Spotlight on Phosphatidylserine

At Tendwell, we meet with a lot of people who are looking to optimize their day-to-day work week as well as their athletic performance. This got me to thinking on an interesting natural compound called phosphatidylserine. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid found in cell membranes, particularly in the brain. It has been studied for its potential health benefits, particularly in relation to cognitive function, sleep enhancement and stress reduction. It is important to note that before starting therapy with phosphatidylserine, your functional medicine provider may want to look at your omega 3 levels with a laboratory test called the Omega Check. It is important to have a healthy level of Omega 3’s before beginning phosphatidylserine.

Some of the health benefits of phosphatidylserine include:

1.    Cognitive function: Research suggests that phosphatidylserine supplementation may help improve memory, attention, and cognitive performance, especially in older adults.

2.    Stress reduction: Phosphatidylserine has been studied for its potential to lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. It may help alleviate symptoms of stress and improve mood.

3.    Athletic performance: Some studies suggest that phosphatidylserine supplementation may enhance exercise capacity, reduce muscle damage, and improve recovery in athletes. Supplementation at 300-800 mg/day has been shown to attenuate the serum cortisol response to acute exercise stress, increase athletic performance, improve mood, lower feelings of stress and help sleep.

4.    ADHD management: Preliminary evidence suggests that phosphatidylserine supplementation may have a positive impact on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, including hyperactivity and impulsivity.

5.    Age-related cognitive decline: Phosphatidylserine supplementation has been studied for its potential to slow down or mitigate age-related cognitive decline and support overall brain health.

While phosphatidylserine (PS) is generally considered safe for most people when taken within recommended dosages, there are certain individuals who should exercise caution or avoid its use including those who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding. There is insufficient evidence regarding the safety of phosphatidylserine supplementation during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Phosphatidylserine may have a mild anticoagulant effect, which could potentially increase the risk of bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications.

Due to its potential anticoagulant effects, it is recommended to discontinue phosphatidylserine supplementation at least two weeks before undergoing any surgical procedures to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding. Finally, individuals with known allergies or hypersensitivity to soy or other ingredients commonly used in phosphatidylserine supplements should avoid its use. Consider a telehealth or in person consultation with your functional medicine doctor to see if phosphatidylserine is right for you. It is one of our favorite things-- to go over supplements and vitamins--in relation to a person’s unique set of health goals, taking into consideration current micronutrient levels.