Moreover, when phosphatidylserine is paired with DHA Omega-3 fatty acids, short-term and long-term memory retention and focusing ability are improved, as well as an increased brain (more exact, the hippocampus and amygdala) phospholipid retention. This phospholipid retention in the hippocampus allows for better computation, comprehension and recalling of both short-term and long-term memories. The hippocampus is also responsible for spatial navigation, which also shows improvement when phosphatidylserine and DHA are consumed. The amygdala is not only responsible for sensory reception and projection, but it also controls memory organization and storage of emotions; phospholipid retention enhances its ability to function properly.
Because phosphatidylserine and DHA work so well hand-in-hand in improving memory and spatial navigation, a wide range of people can benefit from the combination:
- Children or adults with learning disabilities
- Competitive athletes
- College students
- Children with poor dietary habits
- People who have suffered from a brain injury
- People in high-stress occupations
- People showing signs of age-related memory loss
- People with a genetic predisposition to dementia
The correct dosage of phosphatidylserine and DHA varies with age, weight, diet, and specific needs. While a grown, healthy male may need 500mg of phosphatidylserine and 2,500 mg of DHA per day, a child may only need half that amount. While there are no known side effects or toxicity levels of phosphatidylserine, the sources from which it is derived should be considered. DHA Omega-3 fatty acids should be derived from cold-water sources.
References
Enzymotec Ltd. (2010) Sub-Chronic Toxicity Evaluation of Phosphatidylserine in Elderly Rat Model. Enzymotec Delivering Lipids. Retrieved from http://healthforbrains.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Safety-of-Enzymotec-PS.pdf
Petursdottir, A., et al (2008) Effect of Dietary n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Brain Lipid Fatty Acid Composition, Learning Ability, and Memory of Senescene-Accelerated Mouse. The Journals of Gerontology. Retrieved from http://biomedgerontology.oxfordjournals.org/content/63/11/1153.short
Suzuki, S., et al. (2001) Oral Administration of Soybean Lecithin Transphosphatidylated Phosphatidylserine Improves Memory Impairment in Aged Rats. The American Society for Nutritional Sciences. Retrieved from http://jn.nutrition.org/content/131/11/2951.short
Thorne Research, Inc. (2008) Phosphatidylserine. Alternative Medicine Review. Retrieved from http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/.fulltext/13/3/245.pdf
