Bodybuilding.com - Clayton's Health Facts: Phosphatidyl Serine.

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Supplement is a term used to describe a preparation such as a tablet, pill, or powder that contains nutrients. Supplements are used to help you achieve optimal nutrient intake.

Clayton South, SPN (ISSA), is a recognized expert in the bodybuilding / fitness industry with over 150 bodybuilding, fitness and nutrition publications to his credit.

Phosphatidyl Serine (1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol-(3)-L-phosphoserine).

By: Clayton South

What Is It?
And Where Does It Come From?

Phosphatidyl Serine (1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol-(3)-L-phosphoserine) is a phospholipid that's comprised of the amino acid L-serine and a lipid molecule.

It is present in the cells of all plants and animals, and is derived from the cerebral cortex of cattle, or from egg yolks, soybeans or lecithin (phosphatidylcholine). As a nutritional supplement, phosphatidyl serine is derived from plant sources to eliminate the risk of disease transmission from infected cattle.

Mad Cow Disease:
A lethal disease that originates in cows and can spread to humans through consumption of affected neural tissue. It is called Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease in humans. It causes the brain to deteriorate through the instrument of an infectious protein called a prion.

What Does It Do?
And What Scientific Studies Give Evidence To Support This?

Phosphatidyl serine (PS) is present in the cells of every living plant and animal. It is vital to the structure and functioning of cells, and in humans it is vital to proper brain cell function and brain operation.

While its mechanisms of action are unknown, PS is thought to:

Repair damaged nerve cells.
Maintain nerve cell integrity.
Enhance neurotransmitter signal efficiency.
Enhance cognition.
Elevate mood.
Enhance memory.
Increase the brains absorption of nutrients.
Improve nerve cell signal transmission.

It is not surprising, then, that users of PS report being able to think more quickly, more clearly, remember things better and report having lower occurrences of depressive though patterns. Overall, users report being in better spirits - a result they attribute to PS supplementation.

The ability of PS to improve mood makes it a promising candidate in depression treatment; results to this end are so far promising. PS supplementation appears to lead to improvement in overall brain function and health.

But, PS has additional benefits.

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Normally, cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, peaking twice daily. Cortisol levels remain within acceptable limits under normal conditions and do not adversely impact health.

However, pollutants, the stresses of every day life, and the stresses of physical training can cause elevations in cortisol levels; this can adversely impact immune function and overall health.

PS may reduce cortisol levels, thereby reducing the impact of stress, and enhancing exercise recovery and overall immune function. Indirectly, this can lead to an increase in overall muscularity through the preservation of muscle tissue.

Because the amount of PS that reaches the brain after surviving the intestinal tract is rare, results are best observed over time and with regular dosing.

To Learn More About Cortisol Blocking Click Here.

Who Needs It?
And What Are Some Symptoms Of Deficiency?

PS is not an essential nutrient and no daily requirement (RDA) exists. No symptoms of deficiency exist.

All persons in good health can benefit from supplementing with PS, but athletes and the elderly especially can benefit from PS supplementation because of the benefits described above.

How Much Should Be Taken?
And Are There Any Side Effects?

Do not take PS if you are using amphetamines (recreationally, to treat depression or to treat ADD/ADHD). Do not take PS if you are using adrenergic agonists like dopamine.

ADD/ADHD:
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders among children, although it also occurs in adults.

In children the disorder is characterized by inattentiveness to external direction, impulsive behavior and restlessness. However, children with the inattentive type are actually often sluggish and hypo-active.

In adults the problem is often an inability to structure their lives and plan simple daily tasks. Thus, inattentiveness and restlessness often become secondary problems.