Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a functional ingredient with FDA-recognized health claims. Research studies indicate that PS is effective in improving cognitive performance, especially in elderly populations.

The clinical study examined the effects of 6 and 12 weeks of supplementation with soybean-derived phosphatidylserine (SB-PS) on the cognitive function of 30 healthy volunteers with memory complaints, using a computerized cognitive assessment tool.

By comparing the experimental results between the SB-PS group (300 mg/day) and the placebo group, the study demonstrated significant improvements in memory recognition and memory recall (p = 0.013 and p = 0.007, respectively) in healthy elderly subjects with memory complaints following a short supplementation period.

The lack of neurotransmitters results in declining memory capacity and impaired concentration. With the addition of phosphatidylserine (PS) as a dietary supplement, the fluidity of nerve cell membranes is improved, which also increases the levels of neurotransmitters.

It has been demonstrated that phosphatidylserine has positive effects on increasing the number of dendritic spines, enhancing the fluidity of brain cell membranes, and improving glucose metabolism in brain cells, thereby making brain cells more active.

A total of 120 middle school students (17–18 years old) participated in a 40-day double-blind clinical trial to investigate the correlation between PS consumption and brain function. According to the experimental results, significant improvements in both verbal and non-verbal memory were observed with a daily intake of 100 mg PS (P < 0.05).

Comparison of the subscale scores and total scores of the intervention group and the control group after the test

Phosphatidylserine (PS) can significantly reduce the levels of stress-related hormones in the human body, improve concentration, increase alertness and memory, and help relieve negative emotional states. PS has been shown to decrease adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol responses to acute physical and mental stress.

A total of 75 healthy male volunteers were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with a daily intake of 400 mg PS combined with 400 mg phosphatidic acid (PA). The results showed that, in chronically stressed subjects, daily supplementation with 400 mg PS was able to normalize the hyper-responsivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPAA) in response to an acute stressor.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) supplementation has the potential to attenuate the serum cortisol response to acute exercise stress and increase the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio. PS has also been demonstrated to accelerate recovery following moderate exercise. By maintaining hormone levels within a desirable range, training efficiency and overall athletic performance can be enhanced.

In addition, phosphatidylserine has been shown to improve enzymatic activity by enhancing cell membrane fluidity and composition. PS plays a significant role in the maintenance of neuronal excitability and signal transmission, potentially resulting in a reduced need for adrenergic stimulation during moderate-intensity exercise, thereby attenuating exercise-induced fatigue.