Phosphatidylserine

Reference: Kingsley M. Effects of phosphatidylserine supplementation on exercising humans. Sports Med. 2006;36(8):657-69. Review. PMID: 16869708

Summary: This sports medicine study explores the supplementation of phosphatidylserine and its impact when coupled with a regular regimen of exercise. Phosphatidyl serine (PS) is a phospholipid. Phospholipids are a class of lipids which are major components of biological membranes. PS is omnipresent and is usually found in the inner leaflet of the cell membrane. Research has produced evidence that PS is instrumental in a number of membrane-related functions. As a co-factor necessary for the catalysis of a variety of enzymes, it is surmised that PS plays an important role in cell excitability and communication. Further studies have indicated that PS is involved in the regulation of neuroendocrine responses via the release of acetylcholine, dopamine and noradrenaline, pointing to a brain booster capability. The list is topped off with two additional functions – (1) PS influences tissue response to inflammation, and (2) it has the knack of acting as an effective antioxidant, especially when responding to iron-mediated oxidation. Grounded in all of these strengths, most investigation has focused on PS supplementation and its impact on memory and cognitive function. This study took things a touch further to discover that PS supplementation does indeed have positive effects when coupled with exercise. Findings suggest that PS supplementation reduced the cortisol response that usually occurs during overtraining. The lowering of the usual cortisol response makes for an improved sense of well-being and decreases perceived muscle soreness. As a whole, study findings strongly intimate successful and innovative application of PS as a supplement because of improvement in exercise capacity during high-intensity cycling and intermittent running.