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Benefits of Phosphatidylserine

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Evidence-Based Benefits

  • Memory and cognitive function — a 2010 double-blind RCT (Kato-Kataoka et al.) found 100mg/day PS significantly improved memory scores in elderly subjects with mild cognitive complaints over 6 months
  • Attention and processing speed — Baumeister et al. (2008) demonstrated that 400mg/day PS improved cognitive performance during stressful arithmetic tasks in young adults
  • Cortisol modulation — PS supplementation at 600mg/day blunted cortisol response to exercise-induced stress by up to 30% in a controlled trial (Monteleone et al., 1992)
  • Age-related decline prevention — the FDA permits a qualified health claim stating PS may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly (2003 qualified health claim)
  • Neurotransmitter support — PS facilitates acetylcholine and dopamine release by maintaining optimal cell membrane fluidity in presynaptic neurons

What the Research Says

Phosphatidylserine has a solid evidence base for cognitive support in aging populations. The FDA issued a qualified health claim in 2003 acknowledging that PS may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. Kato-Kataoka et al. (2010) demonstrated memory improvements in a 6-month RCT. Earlier bovine-derived PS studies (Crook et al., 1991) showed significant cognitive benefits, and soy-derived PS has been confirmed to have comparable efficacy. Monteleone et al. (1992) established the cortisol-blunting effect that makes PS valuable for stress management.

Related Conditions

Brain FogFocusStressCognitive Function
Full Phosphatidylserine Guide

References

  1. (). Soybean-derived phosphatidylserine improves memory function of the elderly Japanese subjects with memory complaints. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. DOI
  2. (). Effects of phosphatidylserine on the neuroendocrine response to physical stress in humans. Neuroendocrinology. DOI
  3. (). Influence of phosphatidylserine on cognitive performance and cortical activity after induced stress. Nutritional Neuroscience. DOI