Phosphatidylserine is a type of fat molecule found in the cell membranes that surround and protect all the cells in your body. Phosphatidylserine is involved in many biological processes in the body. Health supplements containing phosphatidylserine are used to treat a variety of health conditions, especially those relating to cognitive function and memory loss. There is insufficient evidence at this time to support most of these claims, however. As with any health supplement, you should consult your doctor before taking phosphatidylserine.
Function
As a component of cell membranes, phosphatidylserine is found in almost every cell in the body. In particular, phosphatidylserine is more concentrated in brain cells than in the rest of the body. It plays many important roles in the body, including regulating numerous biochemical reactions, influencing the immune response, controlling the release of neurotransmitters and perhaps protecting cells from damage by oxidizing free-radicals.
Role in Cognitive Function
Because phosphatidylserine is highly concentrated in brain tissue, it has been investigated as a health supplement for treating memory loss and cognitive decline associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In theory, taking phosphatidylserine supplements might help to slow the decline of nerves in the brain that results from aging and Alzheimer's disease. Although preliminary data indicates that phosphatidylserine supplements slow the decline of memory and cognitive function, the current evidence is not strong enough to definitively claim that phosphatidylserine can reduce the risk of dementia or memory loss, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
Role in Exercise Performance
Phosphatidylserine is involved many other biological processes beside nervous function and may have other health benefits. One possible use of phosphatidylserine that has been studied is improving exercise performance. Researchers theorize that the antioxidant properties of phosphatidylserine may reduce the cellular stress caused by exercise. A review of studies on this topic published in 2006 in the journal "Sports Medicine" reports that the available preliminary data suggests phosphatidylserine may improve athletic performance. Additional large-scale studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
Source of Phosphatidylserine
The earliest phosphatidylserine supplements were purified from the brains of cows. Concerns arose about cow brains as a source for phosphatidylserine during the mad cow disease scares in the 1990s. Theoretically, phosphatidylserine derived from the brains of infected cows could transmit the disease to humans. As a result, phosphatidylserine is now usually derived from soybeans. Be sure to check the source of phosphatidylserine in any supplements you buy.
References
- "Sports Medicine"; Effects of Phosphatidylserine Supplementation on Exercising Humans; Micheal Kingsley; 2006
- MayoClinic.com: Phosphatidylserine Supplements: Can They Improve Memory; Glen Smith
- Life Extension Magaine: Phosphatidylserine (PS) The Essential Brain Nutrient
- Alzheimer's Association: Alternative Treatments: Phosphatidylserine
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