Phosphatidy-L-serine: A Brain Building Block

 Phosphatidy-L-serine, commonly known as Phosphatidylserine, is a phospholipid that is found in the membranes of every living cell, both of plants and animals. Some cells contain more Phosphatidy-L-serine than others, and the brain contains half of the Phosphatidy-L-serine in the human body, making it a substance of concern for brain health. As well as being a physical building block of the brain cell, Phosphatidy-L-serine is involved in brain signal transmission.

Studies with both humans and animals indicate that supplements of Phosphatidy-L-serine maintain or improve cognitive function, and are of benefit to individuals who suffer from forms of senile dementia, such as Alzheimer's Disease. Scientists speculate that an increase of Phosphatidy-L-serine in the phospholipid pool improves the brain cells' ability to transmit signals, and may also enhance acetylcholine release. Acetylcholine reduction is the factor that many researchers site as an underlying cause of Alzheimer's Disease. Some studies indicate that Phosphatidy-L-serine is most helpful for Alzheimer's patients whose brain function is still in the low range of normal. Phosphatidy-L-serine also has been tested in groups of individuals who suffer from anxiety or depression.

In addition to acetylcholine, Phosphatidy-L-serine has been shown to increase the release of dopamine and noradrenaline, both of which affect mood. Improvement in cognitive ability in persons with dementia also improves social skills, which further alleviates symptoms of depression that are associated with that disease. Additionally, numerous studies have been performed of Phosphatidy-L-serine's impact on the body's reaction to physical stress. By blunting the impact of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol, Phosphatidy-L-serine can alleviate the symptoms of both physical and emotional stress, resulting in a lessening of anxiety, and an improvement in mood.

Commercial preparations of Phosphatidy-L-serine were once made from bovine brain material, but worry about mad cow disease has led to their withdrawal from the market. Plant sources, mainly soy lecithin, are the primary base for Phosphatidy-L-serine supplements sold today. Studies of soy-based Phosphatidy-L-serine show that although the chemical components are not identical, it is probably as effective as the old bovine-based supplements were. Nausea and indigestion are sometimes reported as side effects of Phosphatidy-L-serine use, but to date no major side effects have been found.

Those with sensitivity to the base used in Phosphatidy-L-serine preparation may want to avoid using it. There have been no long-term studies on the effects of Phosphatidy-L-serine supplementation on the developing fetus, infants, or small children, and use by pregnant or nursing mothers is not recommended.

Recommended Phosphatidy-L-serine Supplement

We have stumbled upon a company that produces a product that provides the highest quality of Phosphatidy-L-serine is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Xtend-Life has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains standardized Phosphatidy-L-serine, along with many other potent herbal supplement extracts, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other speciality nutrients, many of which are documented in this site.

We here at www.InstantHealthSecret.com personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as the foundation of our own health regimen and have achieved excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental acuity, and general sense of well-being.