Phosphatidylserine (PS) belongs to a special category of fat-soluble substances called
phospholipids, which are essential components of cell membranes. PS is found in high
concentrations in the brain.
Where is it found?
PS is found in only trace amounts in a typical diet. Very small amounts are present in lecithin. The body manufactures PS from
phospholipid building blocks. PS research has used material derived from a bovine source.
Currently, PS that is commercially available is derived from soy.
Phosphatidylserine has
been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the
individual health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
PS is not an essential nutrient, and therefore dietary deficiencies do not occur. Adults
age 50 and older, especially those with
age-related cognitive decline, may not synthesize enough PS, and appear most likely to
benefit from supplemental PS.
How much is usually taken?
Positive effects on mental function have been achieved using 200–500 mg per day of
bovine PS; most studies used 300 mg per day. Preliminary animal research shows that the
soy-derived PS does have effects on brain function similar to effects from the bovine source.
1 2 3
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No significant side effects associated with PS have been reported.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with phosphatidylserine.
References:1. Furushiro M, Suzuki S, Shishido Y, et al. Effects of oral
administration of soybean lecithin transphosphatidylated phosphatidylserine on impaired
learning of passive avoidance in mice. Jpn J Pharmacol 1997;75:447–50.
2. Sakai M, Yamatoya H, Kudo S. Pharmacological effects of
phosphatidylserine enzymatically synthesized from soybean lecithin on brain functions in
rodents. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1996;42:47–54.
3. Blokland A, Honig W, Brouns F, et al. Cognition-enhancing properties
of subchronic phosphatidylserine (PS) treatment in middle-aged rats: comparison of bovine
cortex PS with egg PS and soybean PS. Nutrition 1999;15:778–83.