|
|
| Proper name |
Phosphatadylserine |
| Category |
Phospholipid |
| Functions |
Neuronal cell membranes are composed of phospholipids. In addition to influencing
the structure and permeability of neuronal cell membranes, phosphatadylserine
also influences the production and release of neurotransmitters. In aged
rats, phosphatadylserine increased the release of dopamine and acetylcholine,
and prevented aging and atrophy of dendritic spines in the hippocampal pyramidal
cells and of the cholinergic cells in the basal forebrain. Other studies
have shown effects on norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. Phosphatadylserine
may also protect the brain from free radical damage. |
| RDA |
None |
| Therapeutic
dose |
300 to 400 mg/day. |
| Deficiency symptoms |
Age-related cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease may be treated
by oral supplementation of phosphatadylserine, Geriatric depression.
Hypercortisolism due to chronic stress. This condition may be controlled
by phosphatadylserine. Both cortisol and ACTH are reduced by oral supplementation
of this nutrient. |
| Toxicity |
This nutrient is relatively safe. The dose required to kill 50% of rats
taking this nutrient is greater than 5 grams per kilogram of body weight.
There was no mutagenicity or teratogenicity found in rats or rabbits. In
a toxicity study of 130 patients, no significant changes were noted in CBC
or serum chemistry levels except for a significant decrease in SGPT (indicating
that liver cells were breaking down at a lower rate than usual) and lower
uric acid levels (potentially good news for gout). |
| Best
forms
|
Phosphatadylserine |
| Food
sources |
Soy products such as lecithin. |
| Lab
tests |
None |
| Drug
interactions |
None
noted |
| Nutrient interactions |
None known |
| Metabolism |
Phosphatadylserine
is made in the body from the amino acid serine, glycerophosphate and two
fatty acids. It passes the blood brain barrier as evidenced by experiments
demonstrating that oral supplementation affects neuronal membranes, and
neurotransmitter levels. This nutrient appears to have an affinity for
the hypothalamus. Oral administration results in peak levels in 1 to 4
hours. Phosphatadylserine, along with other phospholipids, make up the
basic structural elements of the cell membranes in the brain and nervous
tissue.
|
|
© 2000 DrWells.net All Rights Reserved
|
