 |
| Phosphatidylserine |
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid that plays several important roles in human health. Found naturally in foods like fatty fish and soy, it is also available as a dietary supplement. In recent decades, research on PS has revealed promising evidence that it may benefit brain function and cognition in older adults. This article explores what PS is, the research behind its potential effects on the brain, and how it might be incorporated into a brain-healthy lifestyle.
What is Phosphatidylserine?
PS is a type of fat molecule known as a phospholipid. It is found naturally in cell membranes throughout the body, particularly in high concentrations in the brain. PS helps maintain the structural integrity of cell membranes and influences the flow of messages between cells.
In the brain, Phosphatidylserine is highly concentrated in regions important for memory and cognition like the hippocampus. Research shows it plays a key role in neural signaling pathways and may help support brain cell growth and connectivity as we age.
PS is obtained through dietary sources like meat, fish, eggs, and soy or as a supplement. As humans age, PS levels naturally decline in the brain, which some researchers believe may contribute to cognitive changes associated with aging. Supplementing with additional PS is theorized to help make up for this decline.
Research on PS and Brain Function
Several clinical trials have investigated PS supplements for their potential to support brain health in older adults:
- Memory and Learning: Some studies found PS improved short-term memory recall and learning ability in older participants. Effects were seen at daily doses of 100-300mg of PS taken over several months.
- Mood and Behavior: Supplementation appeared to have positive impacts on mood, behavior, motivation, and feelings of well-being in aging populations.
- Brain Imaging: Imaging studies found PS correlated with increased brain activity in areas associated with memory formation. It also appeared to stimulate blood flow and oxygen metabolism in the brain.
- Alzheimer's Disease: Early research suggests PS may help slow cognitive decline in mild Alzheimer's, though more research is still needed. It does not appear effective for moderate to severe cases.
- Aging Adults: The bulk of evidence supports PS for maintaining and possibly improving brain function associated with normal aging processes rather than specific conditions like Alzheimer's.
More research is still needed, but overall studies provide promising signs PS may benefit cognition and brain health as adults get older. Effects appear moderate rather than dramatic, and the supplement seems to be generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects reported.
Additional Brain Health Benefits
Aside from direct effects on the brain, some evidence indicates PS provides additional health advantages that may indirectly support cognition:
- Anti-Inflammatory: PS has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce aging-related inflammation in the brain. Chronic inflammation is linked to brain degeneration.
- Cardiovascular Health: Emerging research associates PS intake with reduced risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering inflammation, oxidative stress, and homocysteine levels. Cardiovascular risk factors are linked to cognitive decline.
- Mood Regulation: The brain's PS levels influence serotonin and dopamine signaling involved in mood regulation. Supplementation may support overall psychological wellness into older age.
So while research focuses on PS' direct cognitive effects, maintaining optimal brain health involves a holistic lifestyle approach addressing cardiovascular, mental, and metabolic factors as well, which PS may help address. A balanced brain-healthy regimen should optimally target multiple aspects of wellness.
Phosphatidylserine Dosage and Food Sources
Most studies on PS supplementation for brain health used daily doses ranging from 100-300mg per day, taken consistently over the course of several months. Higher doses do not appear to provide additional benefits.
Get More Insights On This Topic: Phosphatidylserine
Explore More Related Topic: Phosphatidylserine