It’s an ingredient often seen in supplements, but most know little about. Phosphatidylserine is manufactured in supplements for cognitive function, sleep, mood, and exercise performance. Riddled with potential benefits, this supplement ingredient could help improve many different areas of focus for your customers.
What Exactly Is It?
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid, or fatty substance, produced in the body that covers and protects every cell, and is a major component of all cell membranes. It is especially important for proper functioning of nerve cells within the brain, working to transmit messages between them.
Areas of Impact
Cognitive Function: In a clinical trial of 18 young people, a supplement containing 400 mg of phosphatidylserine was reported to have increased the speed of mathematical calculations while decreasing the number of errors made. In a clinical trial of 577 elderly people, a supplement containing 300 mg of phosphatidylserine helped improve general cognitive function. Supplementation with 200-300 mg a day of PS supported memory in three clinical trials including children with ADHD and older adults.
Memory: PS is often associated with supplements that help slow age-related memory loss. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition involved 78 elderly people with mild cognitive impairment. For six months, these participants were administered either a supplement or placebo. At the end of the six weeks, tests showed that those who had scored low in the beginning had experienced considerable improvements in memory.
Stress and Sleep: It’s about to get science-y. According to Mederi Center, phosphatidylserine regulates stress-induced hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). The HPA is a communication system between the brain and adrenal glands which maintains balance of cortisol levels. When we are enduring chronic stress, the system will first go into overdrive and emit high levels of cortisol. But if we continue to over-draw on our cortisol “gas task,” we will find ourselves depleted and “running on empty,” which is not ideal. It is in this stage that PS goes into action, preventing cortisol levels from remaining too high. Some people take it in the morning before work, some people take it before bed to “sponge up” the extra cortisol that may otherwise keep them awake—something to consider when creating the directions for your private label phosphatidylserine supplement.
Mood: Phosphatidylserine is believed to modulate mood. For example, in a published study, people over 65 years of age with serious depression took a supplement containing PS, DHA, and EPA three times daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, scores on a depression scale had improved. In a small clinical trial of 10 older women, 300 mg a day helped reduce depressive symptoms. As more research is underway, there is hope on the horizon with phosphatidylserine and its ability to regulate mood.
Exercise Performance: Perhaps most beneficial for your stay-at-home fitness enthusiasts, PS supplements may support increased exercise capacity and help enhance athletic performance. In a clinical trial of 14 men, 750 mg of phosphatidylserine raised exercise endurance. In another, 400 mg a day helped reduce feelings of post-workout fatigue. It might even help lessen muscle soreness and, adding onto the note of stress, fend off the overdrive of cortisol levels, which can occur as a result of overtraining.
Planning Ahead
While phosphatidylserine can be among many other brain power or endurance-aiding ingredients in your next private label product, it can also be the ingredient that makes a difference for your customers.
Depending on your product goals, Makers Nutrition will happily guide you through the supplement manufacturing process in creating a quality version of what you have in mind. Our expert team of product specialists aims to propel the success of your supplement brand, and they look forward to receiving your quote.
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