Benefits of Phosphatidylserine for Brain Function

Phosphatidylserine is an acidic phospholipid essential for the flexibility and permeability of cell membranes, allowing nutrients to be exchanged and metabolic waste to be excreted.

This phospholipid, which is particularly concentrated in the brain, improves neuronal transmission and is important for the production of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for short-term memory.

Phosphatidylserine supports mental health, exercise recovery, cortisol reduction and increased muscle mass by promoting cell repair and neurotransmitter production. Discover in this article how phosphatidylserine may improve your well-being and performance.

Strengthens memory, promotes learning and supports other cognitive functions

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

Phosphatidylserine increases communication between cells in the brain (synapses) by increasing the number of membrane receptor sites available to receive messages.

It also modulates the fluidity of cell membranes, which is essential for brain cells to send and receive chemical signals. Scientific studies show that phosphatidylserine restores blood flow to the brain and acetylcholine production, a neurotransmitter that is very important for memory.

Alleviates depression and improves mood

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

Adding essential Omega-3 fatty acids, with particular attention to DHA content, may enhance the benefits of phosphatidylserine.

Brain tissue contains a high proportion of DHA, so this would directly help provide the “building blocks” that support the brain.

A study found that patients diagnosed with clinical depression showed an improvement in their symptoms as a result of taking phosphatidylserine every day.

Reduced dopamine levels are also believed 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).

Inhibits cortisol-induced stress

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

Cortisol is known to increase the catabolism (breakdown) of muscle tissue, so keeping this hormone under control is a concern for athletes.

Elevated cortisol levels in the blood reduce the rate of recovery after exercise and may reduce muscular endurance, while also increasing the risk of overtraining.

The benefits of phosphatidylserine include a reduction in recovery time after exercise and less pain in the skeletal muscles. Phosphatidylserine appears to lower cortisol levels only when they are elevated, without reducing them below normal levels.

A study shows that 800mg of phosphatidylserine, taken in divided oral doses, suppresses the cortisol produced by intense weight training and helps counteract the negative physiological effects of excessive stretching and/or training.

Phosphatidylserine deficiency

Phosphatidylserine is essential for the maintenance and regeneration of the cell membrane, optimising its permeability and the release of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine. Although the body can produce it, production decreases with age, which may cause neurological problems such as depression, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Phosphatidylserine supplementation may delay or reverse these symptoms by restoring the integrity of the cell membrane, stimulating nerve cell growth, promoting neurotransmitter synthesis, reducing cortisol levels and improving neuronal connections and brain function.

How should phosphatidylserine be taken?

Phosphatidylserine can be found in numerous foods, such as rice and green leafy vegetables, but only in small amounts. For this reason, taking a supplement may be highly beneficial for your health. Phosphatidylserine is well tolerated at the recommended doses and has few side effects.

Phosphatidylserine supplements

Phosphatidylserine supplements are derived from both soy and sunflower lecithin. They are rapidly absorbed by the brain and may compensate for low levels of this phospholipid, thereby helping to prevent or even reverse the age-related decline in brain function.

Phosphatidylserine 150mg by EssentialSeries

Cholinergic products are also available. These are products that promote increased levels of acetylcholine and choline in the brain, such as Brain Care.

Brain Care by EssentialSeries

Sources

• Phosphatidylserine

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