PS100 - Phosphatidylserine , Brain Nutrition and More

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PS for the Brain

For more than 20 years, thousands of human subjects have been involved in clinical trials to test a nutrient called Phosphatidylserine (PS). The pace of PS research is quickening with over ten clinical studies conducted in the last decade. PS is a naturally occurring phospholipid especially concentrated in the brain and nerve tissue. Phospholipids are major structural lipid components of cell membranes. As we age, we synthesize less PS internally. Therefore, optimal brain health while aging requires supplementation.

For years, concentrated PS was derived from bovine sources, but with potential safety problems involving bovine materials, soy and rice lipids have become the dietary supplement industry’s source of phospholipids. PS is synthesized from soy lecithin by an enzymatic process called tranphostidylization of phosphatidylcholine (PC). A phospholipase enzyme is used to substitute the choline head group on the phospholipid with a serine amino acid head group. Jarrow Formulas’ PS is made by a biotechnology company in Israel.

Phosphatidylserine is a critical component involved in brain function. Certain brain structures and functions have been well studied and can now be quantified: the capacity to recall numbers, faces, words, concentration on mental tasks, etc., have been investigated and mechanically quantified by specialized scientists. PS has been studied for its effects on these brain-performance parameters and the results were intriguing.

Scientists believe that PS impacts neural membranes and specific neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Multiple animal studies have shown that PS may be able to diminish the negative effects of aging upon cognitive ability. As Dr. Thomas Cook of the Memory Assessment Clinic explained in his 1991 study, “In aged animals, Phosphatidylserine improves performance of…spatial memory, and other learning and memory tasks.”

What goes on at the Membrane Level?

According to Dr. Parris Kidd, “Membranes are the major work surfaces of all known cells, and nerve cells especially depend on membranes to carry out their specialized functions.” The benefits of PS may result from its capacity to regulate proteins found in cell membranes. Through an effect on cell membrane fluidity, cell-to-cell communication is improved.

PS for Brawn

PS data that indicates that PS may have an application in reducing the catabolic loss of proteins during stress. Specifically, PS counteracts the activation of the HPA (Hypothalamo-pituitaryadrenal axis), which goes into overdrive during acute stress. The study involved nine healthy men who were subjected to physical exercise. Some of them received the PS, while others received a placebo. The results indicated that PS can reduce the activation of the HPA without affecting growth hormone levels.

Scientists thought this “suggested that PS might have an acute effect on the stress-induced release of adrenocorticotrophic hormones and cortisol.” Cortisol is involved in catabolic (breakdown of tissue) conditions. By reducing cortisol release, PS has a direct anti-catabolic effect. Consequently, usage of PS may help improve recovery time from exercise. However, it should be noted that higher amounts of PS were used in this study to achieve these results.

Bioavailability of PS

There are many products that are hydrolyzed before reaching circulation, or are modified after reaching the liver. However, this often results in a reduction or total loss of biological value of the product. PS is rapidly and well absorbed following oral administration. Radioactively tagged PS appears in the circulatory system about 30 minutes after consumption. Minutes thereafter, PS is taken up by the liver and the brain.

Usage

Being a fat-soluble nutrient, PS doesn’t have the rapid turnover rate common to water-soluble nutrients. Consequently, PS builds up in the body, and supplementation with PS can be tapered down at times with no loss of effectiveness. Some clinicians recommend that individuals start with 300 mg per day for 2-4 weeks, followed by 100-200 mg per day for maintenance. Initially, most PS was introduced in a liquid softgel format, but it is also available in hardshell capsules, which actually is the more stable form. Jarrow FORMULAS®

Brain Nutrition Series Citicoline:

CDP Choline Promotes brain metabolism. It is useful in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine in the brain. The primary benefits demonstrated in clinical trials are improvement in cognitive abilities and brain function. (250 mg/60 capsules)

References:

Cook Thomas et al., Neurology, 1991, 41:644-48
Monteleone P et al., Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 1992, 41:385-88
Heywood R et al., Clinical Trials J, 1987, 24:25-32
Amaducc L, SMID Group. Phosphatidylserine in the treatment of
Alzheimer’s disease. Results of a multicenter study. Psychopharmacol
Bull. 1988; 24:130-134
Blokland A et al., Cognition-enhancing properties of subchronic
Phosphatidylserine treatment in middle-aged rats: comparison of
bovine cortex PS with eggs PS and Soybean PS. Nutr. 1999; 778-783
Crook TH et al., Effects of Phosphatidylserine in Alzheimer’s disease.
Psychopharmacol Bull. 1992; 28:61-66
Crook TH et al., Effects of Phosphatidylserine in age-associated
memory impairment. Neurol. 1991; 41:644-649
Toffano G “The therapeutic value of Phosphatidylserine effect in the aging
brain’ in Lecithin: Technological, Biological, and Therapeutic Agents, ed. I
Hanin and G.B. Ansell. (New York: Phelnum Press, 1987) 137-146
Masashi Sakai et al., Pharmacological effects of Phosphatidylserine
Enzymatically Synthesized from Soybean Lecithin on Brain Function in
Rodents. J. Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol., 1996; 42, 47-54.
Maggioni M et al., Acta Psychiatr Scand 1990 mar; 81(3): 265-270
Cenacchi T et al., Human tolerability of oral Phosphatidylserine assessed
through laboratory examinations Clin. Trials J. 1987; (24) 125-130

Source: Jarrow Formulas