Phosphatidylserine (PS): Benefits, Uses, and Applications

Expanding Market for Brain Health Supplements

In recent years, the market for dietary supplements and functional foods targeting brain health has grown rapidly. According to the latest report by Allied Market Research, Brain Health Supplements Market by Age Group, Product, Application, Supplement Form, and Sales Channel: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021–2030, the global brain health supplements market was valued at USD 7.653 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 19.730 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% from 2021 to 2030.

As demand continues to rise, phosphatidylserine (PS) has emerged as a key ingredient in brain health supplements. The global PS market is expected to reach USD 125 million by 2026.

What is Phosphatidylserine?

Phosphatidylserine (PS) was first discovered in 1942 by Jordi Folch from bovine brain tissue. Also known as serine phospholipid or diacylglycerol phosphatidylserine, PS is naturally present in the biological membranes of animals, higher plants, and microorganisms.

In the human body, PS is abundant in the nervous system. Approximately 30 grams exist in the body, with nearly half (around 13 grams) located in the brain, accounting for 13–15% of total brain phospholipids. It plays a vital role in regulating brain function.

PS is already a mainstream ingredient in the European and American dietary supplement markets, with high consumer recognition. In China, it has significant growth potential. In 2010, PS was approved as a new food ingredient, produced from soy lecithin and L‑serine through enzymatic conversion, purification, and drying. Because crude PS has low purity and an unpleasant taste, advanced purification methods such as ultrafiltration, supercritical CO₂ extraction, and solvent extraction are used to improve quality.

Regulatory Status

• China: In September 2010, PS was approved as a new food ingredient, permitted for use in all foods except infant products.

• United States: In May 2003, the FDA approved a qualified health claim for PS, stating that “PS may reduce the risk of cognitive decline associated with aging.”

Applications and Innovations

PS is widely used in tablets and capsules. More recently, it has been incorporated into beverages and dairy products to improve consumer acceptance and convenience. Since PS is lipid‑based and insoluble in water, encapsulation and other technologies are applied to enhance solubility, dispersibility, and stability.

Mechanisms of Action and Health Benefits

1. Repairing Brain Damage and Improving Cognition

PS activates enzymes in the brain, slows neurotransmitter decline, and supports the repair of damaged brain cells. Studies in aged rats have shown improved memory and behavior after PS supplementation, linked to enhanced acetylcholine release and Na⁺/K⁺‑ATPase activity. Clinical studies suggest PS may be a promising candidate for treating Alzheimer’s disease and age‑related dementia.

2. Relieving Stress and Fatigue

PS reduces excess stress hormones, alleviates mental fatigue, and improves focus and alertness. Human studies have shown that PS supplementation lowers cortisol and adrenaline levels during stress tests, leading to improved mood and reduced tension.

3. Supporting Depression Treatment

By increasing norepinephrine and serotonin levels, PS may help alleviate depressive symptoms. Clinical trials have reported significant improvements in mood, anxiety, and irritability in elderly patients without adverse effects.

4. Acting as a Cofactor for Enzyme Activation

PS is essential for activating key signaling proteins such as protein kinase C (PKC), which regulates cellular communication and signal transduction.

Beyond Brain Health: Expanded Applications

PS is a natural phospholipid with strong lipophilicity and high bioavailability, making it suitable for functional foods. When combined with other active ingredients, PS demonstrates synergistic effects.

• Gut Health: PS promotes intestinal motility and protects the gastrointestinal mucosa. Zebrafish studies show PS enhances gut peristalsis and supports mucosal integrity.

• PS + DHA: Combined with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), PS improves neuronal growth, memory, and cognition. Zebrafish models demonstrate that PS+DHA supplementation restores cognitive function impaired by neurotoxic exposure.

• PS + Magnesium: Magnesium is essential for over 300 enzymatic reactions but often has low bioavailability. Studies show PS and magnesium together improve learning, recall, and cognition, with the greatest benefits observed in older adults.

Future Outlook

Research on PS continues to expand, with applications extending beyond brain health into gut health, cardiovascular support, and functional food innovation. As production methods improve and bioavailability increases, PS is expected to play a larger role in pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional foods.

Collaborations between biotechnology firms and research institutions are accelerating PS innovation, combining zebrafish models, mammalian studies, and gene‑editing technologies to validate safety and efficacy. This integrated approach is paving the way for new product development in the health and wellness industry.

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