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1) What is
phosphatidylserine and its
function?
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a
member of a family of compounds called phospholipids
(phosphorus-containing lipids). Phosphatidylserine is a vital
component of all cell membranes and is found in particularly
high concentrations within the brain. It serves to maintain
the integrity and function of the cell membranes. It also
allows communication among nerve cells, promotes proper
nutrient movement across the cell membrane and aids proper
release and reception of neurotransmitters in the brain. In
other words, it is very important in the normal function of
nerve cells.
Research reveals that PS levels
naturally decline with age, and when they do, the ability to
learn, remember things and stay alert also
declines.
2) What is the
scientific evidence for phosphatidylserine
production?
Because of dietary changes
during the past 100 years, the average daily natural PS intake
has dropped in half. The scientific evidence for PS
supplementation improving a number of mental and bodily
functions is quite strong.
- Age-related memory
loss
In a double-blind study of 149
individuals with memory loss, PS supplementation provided
significant improvement in cognitive function compared to
the placebo.
- Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of
dementia
Double-blind studies involving a
total of over 1,000 people suggest that PS is an effective
treatment for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of
dementia. In an Italian study conducted over a 6 month
period with elderly people suffering from severe dementia,
the group treated with 300 mg of PS per day performed
significantly better in both behavior and mental function
compared to the group receiving the placebo.
- Athletic
performance
There is
some evidence that PS might decrease the release of cortisol
after intense exercise. Cortisol is released in response to
stress and has many effects, including breaking down muscle
tissue and impedes amino acids from entering muscle
cells. In several double-blind studies, those individuals
receiving 800 mg of PS per day had a 30% reduced cortisol
level after exercise.
- Mental stress
Mental stress and
physical stress are closely linked and result in the same
biological responses within the body. Recent research has
shown that PS supplementation effectively reduces the mental
stress in healthy volunteers, resulting in feeling
clear-headed, composed and confident during induced mental
stress situations.
- Hyperactive children
Some of
the most exciting recent PS research has shown PS
supplementation resulting in a significant improvement in
children suffering the effects of attention deficit disorder
(ADHD) and may be a natural, safe alternative to
Ritalin.
3) How does phosphatidylserine
supplementation improve brain
function?
Research has shown orally-supplied
phosphatidylserine to reach the brain through the systemic and
lymph circulation. After reaching the brain it is
redistributed to cells and within cell membranes. Research
also has shown phosphatidylserine to be responsible for a wide
variety of biological effects. Besides improving glucose
metabolism within the brain, it can stimulate synthesis
of the neurotransmitter acetycholine, improve receptor
functioning and thereby restore nerve signal transduction.
Restoring proper nerve cell function is thought to be a major
reason for the reversal of age associated memory loss.
4) What is the source and most common daily
dosage of phosphatidylserine
supplements?
Early research on phosphatidylserine was
conducted with brain-derived material. Due to obvious
concerns, this brain-origin material was replaced with soy
lecithin derived product. Lecithin is transformed into
phosphatidylserine utilizing enzymatic reactions.
The most common daily dosage of
phosphatidylserine is 300 mg. This is the amount that has been
proven effective in human clinical trials with a significant
number of patients and supplementation periods ranging from 6
weeks to 6 months. Based on these data, it is reasonable to
assume that one should begin supplementation with an initial
dose of 300 mg per day. There is some research that suggests
this could be reduced to a maintenance dose of 100 mg per day
after 1 or 2 months.
5) Isn't PS found in the foods I normally
eat?
Phosphatidylserine is present in cell
membranes of both plants and animals, but is most concentrated
in brain tissue. Vegetables and most dairy products contain
only small quantities of PS. A weekly diet of 3 to 4
servings of meat, 1 or 2 servings of fish, several servings of
sausage and 2 to 3 eggs, plus 8 ounces of milk and 2 slices of
cheese per day would provide approximately 130 mg of PS intake
per day. Even a soy-based diet would still result in less than
50 mg of PS per day.
6) Is phosphatidylserine
safe?
A large number of animal and human
trials have proven the safety of PS. Phosphatidylserine has
been tested in at least 30 clinical trials, with subjects of
all ages and conditions, ranging from hyperactive children to
elderly persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease, in sports
and non sports applications, over periods up to 6 months.
Phosphatidylserine has been proven to be the only
cognition-enhancing supplement that lacked unwanted side
effects.
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