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Question:
How does phosphatidylserine work to improve mental function? Is it safe? What is the usual dosage?
Answer:
Phosphatidylserine is the major fatty substance in the human brain where it plays a major role in determining the integrity and fluidity of cell membranes. Normally the brain can manufacture sufficient levels of phosphatidylserine, but if there is a deficiency of methyl donors like SAMe, folic acid, and vitamin B12 or essential fatty acids the brain may not be able to make sufficient phosphatidylserine.
Phosphatidylserine supplementation has been shown to significantly improve mood, memory, and age-related brain changes. Specifically, very good results have been obtained in numerous double-blind studies in elderly patients with depression and/or memory impairment. It is both safe and effective. The typical dosage has been 100 mg three times daily.
Supplementing the diet with the necessary nutrients the brains needs to manufacture phosphatidylserine - essential fatty acid (particularly the omega-3 oils, I recommend flaxseed oil), folic acid (minimum 800 mcg. daily), vitamin B12 (minimum 800 mcg. daily) and vitamin C (minimum 1,000 mg. daily) – also seems like a very good idea.
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