Phosphatidylserine is a class of phospholipids found in cell membranes. Its levels and location within the brain can affect important signaling pathways for cell survival and communication. Phosphatidylserine includes two fatty acids that can vary from saturated or monounsaturated to polyunsaturated omega-6 and omega-3 versions like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Some clinical trials of phosphatidylserine supplements have shown modestly improved cognitive function, but more rigorous trials are needed.
While numerous studies have been carried out, it is difficult to compare across studies as the chemical composition of phosphatidylserine has varied widely between trials. Long-term data is also lacking. Our search found:
The amount of phosphatidylserine in the brain remains mostly constant throughout life, although slight changes have been reported with Alzheimer's disease and aging [1]. It is not clear whether supplements can increase phosphatidylserine brain levels [2]. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis found that phosphatidylserine supplementation may have some potential benefit for memory, though it included trials that are difficult to directly compare [3]. Small clinical trials, some of which were included in the meta-analysis, also suggest that phosphatidylserine supplements can yield slight cognitive improvements in adults, but effects were not large enough to be clinically relevant [4; 5; 6; 7]. Long-term use has not been well-studied, with most trials lasting less than 6 months. Perhaps the biggest challenge is the phosphatidylserine itself: as different sources of phosphatidylserine have different chemical makeups, it is difficult to directly compare the outcomes of many trials.
Small trials suggested that phosphatidylserine might slightly improve cognition for Alzheimer's patients, but effects were short-lived or detectable only in severely impaired patients [8; 9; 10; 11]. Benefits have not been confirmed in larger trials.
Small clinical trials suggest that phosphatidylserine supplements produce no serious adverse effects for elderly patients, although it may reduce blood pressure or increase body weight [12]. It is possible that phosphatidylserine may increase risk of bleeding. In the past, some phosphatidylserine supplements were derived from cow brain; however, due to theoretical concerns that these supplements could transmit prion disease such as mad cow [13], the only available phosphatidylserine supplements are derived from plant or marine sources.
NOTE: This is not a comprehensive safety evaluation or complete list of potentially harmful drug interactions. It is important to discuss safety issues with your physician before taking any new supplement or medication.
Phosphatidylserine doses typically range from 80 to 500 mg per day, and can include varying amount of omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA depending on the source of the phosphatidylserine [3]. The presence of DHA may be important for increasing synthesis of phosphatidylserine in the brain. However, in theory, any phosphatidylserine taken with a separate DHA supplement could have the same effect as DHA-enriched phosphatidylserine because phospholipids may be broken down in the gut before being absorbed [2].
Full scientific report (PDF) on Cognitive Vitality Reports; see also reports for omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA.