What is Phosphatidylserine?
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid, a type of fatty substance that is a vital component of all human cell membranes, especially prevalent in the brain. It plays a crucial role in nerve cell communication, helps transport nutrients, and supports overall cognitive function. As the body ages, natural PS levels may decline, and supplements are often used to address this decrease. While the FDA has determined that certain plant-derived sources are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in supplements, it's not approved to treat any medical conditions. Historically, supplements were made from bovine (cow) brains, which carried a risk of infectious disease, but modern versions use safer plant-based sources like soy and sunflower.
Common and Dose-Dependent Side Effects
Most people tolerate phosphatidylserine well, experiencing few or no side effects. However, the likelihood of side effects can increase depending on the amount taken. It's always safest to start with the lowest recommended amount and monitor your body's reaction.
Potential common side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Upset stomach, gas, and abdominal pain are the most frequently reported side effects. These are typically mild and may resolve as your body adjusts.
- Insomnia: Trouble sleeping is a noted side effect. Taking the supplement earlier in the day may mitigate this risk.
- Headaches: Some users have reported experiencing headaches.
- Skin Rash: Skin rash is a less common but possible side effect.
- Mood Changes: Altered mood can occur in some individuals.
- Low Blood Sugar: There is some evidence of low blood sugar as a possible side effect.
Serious Warnings and Precautions
For some individuals, or when combined with other substances, phosphatidylserine presents more serious warnings. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before beginning supplementation, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition or are taking medication.
Drug Interactions
- Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants): This is one of the most critical warnings. Because PS may affect blood clotting, it should be used with extreme caution, or not at all, by anyone on blood-thinning medication such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, or heparin. This also applies to combining it with natural supplements that have blood-thinning properties, like ginkgo biloba, garlic, or vitamin E.
- Cholinergic Drugs: PS might increase the amount of the chemical acetylcholine in the body. Taking it with cholinergic drugs, used for conditions like Alzheimer's disease (e.g., donepezil) or glaucoma (e.g., pilocarpine), may increase the effects and side effects of these medications.
- Anticholinergic Drugs: These medications, which include some antihistamines and Parkinson's drugs, block the effects of acetylcholine. PS may decrease their effectiveness, and concurrent use should be avoided.
Special Population Precautions
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is insufficient reliable information on the safety of PS for pregnant or breastfeeding women. To be safe, it is best to avoid use during these periods.
- Children: Although some studies have been done on children with ADHD, robust safety data is lacking. The use of PS in children should only occur under strict medical supervision.
- Surgery: Due to its potential effect on blood clotting, you should stop taking phosphatidylserine at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Supplement Source and Quality
It is important to note that the supplement industry is not as strictly regulated as the pharmaceutical industry. The content and quality of supplements can vary significantly between brands. Always choose a reputable brand that specifies a plant-based source for its phosphatidylserine to avoid any theoretical risk from animal-derived products.
Comparison of Phosphatidylserine Sources
| Feature | Plant-Based PS (Soy/Sunflower) | Bovine-Based PS (Historical) |
|---|---|---|
| Source Material | Derived from soy lecithin or sunflower | Extracted from cow brain tissue |
| Safety Profile | No known risk of transmitting infectious animal diseases | Posed a theoretical risk of mad cow disease |
| Availability | The standard source for modern supplements, widely available | Phased out of production for human supplements |
| Cognitive Research | Evidence suggests effectiveness, but some early studies showed less robust effects than bovine PS | Early research suggested strong efficacy for cognitive decline, but was later replaced by plant sources due to safety concerns |
The Bottom Line for Safe Supplementation
Taking a proactive approach to understanding the warnings for phosphatidylserine is the most responsible way to integrate it into your diet. For most healthy adults when used appropriately, the risks are low, but the potential for drug interactions, especially concerning blood thinners, is a significant concern. Never self-diagnose or treat a medical condition with PS, and always discuss your supplement regimen with a doctor, especially if you fall into one of the special population categories. Opting for plant-sourced supplements from trusted manufacturers ensures you avoid the historical risks associated with bovine-derived versions.
Conclusion
While phosphatidylserine offers potential benefits for cognitive function and stress management, understanding what is the warning for phosphatidylserine is essential for user safety. Potential side effects are generally mild and may depend on the amount taken, but serious drug interactions and precautions for specific populations necessitate careful consideration. By being informed about these risks, consulting a healthcare professional, and choosing a reputable plant-based product, individuals can make a responsible choice about whether supplementation is right for them. For comprehensive details on the supplement's safety and mechanisms, reliable resources from institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) can provide further context. For a peer-reviewed overview of its safety and application, the article "Safety of phosphatidylserine containing omega-3 fatty acids in non-demented elderly with memory complaints: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial followed by an open-label extension" offers relevant research findings.
