Phosphatidylserine, learn about its properties and how it helps brain functions

Melanie Ramos 8 min. of reading Concentration and Memory Leave a comment

Index

1 What is Phosphatidylserine?
2 Function of Phosphatidylserine
3 Phosphatidylserine supplements
4 How to take Phosphatidylserine
5 Phosphatidylserine deficiency
6 Properties of Phosphatidylserine
7 Benefits of Phosphatidylserine for Brain Functions
8 Sources
9 Related Entries

What is Phosphatidylserine?

Is a type of phospholipid acid, which plays an essential role in guaranteeing the flexibility and permeability of the cell membrane, allowing nutrients to enter and leave each cell, as well as cooperating to excrete the metabolic waste products produced in the various chemical reactions taking place inside the cell membrane, maintaining the perfect state of health and normal functioning.

Phosphatidylserine can benefit all those seeking to improve mental function, enhance exercise recovery, decrease cortisol levels or increase muscle strength and size

Phosphatidylserine improves the transmission of neuronal electrical pulses

The importance of phosphatidylserine also lies in its being an active component in the production of the cell membrane, particularly in the case of neurones or cells in the brain, and also in synthesising acetylcholine, a type of neurotransmitter with a high relevance in short-term memory

Function of Phosphatidylserine

Phospholipids, fat-soluble substances, are molecules that contain the amino acids and fatty acids found in all the cell membranes inside our body. They form the outer membrane that surrounds every cell in our body, which separates the inside of the cell from the outside, controlling the flow of nutrients.

Phosphatidylserine is a type of phospholipid, a building block of cell membranes

Phosphatidylserine is found in particularly high concentrations in the brain and in all nerve cells

Phosphatidylserine, one of the most important neuronutrients in the human body, plays an important role in the repair of damaged cells, production of neurotransmitters, promotes normal brain function and is believed to aid in the growth of new muscle mass

Phosphatidylserine supplements

Phosphatidylserine supplements are derived from both soya and sunflower lecithin and are rapidly absorbed by the brain and can compensate for low levels of this phospholipid and thus prevent or even reverse age-related decline in brain function.

On the other hand, we can also purchase cholinergic products, i.e. products that promote increased levels of acetylcholine and choline in the brain, such as Evobrain

How to take Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine can be found in many foods, such as rice and green vegetables, but only in small quantities, so taking a supplement can be very beneficial to your health. Phosphatidylserine is well-tolerated at recommended doses with few side effects.

The standard dose of phosphatidylserine, to prevent symptoms of cognitive decline, is 300mg per day, divided into 3 times

Phosphatidylserine deficiency

As mentioned, our body requires this substance for the correct maintenance and regeneration of the cell membrane, optimizing its permeability, and the release of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine and dopamine.

Although the body itself can meet these needs, the passage of time will cause a decline in the production and maintenance of the correct levels of phosphatidylserine

Deficits in phosphatidylserine production are associated with certain types of neurological problems and disorders that will affect cognitive ability. Among the most severe cases are: depression, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s

As preventive measures, opting for phosphatidylserine supplementation can lead to delaying or even reversing the worst symptoms

Benefits of Phosphatidylserine Supplementation

Due to its ability to restore the integrity of the cell membrane, stimulate the growth of nerve cells, promote the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, reduce cortisol levels, enhance the connection between neurons, and cause the proper functioning of brain organs such as the cortex, hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Properties of Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is a nutrient that helps provide energy for the intensive task of neurogenesis (the creation of new brain cells)
It stimulates the production of acetylcholine, which can allow the brain to send impulses through the neurons quickly and efficiently.
It is a natural support for phospholipids, present in all the cells of the body. Phospholipids are involved in the mobilisation and utilisation of fats and constitute two-thirds of the structure of the brain.
It communicates with the immune system to eliminate brain cells that are damaged.
It acts as an antioxidant to protect the brain against oxidative stress.
Improve the symptoms of cognitive decline that occur as part of ageing such as decreased concentration, learning ability and memory.
Help reduce the symptoms of depression, such as irritability, inability to sleep, negative thoughts or loss of appetite among others.
To help improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, which affects the part of the brain that controls language, thought, memory and affects the person’s ability to carry out daily activities.

Benefits of Phosphatidylserine for Brain Functions

Strengthens memory, promotes learning and other cognitive functions

Phosphatidylserine enables brain cells to metabolise glucose which is then released and binds to neurotransmitters, which is important for learning, memory and other cognitive functions.

Phosphatidylserine increases communication between cells in the brain (synapses), increasing the number of membrane receptor sites for message reception

It also modulates the fluidity of the cell membranes that are essential to the ability of brain cells to send and receive chemical communication

Scientific studies show that phosphatidylserine restores and irrigates the brain and the production of acetylcholine, a very important neurotransmitter for memory

Relieves depression and improves mood

Phosphatidylserine also stimulates the brain to produce dopamine (brain neurotransmitter related to motor functions, emotions and feelings of pleasure).

If we add the Omega-3 essential fatty acids, paying particular attention to the DHA content, we can amplify the benefits of phosphatidylserine

The brain mass is made up of a high percentage of DHA, so we would be directly intervening in providing the “bricks” that support our brain

A study revealed that patients diagnosed with clinical depression have shown improvement in their symptoms as a result of taking phosphatidylserine every day. Reduced levels of dopamine are also thought to contribute to attention deficit disorders and this natural substance has been shown to be an effective therapeutic agent for ADD and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

The dose to combine with the Omega-3 will be 400-500mg of phosphatidylserine + at least 250mg of DHA, daily

Inhibits cortisol-induced stress

This phospholipid appears to have cortisol-suppressive properties. Cortisol is a hormone released during periods of physical or mental stress. Prolonged periods of high cortisol levels have detrimental effects on:

blood pressure
the functioning of the heart,
blood sugar levels,
immune function,
memory, and
mind state

Cortisol is known to increase catabolism (breakdown) of muscle tissue so keeping this hormone at bay is a concern for athletes

High levels of cortisol in the blood reduce the recovery rate from exercise and possibly reduce muscle endurance and lead to an increased risk of overtraining

These benefits of phosphatidylserine include a reduction in recovery time after exercise and reduced pain felt in skeletal muscles. Phosphatidylserine appears to decrease cortisol levels only when they are elevated, but it does not decrease them below normal.

A study shows that 800 mg of phosphatidylserine taken in divided oral doses, suppresses cortisol originating from intense weight training in addition to helping against the negative physiological effects of further stretching and/or training