Phosphatidylserine: What It Is, Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

Phosphatidylserine: What It Is, Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

Understanding Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is a fatty substance essential for protecting the nerve cells in your brain, facilitating communication between them. As a nutritional supplement, phosphatidylserine is notable for its role in boosting cognitive function and memory, particularly beneficial with aging. It enhances cellular communication and optimizes glucose metabolism in the brain.

To know more, visit the phosphatidylserine manufacturer.

The natural levels of phosphatidylserine in your body decrease as you age, leading some individuals to supplement their intake to maintain adequate levels in the brain.

Understanding Phospholipids

Phosphatidylserine is a specific type of phospholipid found within cell membranes in the brain, essentially separating the cell interior from the external environment. Phospholipids are fats that contain phosphorus, a critical mineral for your bones, teeth, and DNA.

Benefits of Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine supplements are known to support:

• Memory
• Cognitive function
• Attention and focus
• Stress relief
• Sleep

The supplements also address symptoms related to:

• Lipid imbalances linked to ADHD
• Depression and anxiety
• Alzheimer's disease

Although phosphatidylserine is not FDA-approved for treating medical conditions, it is considered safe (GRAS) when derived from fish, soy lecithin, and sunflower.

Phosphatidylserine and Anxiety

Phosphatidylserine supplements claim to alleviate anxiety by reducing stress, regulating mood, and promoting relaxation, primarily by balancing cortisol levels. However, it is not FDA-approved for treating anxiety.

Foods Rich in Phosphatidylserine

You can naturally source phosphatidylserine from:

• Soybeans
• Fish
• Eggs
• Animal organs like liver (chicken or beef)

Supplemental phosphatidylserine is often derived from:

• Fish
• Soy
• Sunflowers
• Cabbage

Earlier supplements used animal products such as cow's brain but have phased out due to safety concerns.

If you are looking to enhance your cognitive abilities, consider the Phosphatidylserine for students and professionals .

The Role of Phosphatidylserine in Immunity

Macrophages engulf only apoptotic cells due to the "eat-me" signal on these cells, predominantly phosphatidylserine (PtdSer). The exposure of PtdSer helps quickly identify and eliminate these cells via phagocytes; failure in this process can lead to inflammation.

The immune cells express multiple PtdSer receptors, critical for the endocytosis process. Recognized receptors include TAM receptor protein tyrosine kinases (TYRO3, AXL, MER), TIM family (T cell/transmembrane, immunoglobulin, and mucin), and others like αvβ3 or αvβ5 integrins, CD300a, BAI1, Stabilin, RAGE, and LOX-1. These receptors recognize PtdSer exposure, thereby facilitating endocytosis, although some downstream mechanisms remain unknown.

TAM Receptor Family

The TAM receptors, including TYRO3, AXL, and MER, play significant roles in the immune and blood coagulation systems. These receptors are transmembrane glycoproteins activating numerous intracellular signaling pathways upon ligand binding and phosphorylation. For optimal TAM receptor function, the presence of PtdSer and calcium is crucial for ligand binding and activation.

For more information on cognitive enhancement, explore the Citicoline Sodium benefits for cognitive function .