Side Effects of Phosphatidylserine

Since Phosphatidylserine occurs naturally, it can be derived from natural sources. The FDA marks this supplement as possibly safe. Phosphatidylserine is a supplement that can be taken without a doctor’s prescription. So far, there have never been any reports of toxicity or adverse effects on patients taking PS. There have been some studies done of Phosphatidylserine and for the most part, there aren’t many side effects. Of course, there are mild side effects like upset stomach or GI issues. Although PS can be used as a sleep aid, it may sometimes bring on insomnia.

The FDA has evaluated the supplement for use as an aid to fighting dementia and other cognitive impairments. At the end of the studies, the FDA decided not to endorse Phosphatidylserine as a useful therapy. However, they did acknowledge that it does have cognitive benefits and my potentially improve the cognitive functions of the elderly. More research on the effects of Phosphatidylserine is needed.

How Much Phosphatidylserine Should You Take

Phosphatidylserine is believed to be safe at dosages of 600 mg a day for a period of no more than ten days. Though there is no FDA recommended dosage for PS, many experts on the supplement suggest taking between 100 mg to 300 mg per day. Dosages of Phosphatidylserine should be split up and taken throughout the day.

Since supplements are generally unregulated and the measurement of a supplement’s active ingredient varies from maker to maker, it can be difficult to determine the proper dosage. Phosphatidylserine does occur naturally in certain foods including white beans, soy, egg yolks, beef and chicken livers. However, the amount gained from food is very low and supplements are needed to see any effects.

It May Have Adverse Effects on Blood Thinners

Phosphatidylserine does not react to most medications. For the most part, it can be taken with many medications including, chemotherapy drugs and diuretics. However, patients taking blood thinners like Heparin need to proceed with caution. Phosphatidylserine can increase the effects of Heparin and cause healthy blood clotting issues. Though unlikely, PS may have a mild reaction to Plavix, aspirin, Trental, and Coumadin. If you are taking an anti-inflammatory used for arthritis or pain, you should also avoid Phosphatidylserine. As with any supplement, if you feel cause for concern, please consult your doctor before taking Phosphatidylserine.

Many people like to stack their use of supplements and it is generally safe to use Phosphatidylserine with other supplements. Gingko Biloba is another cognitive function booster that has been used since ancient times. It works by increasing blood flow to the brain. Although Phosphatidylserine and Gingko Biloba seem like they would work well together to give you a super charged brain, the combination may cause problems with blood thinning.

Effects on Sleep

For most people, Phosphatidylserine may be used as a mild sleep aid. It provides great mental clarity which may help you wind down quicker at the end of the day. PS also regulates cortisol and metabolism, which helps to keep your sleep cycle balanced. However, Phosphatidylserine can cause insomnia in some individuals, particularly those that are already light sleepers. It is best for these people to take their last dose of Phosphatidylserine in the early afternoon. Since PS provides such heightened mental clarity, light sleepers may have trouble falling asleep. This is a rare side effect and does not affect many people.

It’s Safe To Use While Exercising

Many athletes use Phosphatidylserine as part of their supplement routine. It is especially useful for athletes that do cycling, endurance sports, and weight lifting. Phosphatidylserine may speed recovery and prevent muscle aches. This helps athletes to train harder and longer. When we exercise, the body releases excess amounts of cortisol.

PS regulates the amount of cortisol in our body and it will help athletes avoid the negative side effects of excess cortisol. Phosphatidylserine is especially useful for weight lifters. The supplement helps prevent their bodies from burning up and exhausting their muscles. Many bodybuilders believe that Phosphatidylserine prevents muscle loss and fatigue from hard training.

It is Safe for the Elderly

One of the target demographics for Phosphatidylserine is the elderly. PS is believed to slow down or even reverse the negative effects of aging on cognitive functions. In a 2010 study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 78 elderly patients with cognitive impairment showed improved memory functions without adverse side effects.

In another study done on a group of 500 elderly patients over a six month period, Phosphatidylserine was administered along with other drugs they were already taking. At the end of the study, no major adverse effects were noted. As already stated, there were only problems in patients who were taking blood thinners.

In the few studies done on the effects of Phosphatidylserine, only a few mild adverse effects have been noted. Overall, this is supplement that is safe for anyone from children to the elderly to take. The benefits of Phosphatidylserine far outweigh any of the negative side effects. When problems do arise, they are mild and will often sort themselves out when the patient stops taking Phosphatidylserine.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-992-phosphatidylserine.aspx?activeingredientid=992
http://nootriment.com/phosphatidylserine-side-effects/
https://examine.com/supplements/phosphatidylserine/#summary6
http://nutritionalengineering.org/phosphatidylserine-vitamin-memory.htm
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/phosphatidylserine-uses-and-risks#3
http://nootriment.com/phosphatidylserine-dosage/
https://www.verywell.com/the-benefits-of-phosphatidylserine-89496
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12385596