Phosphatidylserine

If you are having problems with your memory, phosphatidylserine supplements may be just the thing you need to help. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a molecule that is used in cell membranes. It is actually a phospholipid. PS is found in abundance in the human brain when we are young. It helps with the release of neurotransmitters and acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain. Low levels of phosphatidylserine in the brain have been scientifically linked with memory impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Many experts now believe that people can improve their brain cell membrane and nerve activity if they take supplements containing phosphatidylserine which can in turn help with memory retention.

In the last few years phosphatidylserine supplements have become quite popular. There are now hundreds of manufacturers who have products on the market that contain PS in the ingredients. These supplements can be bought in capsule, tablet or powder form. You can purchase them online or you can find them for sale in local health food stores. The common dosage that most people take of this supplement is 300-400 mg a day. However, some people have seen improvement in their memory functioning after only taking 100 mg a day. It is best to use supplements that have PS as well as additional neurotransmitters like choline and tyrosine included in the product.

As people grow older their levels of phosphatidylserine naturally decreases. This may be the reason why memory, learning, vocabulary skills and concentration also decline as one ages. Amino acid L-serine, glycerophosphate and two fatty acids form Phosphatidylserine in the body. Oral supplements of phosphatidylserine can cross the blood-brain barrier and increase the levels of phosphatidylserine in 1-4 hours. These supplements seem to have a growth effect on the brain according to scientific experiments on rats. Older rats that were given doses of PS were able to retain larger brain neurons and there was an improvement in cognition and NGF receptor density.

Studies involving humans have shown increases in brain glucose utilization in Alzheimer’s patients who were given phosphatidylserine supplements. Protection from damage caused by free radicals is also indicated. Dozens of studies have shown that supplementing with PS is a good remedy for people who have memory impairment. Marked improvements in learning, memory and recall have all been documented in these studies.

Phosphatidylserine can also help with relieving anxiety and lack of motivation. It can improve the daily life and activities in the elderly. Right now the only prescription drugs on the market that can improve memory that are approved of by the FDA are Cognex(tacrine) and Aricept (donepezil}. Supplements of PS can work just as well and it has no harmful side effects like the prescription drugs do. For example, Cognex can cause liver damage.

You can also take phosphatidylserine with other supplements that improve memory like gingko biloba. It is recommended that you take 40 mg of gingko biloba for every 100 mg of PS that you take. This combination can be taken on a daily basis. In fact, if you take gingko biloba alone you will not get the same improvement in memory as you will if you take it along with phosphatidylserine. Patients who have ADD/ADHD also show marked improvements in these disorders when they take supplements of gingko biloba and phosphatidylserine for at least a month.

A study done at the University of Westminister showed a clinical improvement in 70% of students who have ADHD. Phosphtidylserine supplements with gingko biloba are so effective at memory improvement that people can take these supplements and totally avoid all of the negative side effects that are associated with memory enhancement drugs and drugs that are typically taken for ADD/ADHD like Ritalin, adderall, conerta, strattera etc.

Last updated on Nov 1st, 2010 and filed under Nutritional Information. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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