatidylserine on Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/strong><\/p>\n Phosphatidylserine, alone or in combination with omega-3 fatty acids, reduced ADHD symptoms in two clinical trials of 236 children [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n According to the authors of one study, it may be particularly effective in \u201chyperactive-impulsive, emotionally and behaviorally-dysregulated ADHD children\u201d [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The initial results are promising but require further investigation.<\/strong><\/p>\n Phosphatidylserine reduced cortisol<\/a> and ACTH<\/a> (which controls cortisol release) levels following a stress test in a clinical trial with 80 people. Strangely, this effect was only seen with the 400 mg dose and not higher dosages<\/strong> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n PS (400 mg), in combination with phosphatidic acid (400 mg) or omega-3, normalized ACTH and cortisol levels but only in chronically stressed people<\/strong> in two clinical trials of 135 men [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Phosphatidylserine (300 mg\/day) improved mood and calmness in young volunteers facing stressful situations [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n<\/a>Phosphatidylserine Health Benefits<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Possibly Effective:<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>1) Cognitive Function<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>2) Alzheimer\u2019s Disease<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>3) ADHD<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>4) Stress<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n