Introduction
Phosphatidylserine is a compound found in meat and fish and is an important part of human cells. It has been used to improve brain function and athletic performance. Phosphatidylserine has also been used to ease feelings of stress and depression. It can be taken as a pill or powder.
Dosages
100 milligrams 1 to 3 times daily
What Research Shows
May Be Effective
Not Enough Data to Assess
- Premenstrual syndrome E1
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take phosphatidylserine in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse such as:
- People taking blood thinners should talk to their doctor before takin phosphatidylserine. It may interact with the medicine.
References
REFA Alzheimer Disease
REFA1 Móre MI, Freitas U, et al. Positive effects of soy lecithin-derived phosphatidylserine plus phosphatidic acid on memory, cognition, daily functioning, and mood in elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Adv Ther. 2014;31(12):1247-1262.
REFB Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
REFB1 Manor I, Magen A, et al. The effect of phosphatidylserine containing Omega3 fatty-acids on attention0deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, followed by an open-label extension. Eur Psychiatry. 2012;27(5):335-342.
REFB2 Manor I, Magen A, et al. Safety of phosphatidylserine containing omega3 fatty acids in ADHD children: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial followed by an open-label extension. Eur Psychiatry. 2013;28(6):386-391.
REFB3 Hirayama S, Terasawa K, et al. The effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2014 Apr;27 Suppl 2:284-91.
REFC Memory
REFC1 Vakhapova V, Cohen T, et al. Phosphatidylserine containing omega-3 fatty acids may improve memory abilities in non-demented elderly with memory complaints: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2010;29(5):467-474.
REFC2 Vakhapova V, Richter Y, et al. Safety of phosphatidylserine containing omega-3 fatty acids in non-demented elderly: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial followed by an open-label extension. BMC Neurol. 2011;11:79.
REFD Milk Production in Breastfeeding Mothers
REFD1 Zecca E, Zuppa AA, et al. Efficacy of a galactogogue containing silymarin-phosphatidylserine and galega in mothers of preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2016 Oct;70(10):1151-1154.
REFD2 Serrao F, Corsello M, et al. The Long-Term Efficacy of a Galactagogue Containing Sylimarin-Phosphatidylserine and Galega on Milk Production of Mothers of Preterm Infants. Breastfeed Med. 2018 Jan/Feb;13(1):67-69.
REFE Premenstrual Syndrome
REFE1 Schmidt K, Weber N, et al. A lecithin phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid complex (PAS) reduces symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2018 Apr;24:22-30.