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What is Phosphatidylserine?
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a natural nutrient found as part of the cell membrane of cells. It is a naturally-occurring phospholipids nutrient that has been shown to improve cognitive functions and enhance mental ability. PS is most notably found in the cell membrane of neurons, comprising about 7 to 10 percent of its lipid content. PS is essential to the healthy functioning of the human brain where it affects an assortment of nerve cell functions, including: conduction of nerve impulses; accumulation, storage and release of neurotransmitters, the activity and number of receptors involved in synaptic discharge; and the biological maintenance of cellular “housekeeping” functions.
Research indicates that when PS levels naturally decline with age, so too does the ability to learn, remember things and stay alert. Depression may also develop as a result of age-related PS insufficiency. PS supplements have been proposed as a partial solution to such developments. Rapidly absorbed into the brain, these supplements may compensate for low PS levels and thus prevent or even reverse age-related declines in brain function. PS actually appears in numerous foods, including rice and green leafy vegetables, but only in small amounts. Commercially prepared supplements, on the other hand, offer a concentrated source.
Up until a few years ago, PS supplements were manufactured from animal sources, specifically from cows' brains. But because of concerns about the potential for cross-species infection ("mad cow" disease), supplements are now derived from a plant source, soy lecithin. Although lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) has been available as a supplement for many decades, phosphatidylserine became available to the North American market in the mid 1990s.
Health Benefits
Phosphatidylserine effectively alleviates Depression — especially in the elderly.
Phosphatidylserine increases brain Alpha Waves by 15-20%.
Phosphatidylserine helps stabilize Brain Wave Patterns in Epileptics.
Phosphatidylserine increases Intelligence.
Phosphatidylserine prevents the decline in Learning Capacity that occurs with age.
Phosphatidylserine prevents the decline in the number of Brain Dendrites that occurs with age.
Phosphatidylserine improves Mood — especially in the elderly.
Phosphatidylserine is involved in Myelin Sheath repair.
Phosphatidylserine increases the number of Neurotransmitter Receptor Sites.
Phosphatidylserine stimulates release of the brain neurotransmitter Dopamine.
Phosphatidylserine improves Reflexes — as judged by flicker-fusion response time.
Phosphatidylserine counteracts Cortisol that rises during intensive exercise and during stress.
Phosphatidylserine enhances the function of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
Phosphatidylserine increases production of the brain neurotransmitter Acetylcholine.
Phosphatidylserine enhances brain Glucose Metabolism.
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