Phosphatidylserine (PS) affects a variety of nerve cell functions including the conduction of nerve impulses, the gathering and discharge of neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) and the maintenance of cellular function – “homeostasis”.

Researchers have shown that these neurochemical systems are affected in age-related cognitive declines. A 6-month study in groups of patients displaying memory and cognitive limitations indicated that PS treatment had a significant effect on different measures of brain function and mental clarity.*

Research conducted by Crook (1991) supplemented 100 mg of PS three times a day in patients and showed significant improvement in cognitive function among subjects that were the most memory impaired.* A second study performed by Crook indicated that PS treated groups showed improvements in their ability to recall familiar names, location of misplaced items, details from the past day/week and maintained their concentration. Other studies have indicated that PS may have a potential benefit in weight training and endurance athletes.

Fahey and Pearl indicated that PS supplementation 800 mg decreased cortisol after exercise. An earlier study with men, who underwent three experiments with a bicycle ergometer, indicated that pretreatment with PS significantly blunted the ACTH and cortisol responses to physical stress.

PS has shown excellent bio availability when taken orally and studies have shown no side effects with use up to 800 mg (Fahey and Pearl, 1998).