Phosphatidyl Serine: Nature's Brain Nutrient

By Amy Kosowski, M.S., LDN

PS and Brain Function

Phospholipids are a class of fat-like molecules that promote cell membrane fluidity, facilitate cell-to-cell signaling, and assist in the processing of nutrients by the cell. Membranes are the fatty barriers that surround every cell and many structures within the cell. With age, our cell membranes tend to get stiffer and more resistant to the movement of molecules within the membrane, as well as to the transfer of molecules into and out of the cell. This decrease in molecular movement can result in reduced communication between cells and ultimately to increased cellular dysfunction and disease.

Phosphatidyl Serine (PS) is a naturally occurring phospholipid that is critical for the normal functioning of all cells. PS is the phospholipid most concentrated in the brain and nervous system, where it is important for the conduction of nerve impulses. In addition, PS is essential for the accumulation, storage, and release of neurotransmitters. In this way, PS supports brain and cognitive functions, including mood and memory (1).

PS Helps to Reduce Cortisol Production

Excessive stress, whether physical or emotional, forces the increased production of cortisol, a stress hormone, by the adrenal glands. While cortisol production is a normal and necessary part of the stress response, too much of it can accelerate many aspects of aging, including memory loss. Chronic excess cortisol levels prevent the brain’s uptake of glucose and inhibit communication between brain cells. Consequently, excess cortisol can actually injure and destroy cells, resulting in cognitive decline.

The brain’s response to stress appears to be related to PS. In 1992, a double blind, placebo-controlled studies involving healthy young men showed that PS could blunt the stress response induced by exercise (2). Furthermore, a more recent study has shown that PS supplementation may influence subjective feelings of stress and improve mood in young adults when placed in situations where stressful mental tasks were performed (3).

The Body’s Need for PS

Although the body can make its own PS, humans still rely on receiving some from the diet. Modern diets, however, tend to be low in PS. Furthermore, production of phospholipids declines with age. Therefore, supplementation with PS may be particularly helpful for anyone wishing to support memory and brain function.

References:

1. Mozzi R, Buratta S, Goracci G (2003) Metabolism and function of phosphatidylserine in mammalian brain. Neurochem Res 28(2):195-214.

2. Monteleone P, Maj M, Beinat L, Natale M, Kemali D (1992) Blunting by chronic phosphatidylserine administration of the stress-induced activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis in healthy men. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 41:385-388.

3. Benton D, Donohoe RT, Sillance B, Nabb S (2001) The influence of phosphatidylserine supplementation on mood and heart rate when faced with an acute stressor. Nutr Neurosci 4(3):169-178.