Phosphatidylserine – The Essential Brain Nutrient

LOCASCIOA JAN 5, 2012 5:47 PM

Health headlines have preached about the necessity of calcium for bones, folic acid for the heart, and lutein for the eyes. Likewise, a number of nutrients such as ginkgo, SAMe and choline have been deemed helpful for the brain. One that’s absolutely vital, though, is phosphatidylserine (PS). What makes experts so sure that we need phosphatidylserine is that the brain actually produces it. Aging slows the production of phosphatidylserine to sub-optimal levels that preclude us from functioning at full mental capacity. This is where supplementation with phosphatidylserine comes into play. A growing body of scientific findings supports the vital role of phosphatidylserine in improving and reversing the damage that age and/or disease have set in motion.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid that is found in all cells, but is most highly concentrated in the walls (membranes) of brain cells, making up about 70% of its nerve tissue mass. There it aids in the storage, release and activity of many vital neurotransmitters and their receptors. Phosphatidylserine also aids in cell-to-cell communication.

Phosphatidylserine is involved in the upkeep and restoration of nerve cell membranes. Among its list of functions, phosphatidylserine stimulates the release of dopamine (a mood regulator that also control physical sensations, and movement), increases the production of acetylcholine (necessary for learning and memory), enhances brain glucose metabolism (the fuel used for brain activity), reduces cortisol levels (a stress hormone), and boosts the activity of nerve growth factor (NGF), which oversees the health of cholinergic neurons.

Research has shown that dietary supplementation with phosphatidylserine can slow and even reverse the decline of learning, mood, memory, concentration, word recall related to dementia or age-related cognitive impairment in middle-aged and elderly subjects.

Dr. Salerno now offers Phosphatidylserine in a high potency formula.  Each serving contains 100mg of pure Phosphatidylserine formulated to be free of allergens derived from: Gluten, corn, yeast, artificial colors and flavors. 

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