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Phosphatidylserine is a lipid found in high concentrations in the brain that plays a role in neurotransmission and synaptic function. While it was initially promoted as a supplement to improve memory and cognitive performance, studies have shown inconclusive and contradictory results. However, it has been approved by the FDA for reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. Recent research suggests it may also reduce stress and improve physical endurance. Side effects are mild, and it is now extracted from soybeans due to concerns about mad cow disease. Natural food sources include mackerel, herring, tuna, soft shell clams, chicken liver, and white beans.
Phosphatidylserine is a specialized lipid that occurs naturally in the body. Although it is a necessary component for regulating the function of all cells, it is found in the highest concentration in the brain. Indeed, phosphatidylserine plays a key role in neurotransmission and synaptic function. Therefore, researchers have begun to investigate the potential of this cellular nutrient in the prevention and treatment of cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The positive response in study subjects who participated in the first clinical trials led to this substance being promoted as a dietary supplement to improve memory and cognitive performance.
Because aging adults can lose up to 50 percent of their ability to perform ordinary tasks that depend on memory recall and cognition, a phosphatidylserine supplement appeared to be the answer to discourage age-related mental decline. However, the study results remained inconclusive, even contradictory. While many study subjects showed significant improvement over the course of a study, similarly constructed studies have shown that the supplement becomes less effective within months, even weeks. Also, the greatest benefit was seen in people with severe symptoms of impaired cognitive functioning.
This does not mean that phosphatidylserine is no longer considered a potential therapeutic agent in the future. It just means that the current body of medical literature does not yet support a clear relationship between phosphatidylserine supplementation and cognitive dysfunction. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a qualified health claim for this nutrient in a May 2003 decision letter. Therefore, U.S. manufacturers may include the following claims on product labels: “The consumption of phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly” and “Phosphatidylserine consumption may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly”.
Phosphatidylserine may have other applications. For example, more recent research has shown that this nutrient may also help reduce stress and improve physical endurance. Some studies involving young adults indicate that supplementation improves mood during mental or emotional stress. Other studies have shown that athletes may be able to better regulate fluctuations in cortisol levels induced by exercise and muscle stress. Most impressive are the findings indicating that phosphatidylserine may reduce recovery time for sports-related injuries.
Except for mild stomach upset, few side effects of phosphatidylserine have been reported. However, due to concerns about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease), the supplements are no longer derived from bovine bark. Instead, this nutrient is now extracted from soybeans. There are also natural food sources of phosphatidylserine. Those with the highest concentrations include mackerel, herring, tuna, soft shell clams, chicken liver and white beans.
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