Does Phosphatidylserine Really Work?
Phosphatidylserine is a naturally occurring molecule that is essential for normal brain function. Although phosphatidylserine is found in many foods (and is made by the human body), it is also available in
dietary supplements. Such supplements are often claimed to work for many different conditions. Some of these claims have some scientific basis, although some have no scientific basis whatsoever.
Phosphatidylserine Research and Clinical Studies
Very early studies suggest that phosphatidylserine may work for
Alzheimer's disease treatment. However, it seems to work best for mild (early)
Alzheimer's and may quickly lose its effectiveness over time. Early research also suggests that phosphatidylserine can improve mental function (such as memory and attention) in people with cognitive decline not related to Alzheimer's.
It is important to note that most phosphatidylserine studies used bovine phosphatidylserine (which is made using brain material from cows). However, most manufacturers now use a plant-based source, due to concerns about mad cow disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that bovine and plant-based phosphatidylserine may not be exactly the same and may have different medicinal properties. The results from studies using bovine phosphatidylserine (almost all studies) cannot yet be applied to most phosphatidylserine supplements currently available.
There is not enough reliable scientific evidence to suggest that phosphatidylserine works for
depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD), or for improving athletic performance. More research is necessary before it can be determined if phosphatidylserine works (or does not work) for such conditions.
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