Glade MJ, Smith K. Phosphatidylserine and the human brain. Nutrition [Internet]. 2015 Jun 1 [cited 2022 Sep 9];31(6):781–6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25933483/
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a glycerol-based phospholipid. It is found naturally within the brain, where it is a major component of cortical cell membranes (1). Here, it plays a key role in synaptic neurotransmission via several mechanisms, including a direct effect on cell transport mechanisms and modulation of neurotransmitters such as the AMPA glutamate receptor (2). As the concentration of phosphatidylserine decreases with advancing age (3,4), supplementation may preserve some of the benefits of phosphatidylserine as we age. These benefits are potentially wide-ranging and include increases in focus, memory and relaxation.
Memory & Focus
Several human studies have highlighted the potential of phosphatidylserine as a memory booster in aging populations. In a double-blind cross-over study, for example, eight-week supplementation with phosphatidylserine in early Alzheimer’s disease showed significant increases in clinical global improvement ratings, and electroencephalogram (EEG) changes more akin to the non-diseased brain, compared to placebo (5).
In younger populations, the focus-enhancing effects of phosphatidylserine have shown promise. A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial on children with symptoms of attention deficit showed that two-month supplementation with 200mg phosphatidylserine resulted in significant improvements in inattention compared to placebo (6). And in a study of similar design, 42 day supplementation in young golfers significantly increased the number of good ball flights during tee-off (7).
Relaxation
Studies have also emerged that suggest phosphatidylserine may have relaxing properties. A test-re-test design study showed EEG evidence of a more relaxed brain state during induced stress when comparing 42 day supplementation to placebo (8).
Safety Evidence
The research above highlights the potential of phosphatidylserine as a versatile nootropic. It has been shown to be a safe supplement to ingest, with soy-based intake of up to 600mg daily raising no safety concerns in humans (9).
Read More About the Science
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Kim HY, Huang BX, Spector AA. Phosphatidylserine in the Brain: Metabolism and Function. Prog Lipid Res [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2022 Sep 9];0(1):1. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC4258547/
3
Calderini G, Bonetti AC, Battistella A, Timm Crews F, Toffano G. Biochemical changes of rat brain membranes with aging. Neurochem Res [Internet]. 1983 Apr [cited 2022 Sep 9];8(4):483–92. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6310426/
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Schroeder F. Role of membrane lipid asymmetry in aging. Neurobiol Aging [Internet]. 1984 [cited 2022 Sep 9];5(4):323–33. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6397694/
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Engel RR, Satzger W, Günther W, Kathmann N, Bove D, Gerke S, et al. Double-blind cross-over study of phosphatidylserine vs. placebo in patients with early dementia of the Alzheimer type. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol [Internet]. 1992 [cited 2022 Sep 9];2(2):149–55. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1633433/
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Hirayama S, Terasawa K, Rabeler R, Hirayama T, Inoue T, Tatsumi Y, et al. The effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Hum Nutr Diet [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2022 Sep 9];27(SUPPL2):284–91. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jhn.12090
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Jäger R, Purpura M, Geiss KR, Weiß M, Baumeister J, Amatulli F, et al. The effect of phosphatidylserine on golf performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr [Internet]. 2007 Dec 4 [cited 2022 Sep 9];4:23. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC2217563/
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Baumeister J, Barthel T, Geiss KR, Weiss M. Influence of phosphatidylserine on cognitive performance and cortical activity after induced stress. http://dx.doi.org/101179/147683008X301478 [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2022 Sep 9];11(3):103–10. Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/147683008X301478
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Jorissen BL, Brouns F, Van Boxtel MPJ, Riedel WJ. Safety of soy-derived phosphatidylserine in elderly people. Nutr Neurosci [Internet]. 2002 Oct [cited 2022 Sep 9];5(5):337–43. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12385596/