Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid compound that is vital to the health and efficient functioning of your brain cells. There are significant Phosphatidylserine benefits related to memory, learning, attention and mood.
This supplement can be purchased as a standalone nootropic or you can find it in the Alpha Brain nootropic stack produced by Onnit Labs.
A phospholipid is a molecules that has both amino acids and fatty acids. They are found in every cell membrane in the human body, and contain both omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids.
Phosphatidylserine is found in all living things from the most simple to the most complex. Although it has many known functions throughout all our tissues and organs it’s most important use may be as the key building block for the billions of brain cells.
This supplement was first isolated back in 1942. However, it has not really been commercially available until the 1990’s. The supplement is actually derived from soy lecithin.
There have been a large number of human studies, tests, and research to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this supplement. There is even evidence showing it is compatible with a number of medications.



- Supports memory function & cognition
- Boosts neuron health & communication
- May improve mood, sleep & relaxation
Phosphatidylserine Effects:
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Phosphatidylserine exhibits multiple mechanisms of actions within the brain.
For starters, it is able to cross over the blood-brain barrier and enter into the central nervous system.
One of the most important things it does is to help the brain metabolize glucose and release and bind with a number of neurotransmitters.
It is known to increase Acetylcholine activity, which plays a vital role in a number of different cognitive processes such as memory, reasoning, focus, and sensory perception.
The supplement is also observed to increase the number of membrane receptor sites known as synapses. This can enhance the quality and efficiency of communications between brain cells.
It also serves to modulate the fluidity of cell membranes, meaning that it is easier to transport nutrients in and waste products out. This can have a positive effect on many different cellular functions, resulting in improved neural processing.
Studies have also indicated that this supplement stimulates the production and release of choline and dopamine within the brain.
Phosphatidylserine Benefits:
As a Nootropic supplement, Phosphatidylserine offers benefits for a number of cognitive processes. It is particularly noted for having a positive influence on memory and learning capacity along with speeding up memory recall.
Many users report that it provides them with increased vigilance and attention, sometimes even lengthening attention spans.
It is also useful for boosting focus and concentration along with mental clarity. Studies have shown that it moderately relieves stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression.
This supplement is also utilized as treatment of a number of brain issues like ADHD/ADD. This is particularly true with children, but might also be able to help adults who have been diagnosed with this disorder.
The demographic that might see the greatest benefit from using Phosphatidylserine is elderly individuals one anyone concerned with life extension. As we age, our need for this supplement is increased in order to slow down signs of aging within our brain cells. Your cell membranes typically become more rigid and harder to penetrate later in life.
Phosphatidylserine may reverse this to some degree, improving neuronal membrane fluidity. This has been shown to reduce age-related memory impairment and cognitive decline. Continued use can protect against some of the factors related to senile dementia and memory loss. Furthermore, the increase in Dopamine production can help to balance your mood and even delay the onset of Parkinson’s Disease.
Phosphatidylserine benefits also extend to athletes involved in cycling, weight training, and endurance sports. If you participate in these activity, you may find it to speed recovery and even prevent muscle soreness in many cases. This allows athletes to perform better in competition and train harder.
Other benefits include bone matrix formation, testicular function improvement, coordinating the heart beats, hormone secretion regulation of the adrenal glands, and cell repair via the immune system.
Phosphatidylserine Dosage:
The recommended dose of this supplement is 100 mg, taken three times a day. However, the accepted dosage range is wide and falls anywhere between 100 and 1,200 mg per day. Most experts agree that a divided dose in several equal administrations throughout the day is best in terms of maintaining a constant level of the supplement in your system.
Always start out with a very low dose when trying a new supplement. Only increase once you have become more familiar with the benefits and effects. Taking too much may not improve your results and may lead to negative effects.
Side Effects:
This supplement is on the official FDA GRAS (generally regarded as safe) list. There are a few mild side effects which have been associated with Phosphatidylserine. These include stomach upset, GI issues, headaches, and insomnia. None of these are usually severe, but you may want to reduce the dose until they pass.
- Nerozzi D, Aceti F, Melia E, Magnani A, Marino R, Genovesi G, Amalfitano M, Cozza G, Murgiano S, De Giorgis G, et al. [Phosphatidylserine and memory disorders in the aged]. Clin Ter. 1987
- Richter Y, Herzog Y, Cohen T, Steinhart Y. The effect of phosphatidylserine-containing omega-3 fatty acids on memory abilities in subjects with subjective memory complaints: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging. 2010
- [No authors listed] Phosphatidylserine. Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2008
- Fünfgeld EW, Baggen M, Nedwidek P, Richstein B, Mistlberger G. Double-blind study with phosphatidylserine (PS) in parkinsonian patients with senile dementia of Alzheimer's type (SDAT). Prog Clin Biol Res. 1989
- Levano K, Punia V, Raghunath M, Debata PR, Curcio GM, Mogha A, Purkayastha S, McCloskey D, Fata J, Banerjee P. Atp8a1 deficiency is associated with phosphatidylserine externalization in hippocampus and delayed hippocampus-dependent learning. J Neurochem. 2012
- Park HJ, Lee SY, Shim HS, Kim JS, Kim KS, Shim I. Chronic Treatment with Squid Phosphatidylserine Activates Glucose Uptake and Ameliorates TMT-Induced Cognitive Deficit in Rats via Activation of Cholinergic Systems. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012
- Suzuki S, Yamatoya H, Sakai M, Kataoka A, Furushiro M, Kudo S. Oral administration of soybean lecithin transphosphatidylated phosphatidylserine improves memory impairment in aged rats. J Nutr. 2001
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment