Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid found in the cell membranes of plants and animals. The presence of phosphatidylserine is required for normal membrane function, and in addition to membrane fluidity, this may include the regulation of key membrane bound enzymes and enzyme cascades. Eating plant and animal foods provides low levels of phosphatidylserine, but levels in the diet can be increased significantly by consuming supplements that are usually made from soybean cell membranes. Increasing the intake of phosphatidylserine can have beneficial effects on health because evidence suggests that it can reduce the negative effects of cortisol, thus improving health. For example, in one study 400 mg of phosphatidylserine mixed with phosphatidic acid (a precursor for phosphatidylserine) were administered to male volunteers had a normalising effects on adrenocorticotropic hormone, blood cortisol and salivary cortisol following exposure to stress over 43 days. This indicates that phosphatidylserine may be an important supplement for blunting the stress response and in this respect could be a useful supplement for athletes or those who feel they are exposed to significant stress.
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