Phosphatidyl Serine

Phosphatidyl Serine

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Phosphatidyl Serine is a naturally-occurring phospholipid found in limited amounts in common foods. The most available source of Phosphatidyl Serine is lecithin, but depending on the manufacturer; Phosphatidyl Serine content varies. Phosphatidyl Serine is essential for the functioning of all cells, but it has its highest concentration in the brain. Clinical studies have shown that supplementation with Phosphatidyl Serine improves brain functions which normally decline with age, especially memory. Until recently, Phosphatidyl Serine was only available in commercial lecithins, but a plant source has been developed and high-potency supplementation is now available.
The Role of Phosphatidyl Serine
The nerve cell functions that have been linked to Phosphatidyl Serine include nerve impulse conduction, the accumulation, storage, and release of neurotransmitters, as well as the improvement of nerve cell transmitter activity at the receptor sites. The membranes of nerve cells have an especially high level of Phosphatidyl Serine which is instrumental in the maintenance of ion movements across the nerve cell membranes. Supplementation of Phosphatidyl Serine has been found to change the cholesterol / phospholipid ratio back towards values characteristic of younger subjects. Nerve signal conduction is improved after supplementation with Phosphatidyl Serine and the secretion of hormones and nerve transmitters is also improved. Other areas of improvement in the body include cell-to-cell communication and cell-to-cell recognition so that immune cells recognize and eliminate worn-out cells more effectively. Phosphatidyl Serine has also been found to improve cell growth regulation and reverse the decline of nerve cell growth factor often associated with aging.
There have been some 42 human clinical trials on Phosphatidyl Serine to date. The findings are unequivocal: Phosphatidyl Serine can allocate and even reverse age-related decline in memory, learning, concentration, word skills, and semantic skills as well as improve control over mood fluctuations. In terms of the cognitive decline in ability to recall names and faces as experienced by the elderly, Crook, et al’s 1991 double-blind trial established that Phosphatidyl Serine could turn back the clock 12 years.
Children often benefit from Phosphatidyl Serine supplementation as much as students, adults and the elderly.
 
Intakes in the clinical trials ranged from 200-500mg per day with a recommended intake of 200-300mg per day for the first 4-6 weeks, followed by a long-term intake of 100-200mg per day. Phosphatidyl Serine has the most clinical significance as a brain nutrient and appears to protect and even reverse the effects of heavy metal toxicity, free radicals, chronic emotional stress, depression, and nutrient deficiencies. The benefits of Phosphatidyl Serine supplementation are unmatched by any other known nutrients and are indispensable for conserving and restoring memory, learning, concentration, and other high mental capacities threatened by our often toxic and stressful modern lives.