Phosphatidylserine belongs to a class of fat-soluble compounds called phospholipids, which are essential components of cell membranes and needed for brain cell repair and integrity. High concentrations of phospholipids are found in the brain, the most abundant of which is Phosphatidylserine.
You can boost your intake of phosphatidylserine through food—it’s available in a number of foods, including soy (which is the main source), white beans, egg yolks, chicken liver, and beef liver. Unfortunately, it’s difficult for your body to absorb sufficient amounts of phosphatidylserine from dietary sources, so supplements are required.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid, which is a type of fat that is essential for cell membranes. PS is found in all cells of the body, but it is especially concentrated in the brain.
Benefits of Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine may offer a number of health benefits, including:
- Improved brain function: PS may help to improve cognitive function, such as memory, learning, and attention. It may also help to protect against age-related cognitive decline.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: PS may help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- Improved mood: PS may help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
- Enhanced athletic performance: PS may help to improve athletic performance by increasing muscle energy levels and reducing muscle fatigue.
- Improved sleep quality: PS may help to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety and promoting relaxation.
What it does
- Adrenal Stress: Phosphatidylserine can help reduce cortisol secretion in response to stress, thereby preventing adrenal exhaustion.
- Mental Enhancement: Improves memory and mental acuity in both young and older adults by enhancing cell membrane fluidity, increasing the number of acetylcholine receptors, keeping fatty substances in the brain in a soluble state and helping to ‘untangle’ nerve pathways in the brain.
- Anti-Depressant: Enhances neurotransmitter activity helping to elevate mood.
- Muscle Repair and Building: Phosphatidylserine lowers excess levels of cortisol, a catabolic hormone that can speed the breakdown of muscle tissue.
Potential Uses
| Dementia | Alzheimer’s disease | Mental stress or fatigue |
| Poor memory | Depression | Age related cognitive decline |
Impact of Phosphatidylserine on Human Body
Phosphatidylserine plays a number of important roles in the human body, including:
- Brain health: PS is essential for brain health and cognitive function. It helps to protect nerve cells from damage and improve cognitive function, such as memory, learning, and attention.
- Stress reduction: PS may help to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Mood improvement: PS may help to improve mood.
- Athletic performance: PS may help to improve athletic performance by increasing muscle energy levels and reducing muscle fatigue.
- Weight loss: PS may help to promote weight loss by increasing metabolism and reducing fat storage.
Foods with Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is found in a variety of foods, including:
- Soybeans
- Lecithin
- Caviar
- Beef liver
- Egg yolks
- Cabbage
- Sunflower seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
Who Should Not Take Phosphatidylserine?
People with the following conditions should not take phosphatidylserine:
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Dementia
- Epilepsy
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
What is the Risk of Phosphatidylserine?
Phosphatidylserine is generally safe for most people to take. However, there are a few potential side effects, including:
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
Cautions
Do not use Phosphatidylserine if you are taking prescribed anti-coagulant drugs such as warfarin without the consent of your doctor.
Generally, there are no side effects or contra-indications from using Phosphatidylserine.
FAQ
Does Phosphatidylserine Work Immediately?
Phosphatidylserine may start to work immediately, but it may take several weeks to see the full effects.
How Does Phosphatidylserine Help ADHD?
Phosphatidylserine may help to improve symptoms of ADHD by improving cognitive function, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving mood.
Phosphatidylserine for Insomnia
Phosphatidylserine may help to improve insomnia by reducing stress and anxiety and promoting relaxation.
What are the Side Effects of Phosphatidylserine?
The most common side effects of phosphatidylserine are stomach upset, headache, diarrhea, and insomnia.
Phosphatidylserine and Cortisol
Phosphatidylserine may help to lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and high levels of cortisol can be harmful to health.
How Long Does It Take for Phosphatidylserine to Lower Cortisol?
Phosphatidylserine may start to lower cortisol levels immediately, but it may take several weeks to see the full effects.
Should Phosphatidylserine Be Taken at Night?
Phosphatidylserine can be taken at any time of day, but it is often taken at night to help promote relaxation and sleep.
Does Phosphatidylserine Make You Sleepy?
Phosphatidylserine may make some people sleepy, but it is not a sedative.
Please note that this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
