Phosphatidylserine, or PS, is a dietary supplement and one of the major phospholipids that make up the cell membrane in the brain. Phosphatidylserine and other phospholipids help cells communicate with each other. Some clinical trials suggest that taking PS orally may help with memory, learning, vocabulary and concentration, making it a helpful treatment for Alzheimer's, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and chronic stress, according to a 2008 article in "Alternative Medicine Review." As with many treatments, PS does have side effects. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.
Upset Stomach
Phosphatidylserine may cause an upset stomach, especially when taking more than 300 mg per day. Taking a dose much larger than this, such as the standard 800-mg per day dose to treat chronic stress, may mean you are more susceptible to this side effect.
Insomnia
According to RxList, insomnia, or the inability to sleep, is another side effect that most often occurs in patients taking more than 300 mg per day of PS.
Transmission of Disease
Originally, manufacturers derived PS from the brain cells of cows, leading to concerns that animal diseases may transfer to humans taking these supplements. However, since most manufacturers now produce PS from soy or cabbage derivatives, this side effect may only be a concern if your brand of PS is not made from plant sources, notes MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
MayoClinic.com emphasizes that the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, does not require manufacturers to provide evidence of the risks of supplements, including PS, so current side effects may not represent all the risks that accompany taking PS.
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