General Description
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a naturally occurring phospholipid compound
that plays important roles in neurotransmitter function and in maintaining
the structural integrity of brain cell membranes. Although the brain
is normally able to manufacture sufficient PS on its own, this process
can be impaired by deficiencies in B vitamins or essential fatty
acids. Found only in trace amounts in the typical diet, PS is available
as a dietary supplement. Supplemental PS, which was originally extracted
from cattle brains, is now manufactured from soy lecithin.
Health Applications
- Memory loss/Alzheimer's
- Depression
Primary Uses
Most research on the therapeutic potential of phosphatidylserine
has focused on memory loss and geriatric depression. In animal
studies, PS administration was shown to reduce chemically induced
memory loss 1,2 and to enhance memory and
cognitive ability.3-6 In studies on human subjects, PS produced
short-term improvement in memory and cognitive behavior during
the early stages of Alzheimer's disease,7-12
and improved depressive symptoms in elderly patients with depressive
disorders.13,14 However, it should be noted
that bovine-source PS was used in these studies and it is not
yet known whether soy-based PS has the same effects.
Dosage/Toxicity
Most human studies on phosphatidylserine have used 300 mg per
day,8-11,13 usually divided into three 100
mg doses. PS has very low toxicity and appears to be well tolerated
at this dosage level. |
