Essential brain nutrients
Phosphatidylserine
Introduction to Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is found in high concentrations in the brain, particularly in cell membranes, where it supports neuronal integrity (1). Natural sources of PS include soy, sunflower seeds, and certain fish (2).
PS is one of the most well-studied compounds for its role in supporting cognitive functions like memory, focus, and learning (3).
In addition, PS is involved in synaptic pruning, contributes to the protection of neurons, and plays a role in cellular repair, which is important for brain health and resilience (4).
PS is one of the most well-studied compounds for its role in supporting cognitive functions like memory, focus, and learning (3).
In addition, PS is involved in synaptic pruning, contributes to the protection of neurons, and plays a role in cellular repair, which is important for brain health and resilience (4).
Role in Brain Health
Phosphatidylserine helps maintain the structural integrity of neurons, supporting efficient signaling and communication (3, 4). PS is associated with synaptic plasticity, a process essential for memory and learning (5). PS helps maintain healthy cortisol levels, supporting the brain's response to occasional stress (6). PS facilitates neurotransmitter release, supporting communication between neurons, and helps maintain the function of glial cells in the brain (7). PS also plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the myelin sheath, which acts like insulation around nerve fibers to protect them and ensure messages travel smoothly between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. This support helps promote efficient nerve signaling throughout the body.
Axolt Formulation Principles
We combined PS and choline in our supplement to create a synergistic formula for brain health, as PS levels are influenced by choline availability (8). This combination is unique, as most supplements include only one of these ingredients, but together they provide complementary benefits.
PS supports healthy brain cell membranes and cognitive function (6), while choline serves as a precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (9). The combination of these two molecules is a key part of Axolt’s approach to long-term brain health. By combining these premium ingredients, we aim to support memory, focus, and cognition.
Core Benefits and Claims
- PS stabilizes neuronal membranes, supporting efficient communication and cognitive function (3).
- PS is associated with dopamine and acetylcholine release, supporting learning and mood (10).
- PS helps maintain the integrity of the myelin sheath, supporting fast and efficient nerve signaling (3).
- PS helps maintain healthy cortisol levels, supporting stress resilience and brain health (5).
Resources
1. Kim HY, Huang BX, Spector AA. Phosphatidylserine in the brain: metabolism and function. Prog Lipid Res. 2014 Oct;56:1-18. doi: 10.1016/j.plipres.2014.06.002. Epub 2014 Jun 30. PMID: 24992464; PMCID: PMC4258547.
2. Pimentel L, Gomes A, Pintado M, Rodríguez-Alcalá LM. Isolation and Analysis of Phospholipids in Dairy Foods. J Anal Methods Chem. 2016;2016:9827369. doi: 10.1155/2016/9827369. Epub 2016 Aug 17. PMID: 27610267; PMCID: PMC5005530.
3. Glade MJ, Smith K. Phosphatidylserine and the human brain. Nutrition. 2015 Jun;31(6):781-6. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2014.10.014. Epub 2014 Nov 4. PMID: 25933483.
4. Scott-Hewitt N, Perrucci F, Morini R, Erreni M, Mahoney M, Witkowska A, Carey A, Faggiani E, Schuetz LT, Mason S, Tamborini M, Bizzotto M, Passoni L, Filipello F, Jahn R, Stevens B, Matteoli M. Local externalization of phosphatidylserine mediates developmental synaptic pruning by microglia. EMBO J. 2020 Aug 17;39(16):e105380. doi: 10.15252/embj.2020105380. Epub 2020 Jul 13. PMID: 32657463; PMCID: PMC7429741.
5. Monteleone P, Maj M, Beinat L, Natale M, Kemali D. Blunting by chronic phosphatidylserine administration of the stress-induced activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in healthy men. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1992;42(4):385-8. doi: 10.1007/BF00280123. PMID: 1325348.
6. Moré MI, Freitas U, Rutenberg D. 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 Dec;31(12):1247-62. doi: 10.1007/s12325-014-0165-1. Epub 2014 Nov 21. PMID: 25414047; PMCID: PMC4271139.
7. Yu T, Flores-Solis D, Eastep GN, Becker S, Zweckstetter M. Phosphatidylserine-dependent structure of synaptogyrin remodels the synaptic vesicle membrane. Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2023 Jul;30(7):926-934. doi: 10.1038/s41594-023-01004-9. Epub 2023 May 22. PMID: 37217654; PMCID: PMC10352133.
8. Overmeyer JH, Waechter CJ. Regulation of phosphatidylserine decarboxylase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by inositol and choline: kinetics of repression and derepression. Arch Biochem Biophys. 1991 Nov 1;290(2):511-6. doi: 10.1016/0003-9861(91)90574-3. PMID: 1929418.
9. Kansakar U, Trimarco V, Mone P, Varzideh F, Lombardi A, Santulli G. Choline supplements: An update. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Mar 7;14:1148166. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1148166. PMID: 36950691; PMCID: PMC10025538.
10. Casamenti F, Scali C, Pepeu G. Phosphatidylserine reverses the age-dependent decrease in cortical acetylcholine release: a microdialysis study. Eur J Pharmacol. 1991 Feb 26;194(1):11-6. doi: 10.1016/0014-2999(91)90117-9. PMID: 2060587.
