Phosphatidylserine

Helps to support the maintenance of cognitive function
• Provides 300 mg of phosphatidylserine per daily dose

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid found in neuronal cell membranes that helps to support cognitive function.¹ PS helps to maintain optimal levels of membrane fluidity, which is necessary for proper enzyme and receptor activities.¹ It also mediates the activity of several neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin.¹ In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 73 elderly participants with mild memory impairment, daily supplementation with 300 mg of PS for 6 months significantly improved word recall rates.² The improvement in cognitive function extended three months after the treatment period ended.² PS can be metabolized into the choline-containing neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which can influence synaptic plasticity, the ability to strengthen the transmission at a synapse.^3,4 Increases in synaptic plasticity are central to improving memory and learning.⁴ PS supplementation may increase brain-derived neurotropic factor, a protein that may influence the survival of neurons and may also have a role in enhancing memory and learning.⁵


REFERENCES
1. Glade, MJ, Smith, K. Phosphatidylserine and the Human Brain. Nutrition. 2014; doi: 10.1016;j.nut.2014.10.014.
2. Kato-Kataoka, A, Sakai, M, Ebina, R, Nonaka, C, Asano, T, Miyamori, T. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr. 2010; 47: 246-255.
3. Rontein, D, Rhodes, D, Hanson, AD. Plant Cell Physiol. 2003; 44(11): 1185-1191.
4. Picciotto, MR, Higley, MJ, Mineur, YS. Neuron. 2012; 76: 116-129.
5. Gray, JD, Milner, TA, McEwen, BS. Neuroscience. 2013; 239: 214-227.