Phosphatidylserine and the human brain.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the roles and importance of phosphatidylserine (PS), an endogenous phospholipid and dietary nutrient, in human brain biochemistry, physiology, and function.


METHODS
A scientific literature search was conducted on MEDLINE for relevant articles regarding PS and the human brain published before June 2014. Additional publications were identified from references provided in original papers; 127 articles were selected for inclusion in this review.


RESULTS
A large body of scientific evidence describes the interactions among PS, cognitive activity, cognitive aging, and retention of cognitive functioning ability.


CONCLUSIONS
Phosphatidylserine is required for healthy nerve cell membranes and myelin. Aging of the human brain is associated with biochemical alterations and structural deterioration that impair neurotransmission. Exogenous PS (300-800 mg/d) is absorbed efficiently in humans, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and safely slows, halts, or reverses biochemical alterations and structural deterioration in nerve cells. It supports human cognitive functions, including the formation of short-term memory, the consolidation of long-term memory, the ability to create new memories, the ability to retrieve memories, the ability to learn and recall information, the ability to focus attention and concentrate, the ability to reason and solve problems, language skills, and the ability to communicate. It also supports locomotor functions, especially rapid reactions and reflexes.
The Nutrition Doctor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Electronic address: the_nutrition_doctor@yahoo.com.
Michael J
MJ
Glade
Progressive Laboratories Inc., Irving, Texas.
Kyl
K
Smith
D000375:Aging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D003071:Cognition; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D010718:Phosphatidylserines / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D010718:Phosphatidylserines
Cognitive aging; Cognitive decline; Cognitive function; Neurotransmission; Phosphatidylserine