Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid component of the membrane encasing every one of your brain cells.
PS helps maintain the fluidity and permeability of brain cells. Allowing for the efficient transfer of proteins, enzymes, nutrients, oxygen and glucose into and out of each cell.
Phosphatidylserine is involved in the formation and sending of signals within neurons. And the chemical signaling that takes place across neural synapses.
PS promotes healthy nerve growth factor (NGF), and supports the neurogenesis needed for long-term potentiation (LTP). Memory formation depends on healthy LTP.
Phosphatidylserine is involved in building mitochondria which are the energy centers of each brain cell.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is arguably one of the most effective and important nootropics we have available today. PS keeps our brain cells healthy. And has a reputation for improving alertness, attention, cognition, memory, recall and mood.
Phosphatidylserine helps:
- Neuro-optimization: Phosphatidylserine (PS) keeps brain cells fluid and permeable. This neuroplasticity helps neurons form new connections needed for memory formation. PS is integral to cleaning up damaged neurons and maintaining an optimized brain.[i] And PS boosts mental energy by easing the flow of glucose and oxygen needed to power brain cells.
- Neurotransmitters: Phosphatidylserine is an integral part of the flow of crucial neurotransmitters like dopamine and acetylcholine. And phospholipids contain choline which is a precursor to acetylcholine (ACh). So PS will increase ACh levels in your brain. Affecting cognition, memory and mood. And reducing anxiety.
- Neurogenesis: Phosphatidylserine works in concert with the DHA in Omega-3’s and keeping brain cells optimized. Prolonging neuron survival and health.
Table of Contents
Overview
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid component of brain cell membranes. The membrane is the outer casing surrounding each cell. PS plays a vital role in cell-to-cell signaling in the brain. And is needed to maintain the fluidity of all cell membranes.
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the most abundant phospholipid in the brain. Followed by a slightly lesser amount of Phosphatidylserine (PS).
PC is in the outer layer of brain cell membranes, and PS is part of the inner layer. Both are critical to maintaining optimal cognitive health. PS is synthesized from PC in the brain by exchanging the base head group with a serine.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) supports the formation and sending of neural signals within neurons. And across synaptic junctions that link one neuron with another. This cellular communication is how we form memories.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) also helps nerve growth factor (NGF) that ensures healthy neurogenesis. And PS even assists in building mitochondria which are the energy source in every one of your brain cells.
When your brain cell membranes are healthy, they are malleable, fluid and flexible. But by the time we reach our 20’s, phospholipids including Phosphatidylserine (PS) start declining. This casing starts to harden. And attention, concentration, memory, mood and learning begin to suffer.[ii]
The good news is you can prevent this cellular damage from happening. The amount and type of long-chain fatty acids in your diet affects the composition of these cell membranes.
The structure and function of your cells depend on the ideal balance of fats including cholesterol, oleic, palmitic and stearic fatty acids. And essential fatty acids like Omega 3. Without this proper balance, cell membrane function is compromised.
But our typical modern diet does not provide the ideal balance of fatty acids (phospholipids) to maintain brain cell health. It’s why we experience brain fog, memory loss, slow thinking and poor decision making.
You naturally get Phosphatidylserine (PS) from foods like cow brains, pig spleen and chicken hearts. So there must be some merit to the saying, “Eat brains and get smarter”!
Unfortunately, not many of us include organ meat as part of our daily meal plan. So the best way to maintain healthy levels of Phosphatidylserine (PS) in your brain is taking PS as a nootropic supplement.
PS was originally made from bovine (cow) brains. But with the mad cow disease scare, PS supplements are now made from extracts of soy or sunflower lecithin.
How does Phosphatidylserine work in the Brain?
Phosphatidylserine boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Phosphatidylserine is needed for memory. PS stimulates the brain chemicals that boost neural signaling for quick, clear thinking. In fact, Phosphatidylserine is one of the most effective memory boosters known.
PS has been shown that it can slow, halt and even reverse the progression of age-related cognitive decline. One study with 149 patients meeting the criteria for age-associated memory impairment were given 100 mg of Phosphatidylserine or a placebo for 12 weeks.
The patients who received PS showed improved performance on tests related to learning and the memory tasks of daily life. The study concluded that PS was a promising candidate for treating memory loss later in life.[iii]
- Phosphatidylserine helps repair neurons. PS works in concert with DHA (Omega-3) to protect brain cells from damage. And boost neuronal survival.
You brain is made up largely of DHA fat. The kind of fat you get from supplementing with Omega-3’s. And a decrease in DHA content in the brain results in cognitive impairment. And studies show that Alzheimer’s Disease is associated with lower Omega-3 fatty acid intake.
Researchers in Canada looked at samples provided by the Memory and Aging Project. And found a significant difference in plasma fatty acid profiles of those with Alzheimer’s, mild cognitive impairment and those with perfectly healthy brains.
The team found that DHA in Phosphatidylserine in both disease categories was 12-14% lower than those of healthy brains. They concluded that Alzheimer’s Disease is associated with lower DHA and Phosphatidylserine.[iv]
Trials and clinical studies like these provide plenty of motivation to supplement with Phosphatidylserine and DHA. It will help you ward off neurodegenerative disease. DHA and PS for an optimized brain.
How things go bad
As we get older, our brain chemistry and energy metabolism changes. This can happen at any age once we enter our adult years.
↓ Brain cell membranes lose fluidity
↓ Neurotransmitter signaling declines
↓ Recall, reaction time and mood diminish
↓ Memory declines
All of these changes can happen at any age. And starts as early as our 20’s. Our cell membranes are influenced by the food we eat, what we drink, lifestyle habits, the air we breathe and more.
So Phosphatidylserine (PS) can help for age-related cognitive decline, as well as a student looking to do better in school.
Phosphatidylserine benefits
Phosphatidylserine (PS) makes up about 15% of the total phospholipid pool in your brain. PS is located mainly in the internal layer of your brain cell membranes.
PS is involved in governing membrane fluidity, and the regulation of all activity going on in that brain cell. PS interacts with cellular proteins, modulates the activity of neuroreceptors, enzymes, ion channels and signaling molecules.
Supplementing with Phosphatidylserine improves brain function that tends to decline with age. Healthy brain cell membranes support neuroplasticity so neurons can form the connections needed to convert new experiences into memories.
Phosphatidylserine helps lower cortisol and ACTH levels during intense exercise.[v] PS is even effective in relieving stress. And putting you in a better mood during exams.[vi]
Many clinical trials with PS have shown improvements in working- and long-term memory, recall, logic and even speech. Attention span increases while using PS. And motivation, socialization and initiative all increased when using Phosphatidylserine as a nootropic.
How does Phosphatidylserine feel?
Neurohackers report that using Phosphatidylserine (PS) as a nootropic:
- Boosts energy levels
- Improves alertness
- Less brain fog
- Better memory
- Logical thinking improves
- Concentration is better
- Clarity of thought
- Weight loss
- Easier to remember names, phone numbers, tasks, etc.
- Mood improves
- Anti-anxiety
- Lowers cortisol
- Relieves insomnia
- Vivid dreams
There are reports that PS helps with Tourette’s Syndrome.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) a great compliment to ADHD meds. PS helps tame the symptoms of ADHD. And doesn’t interfere with popular stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall. You may even be able to cut back on the ADHD meds once Phosphatidylserine builds up in your system.
Phosphatidylserine Clinical Research
Phosphatidylserine Reduces Beta Brain Waves
Beta brain waves have the most rapid pattern of all the brain waves produced in your brain. Beta waves are associated with concentration, arousal, alertness and cognition.
But it would be unpleasant to be in a constant state of arousal. This study in Germany gave 16 healthy subjects Phosphatidylserine (PS) for 42 days. The team tested brain wave patterns before supplementation. And again in 42 days.
The main finding in this study was that chronic Phosphatidylserine supplementation significantly decreases Beta brain waves. And the results showed that the PS group were connected to a more relaxed state compared to the controls.[vii]
Phosphatidylserine Reduces Stress
Studies have shown that Phosphatidylserine blunts the release of cortisol in response to exercise stress. And PS improves mood. In this study, researchers at the University of Wales Swansea gave young adults 300 mg of Phosphatidylserine each day for a month.
The study resulted in these young adults feeling less stressed after doing a stressful arithmetic task. And they were in a better mood. The researchers concluded that PS supplementation improves mood and reduces stress even in healthy, young people.[viii]
Phosphatidylserine Improves Cognition in Athletes
Phosphatidylserine is found in the cell membranes of most animals and plants. PS has been shown to reduce stress and increase performance in runners, cyclists and golfers.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to study the effects of PS on cognitive function, mood and endocrine response before and after intense exercise.
18 lower body, resistance-trained male college athletes took Phosphatidylserine for 14 days, or a placebo. Following 14 days of supplementation, participants performed an acute bout of lower body resistance training.
Mood and cognitive function were measured before, 5 minutes after and 60 minutes after exercise. And blood samples were drawn prior to, 5, 15, 25, 40 and 60 minutes after exercise. Blood was tested for cortisol and testosterone.
The researchers found that PS significantly increased cognitive function prior to exercise. And PS prevented both mood and hormones from being negatively affected prior to and following resistance exercise.[ix]
Phosphatidylserine Reduces Symptoms of ADHD
Researchers in Japan conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial with 36 children aged 4 – 14 years. The kids were diagnosed with ADHD but had not received any conventional ADHD treatment prior to the trial.
The children received 200 mg of PS or a placebo daily for 2 months. The team recorded the children’s ADHD symptoms, short-term and working memory, and mental performance.
The team found that Phosphatidylserine significantly improved ADHD symptoms and short-term memory. ADHD symptoms that were reduced included inattention, short-term memory problems, and impulsivity. The placebo group saw no improvement during the trial.[x]
Another study with 200 ADHD children looked at the effects of Phosphatidylserine combined with Omega 3’s for 30-weeks. The key finding of this trial was a significant reduction in the restlessness/impulsive scale and an improvement in emotions.
The researchers concluded that Phosphatidylserine with Omega 3 may reduce ADHD symptoms in children with ADHD. And it was especially effective in a subgroup of hyperactive-impulsive, emotionally and behaviorally-dysregulated ADHD children.[xi]
The bottom line is that if you have Adult ADD like I do, or you have children with ADHD or ADD, consider 200 mg of Phosphatidylserine for a couple of months before going with Adderall or Ritalin. And add in some Omega 3’s for good measure.
Or find a ready-made Nootropic stack like Mind Lab Pro™ that already has 100 mg of Phosphatidylserine in their formula. No side effects and you just might get rid of the ADHD symptoms that are plaguing you.
Phosphatidylserine Improves Memory
Several studies have shown that using Phosphatidylserine as a nootropic to boost memory works well both for age-related cognitive decline as well as more serious diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
A double-blind, placebo controlled trial in Tel Aviv worked with 18 healthy elderly volunteers with age related cognitive decline. The volunteers took 100 mg of Phosphatidylserine 3-times per day for 12 weeks. They were evaluated at the start of the trial, at 6 weeks of treatment and at the end of the trial.
All but two of the volunteers showed significant improvement in memory from using Phosphatidylserine (PS). Memory and cognition improved in the first 6 weeks of PS use. And continued to get better until the end of the 12-week trial.[xii]
Another trial with 51 Alzheimer’s patients using 100 mg of Phosphatidylserine for 12 weeks showed that PS may be a promising candidate for the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.[xiii]
Phosphatidylserine Recommended Dosage
Recommended Phosphatidylserine (PS) dosage is 100 mg 3-times per day.
If you’re concerned about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) like I am, make sure you find Phosphatidylserine (PS) that is non-GMO. Because most PS is derived from the lecithin of soybeans.
And oddly enough a manufacturer may use both GMO and non-GMO. And not have it marked on the packaging.
I’m aware of at least one supplement maker who offers non-GMO PS in their 120-count bottles. But their 60-count bottles are made with GMO soybean lecithin. Do your research.
Even better is find Phosphatidylserine (PS) that is made from non-GMO sunflower lecithin. Especially if you’re allergic or react to soy.
Phosphatidylserine Side Effects
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is naturally produced in your body and is considered well tolerated and safe. PS is non-toxic.
Some may experience insomnia or stomach upset at higher than recommended doses.
Medications for Alzheimer’s may interact with Phosphatidylserine because these drugs are often Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. An AChE inhibitor will increase the amount of acetylcholine (ACh) in your brain. And since PS increases ACh, you may end up with too much acetylcholine.
Type of Phosphatidylserine to Buy
Phosphatidylserine is sold in tablet or capsule form. Capsules can run from 100 to 300 mg each.
Plain PS was originally sourced from cow brains. But since the mad cow disease scare, most PS supplements are now made from soybean lecithin.
Enzymotec makes a unique form of Phosphatidylserine called Sharp PS®. It is made from vegetable sources that are not soy-based, and is non-GMO.
Several supplement makers offer this branded form of PS which they license from Enzymotec.
Mind Lab Pro® offers a nootropic stack that includes 100 mg of Sharp PS® that is derived from non-GMO sunflower lecithin.
I recommend Mind Lab Pro because it addresses all aspects of anxiety resistance, memory and cognitive enhancement, stabilizes mood, brain repair, and maintenance.
This premium nootropic stack is designed to affect neurotransmitters, cognitive energy, brain waves, neuroprotection, and regeneration. See my Mind Lab Pro review for a detailed report.
Another good option is Performance Lab® Mind which also contains Phosphatidylserine (PS) (using Sharp PS® Green).
CHEMI Nutra also makes a branded form of PS made from soy lecithin called SerinAid®. A few supplement makers license this brand of PS for use in their PS products.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Phosphatidylserine (PS) 100 mg 3-times per day
I recommend using Phosphatidylserine (PS) as a nootropic supplement.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is arguably one of the most effective and important nootropics we have available today. PS keeps our brain cells healthy. And has a reputation for improving alertness, attention, cognition, memory, recall and mood.
PS helps lower cortisol which can help with insomnia. And provide you with a stress-free workout in the gym or on the court.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) clears brain fog, boosts energy levels, helps alertness, and provides clarity to your thought process.
You can get Phosphatidylserine from food. But the highest concentrations of PS are found in organ meats like cow brains and pig spleen.
PS levels decline as you age starting in your 20’s. And you are unlikely to get nearly enough through diet. So to get its benefits you should take it as a nootropic supplement.
I suggest starting with a dose of PS at 100 mg 3-times per day. Dosing should not exceed 500 mg per day. And there is little benefit to overdoing it with Phosphatidylserine (PS).
You can buy individual Phosphatidylserine supplements. Or you could try my favorite pre-formulated nootropic stack Mind Lab Pro® which includes Phosphatidylserine (using Sharp PS® Green).
Mind Lab Pro contains a synergistic blend of 11 brain enhancing nootropics covering all aspects of cognition and brain health. See my full Mind Lab Pro review for more.
Another good option is the Mind formula by Performance Lab® which also contains Phosphatidylserine (using Sharp PS® Green). You can see my full review of Performance Lab® Mind here.
[i] De Simone R., Ajmone-Cat M.A., Tirassa P., Minghetti L. “Apoptotic PC12 cells exposing phosphatidylserine promote the production of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective molecules by microglial cells.”Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology. 2003 Feb;62(2):208-16. (source)
[ii] Kosicek M., Hecimovic S. “Phospholipids and Alzheimer’s Disease: Alterations, Mechanisms and Potential Biomarkers” International Journal of Molecular Science. 2013 Jan; 14(1): 1310–1322. (source)
[iii] Crook T.H., Tinklenberg J., Yesavage J., Petrie W., Nunzi M.G., Massari D.C. “Effects of phosphatidylserine in age-associated memory impairment.” Neurology. 1991 May;41(5):644-9. (source)
[iv] Cunnane S.C., Schneider J.A., Tangney C., Tremblay-Mercier J., Fortier M., Bennett D.A., Morris M.C. “Plasma and brain fatty acid profiles in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 2012;29(3):691-7. (source)
[v] Monteleone P., Beinat L., Tanzillo C., Maj M., Kemali D. “Effects of phosphatidylserine on the neuroendocrine response to physical stress in humans.” Neuroendocrinology. 1990 Sep;52(3):243-8. (source)
[vi] Benton D., Donohoe R.T., Sillance B., Nabb S. “The influence of phosphatidylserine supplementation on mood and heart rate when faced with an acute stressor.” Nutritional Neuroscience. 2001;4(3):169-78. (source)
[vii] Baumeister J., Barthel T., Geiss K.R., Weiss M. “Influence of phosphatidylserine on cognitive performance and cortical activity after induced stress.” Nutritional Neuroscience. 2008 Jun;11(3):103-10. (source)
[viii] Benton D., Donohoe R.T., Sillance B., Nabb S. “The influence of phosphatidylserine supplementation on mood and heart rate when faced with an acute stressor.” Nutritional Neuroscience. 2001;4(3):169-78. (source)
[ix] Parker A.G., Gordon J., Thornton A., Byars A., Lubker J., Bartlett M., Byrd M., Oliver J., Simbo S., Rasmussen C., Greenwood M., Kreider R.B. “The effects of IQPLUS Focus on cognitive function, mood and endocrine response before and following acute exercise.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2011 Oct 21;8:16 (source)
[x] Hirayama S., Terasawa K., Rabeler R., Hirayama T., Inoue T., Tatsumi Y., Purpura M., Jäger R. “The effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 2014 Apr;27 Suppl 2:284-91. (source)
[xi] Manor I., Magen A., Keidar D., Rosen S., Tasker H., Cohen T., Richter Y., Zaaroor-Regev D., Manor Y., Weizman A. “The effect of phosphatidylserine containing Omega3 fatty-acids on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, followed by an open-label extension.” European Psychiatry. 2012 Jul;27(5):335-42. (source)
[xii] Schreiber S., Kampf-Sherf O., Gorfine M., Kelly D., Oppenheim Y., Lerer B. “An open trial of plant-source derived phosphatydilserine for treatment of age-related cognitive decline.” Israeli Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences. 2000;37(4):302-7. (source)
[xiii] Crook T., Petrie W., Wells C., Massari D.C. “Effects of phosphatidylserine in Alzheimer’s disease.” Psychopharmacology Bulletin. 1992;28(1):61-6. (source)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Hi David
I trust you are well.
Does PS lose effectiveness over time?
Is there a cycling protocol to optimize its effects?
Can PS be taken safely long-term?
And as always, thank you for everything you have done and keep doing here.
Best,
Giovanni
Giovanni, your brain cell membranes need a consistent supply of Phosphatidylserine (PS), Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and DHA to maintain their health and permeability. When you stop supplying these lipids the membranes loses it’s permeability and the good stuff like water, oxygen and nutrients have a harder time getting into the cell. And the garbage and toxins have a harder time getting back our of the cell.
Hello,
Thank you all this wonderful information. I do appreciate the work you’ve put into providing this to us trying get our lives back! I’m looking for a supplement for an overstimulated nervous system. I’m unable to tolerate most supplements as they cause me to have more stimulation, even those that are meant to be calming. I’m considering Phosphatidylserine. I do have issues breaking down fat so the Phosphatidylcholine Sounds good as well. I’m hyperactive and do t want to do anything to stimulate that as I struggle with panic attacks regularly. Thank you again.
Toni, PS may help reduce your anxiety. But it may not. The only thing to do is try it and see what happens. Hopefully, that will solve your anxiety issues. If not then schedule a consultation with me and we’ll work something out together.
Using phosphatidylserine in the morning leaves me feeling very fatigued, perhaps due to decreased cortisol. Can I use it before bed?
Gabriel, yes you can use it before bed if that is the way it makes you feel. It is fat-soluble so your body will store any unused PS until it needs it.
Hello, David! I take Citicoline 300mg and Centrophenoxine 350mg. Will taking PS 200mg increase my ACh to toxic levels? Thank you.
Juck, it shouldn’t. You’ll feel it and not in a good way if you have too much acetylcholine.
Thank you, David. But what are the “not in a good way” feeling” symptoms? Can you elaborate, please?
Juck, do a search for “symptoms of excess acetylcholine” or “what does too much acetylcholine feel like?”
Hello again! Am trying to revisit which sups i stopped brought back my not me feeling.
Looking on PS healthy Origins Sharp Green PS with Silica vs Bestvite 120caps. Bestvite no fillers and cheaper but reviews suck.
In your opinion which one be a better buy that do works.
I got Healthy Origins before. Was it effective? I don’t know.
Am desperate now. It appears whatever I took has to be used forever, lots of energy, positive outlook, everything conquerable, calm and likeable not grouchy. Missed these qualities. Thank you for listening.
Marcie, I use the Bestvite supplement and recommend it.
Hi David, i’ve just discovered your website, which has become an oasis of informed knowledge for me! Thankyou so much!
I’ve read conflicting reports as to which source of PS is best as nootropic, ie sunflower lecithin or soy lecithin, many are saying that there are no actual proven studies on sunflower derived PS for cognition. True to form, i’ve only found studies related to Soy derived PS. Does this mean i should look for a Soy derived PS instead?
In a similar vein, i noticed you recommended Microactive Q10 as a highly bioavailable form of Q10, but i was wondering, that, if Microactive is not ubiquinol, how do they know it will cross the Blood Brain Barrier as a nootropic? In fact, i cant actually find a study that confirms this novel microcrystalline form of Q10 to actually cross the BBB, meaning it might not be best form for nootropic use. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks again
Steve, you choose PS derived from sunflower lecithin if you want to avoid soy. If you have no problem with GMO soybeans then use PS derived from soy. It’s usually a less expensive supplement as well.
The MicroActive Q10 is fat-soluble and several studies have shown that it is much better “absorbed” compared to standard CoQ10 of either form; ubiquinol or ubiquinone. All you need to do is Google MicroActive Q10 and you will find the studies. This is just one example: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2156587211399438
Both forms will cross the blood-brain barrier. If it did not you would not survive.
Thankyou David for replying. I ended up going for Swanson PS, it contains the trademarked Sharp-PS, but from soybean phospholipid complex. Not sure if its Non-GMO, but it was on offer so it’ll do for now lol! until i find another.
That’s great to know about the microactive Q10, i just wasn’t sure if it would be better to get ubiquinol for crossing BBB.
Thanks again.
Steve, thanks for your note. I did not realize that Enzymotec produced a PS supplement made from soy. But now I know.
Hello David – I am on your website multiple times per week – Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with often little known facts and details about these fascinating chemicals called Nootropics.
First delema is- which, why, how often, etc. since almost all of your Big List Nootropic explanations leave you feeling like – I must try that one – as a result, I have a closet full of Supplements, Herbs, and Nootropics, hoping to overcome various levels of Anxiety, Depression, ADD, etc. My only specific question (for now) and/or task that I need your help with is this:
What is a good starting point for my 12 year old Daughter to help manage her (hereditary) ADD (or ADHD), sorry I don’t have the differentiating definitions in front of me. My 24 yr old son has made it into Medical School utilizing Ritalin (as do I), but I do not want to put my young daughter on such and extreme and potentially unhealthy medication. I recognize that you have clearly identified all of the potential nootropic substances and combinations, but what dose/doses should should I start a 12 yr old developing mind with – and which would you target as the top three (training wheel) nootropics to safely dip her toe in the water? If the question is too broad, I can narrow down the sideboards. You have my contact info. You are welcome correspond with me as you see fit – I believe that your website could support some clarification on utilizing Nootropics with children/young adults . No doubt other parents have had the same interest – if they’re are smart enough to be paying attention! Thanks for your help – Keep up your much needed research and wonderful service. Best, Paul
Paul, I haven’t written specifically for children because I am not a doctor and am not qualified to make specific recommendations for kids. That to me would be irresponsible.
That said, if it was my kid with ADD or ADHD I would consider a slimmed down version of my ADHD protocol explained on this page: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/.
Of the supplements I include in the yellow box near the top of that article the most basic ones include L-Tyrosine, either Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline, ALCAR, DHA and a B-Complex of bioactive multivitamin. That will support stimulant use or can be used on their own. Dosage would be less than the adult recommendation except for DHA which would be 1,000 mg per day taken in the morning.
One thing you may notice is many of those supplements are included in Mind Lab Pro (https://www.mindlabpro.com/) at doses that should be safe for younger people. But again, I say “should” because children are not my area of expertise.
I have done consultations with parents who have kids with ADHD. I do those consultations with the same disclaimer that I am offering information that is up to the parent and their doctor to decide in the end if they should go through with it.
David, thanks for your reply and I completely understand your constraints on providing specific advice that boarders on medical. I will decide on a simple course of action and stair-step into a few supplements/nootropics into her routine. I will also consider the Mindpro avenue – considering the simplicity of a pill as opposed to operating a mg scale, with a 12 yr old, in the morning, before school. I don’t know if you have kids, but it’s a daily 45 minute morning ritual of chaos!
I will pass along any results that may be useful to another parent seeking alternative solutions to children/young teens dealing with ADD/ADHD challenges.
Final thought – from my experience – many websites (I’ll spare you the good, bad, and ugly) end their Supplement/Nootropic recommendations with “consult your local Doctor” – I have found it extraordinary how little many qualified/recommended MD’s know about Most Nootropics and Many supplements. For example – I recently had a back surgery, so obviously prior to surgery, I consulted with Nurses, PA-C, MD’s, and a Surgeon. I wanted to alert them to the fact that I have been an on and off steady Kratom user for many years and from that, I have a high resistance to opioid pain medication. NONE of them had heard of the controversial Kratom. I also asked which supplements to stop taking two-weeks out from surgery (and consequently named a few that I knew thinned your blood) they were unaware of ANY supplements, let alone the ones that I sited. However…YMMV ! ha
Paul, mainstream doctors get their training in medical schools that get the bulk of their funding from pharmaceutical companies. And this has been going on since the early 1900’s. I have heard that out of 6 – 8 years of schooling they get a couple of hours on nutrition. And certainly zero training on natural supplements.
And the way things are going in the medical world right now they haven’t the time to study this stuff on their own. Most are not interested. But you would be a little surprised I think and heartened to know that I have a number of doctors, nurses, chiropractors, and other medical professionals who subscribe to my newsletter, read my stuff and watch my videos. So that is a little encouraging. So long as by the time this pandemic is behind us they haven’t all quit their jobs.
Hello David,
My doughter 21 years old has Phelan Mcdermid sindrome, this is a chromosome 22 delation 22q13.31q13.33 crh22:47397876-51165818 in 30% of her cells. Affected genes Myoinositol oxigenase, Thymidine phosphorylase and Choline kinase beta among others.
She presents mild catatonia crisis every months that resolved in 10 days. She was free of crisis with Escitalopram SSRI for 15 months, but this time is not working.
I add Inositol and I wonder if I should stop the SSRI and add Phosphatidyserine and CDP Choline.
Any comment or advise highly appreciated.
Jose Luis
Jose, please do not abruptly stop the use of Escitalopram because it will very likely result in Discontinuation Syndrome and the symptoms can be particularly nasty. I suggest you do some research on SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome to see what I mean.
But you can safely add Inositol which may help potentiate the benefits of the SSRI. And there is no problem adding PS and CDP-Choline as they are not contraindicated.
CanI stack ps with pc?
Yes. Your brain cell membranes use both.
Thank you so much for the reply!
If Ps is fat soluble do you take it with a fatty meal, because the directions on mine say take it between meals which I guess means an hour after eating.
Ron, PS is fat-soluble and you need a healthy fat to activate fat-metabolizing enzymes in your pancreas to ensure absorption. Sounds like the instructions on your label is wrong.
Whats a good fat source because im sensitivive to olive oil and avocado oil
Ron, my favorite is unrefined coconut oil. Any natural, healthy fat will work. It does not need to be a specific kind. The idea is to use any healthy oil to activate fat-metabolizing enzymes produced by your pancreas which are needed to metabolize and digest fat-soluble supplements.
Which is better phosphatidylserine or bacopa monnieri?
Miciah, neither is “better” because they are both very different compounds. Some say that PS is the best nootropic on the planet and you can see evidence of this in the section called “https://nootropicsexpert.com/phosphatidylserine-ps/#how-does-phosphatidylserine-feel”.
Bacopa Monnieri is an herb and I suggest you check out Bacopa Monnieri benefits here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/bacopa-monnieri/. And compare that to PS benefits above to make your decision.
Hi David,
Absolutely great website is yours, thanks for your effort.
I plan to use Phosphatidylserine to gain faster thinking and improve my memory. Currently, I use 200 mg of Serotonin and 500mg of L-Tyrosine daily. I use Serotonin to counteract swing mode and L-Tyrosine to improve focus. My next goal is to gain faster thinking and improve my memory.
Does Phosphatidylserine contradict with Serotonin and L-Tyrosine?
Also, do you think, for better results, is better to combine PQQ, CoQ10 along with Phosphatidylserine, Serotonin and L-Tyrosine?
Finally, do you think it is safe to use all these supplements for a long time, 5-10 years?
Thanks for your help.
Max, you cannot legally buy serotonin as a supplement so I think you’re talking about L-Tryptophan which is the precursor to serotonin and usually taken before bed because it goes on to produce melatonin.
L-Tyrosine 500 mg should be taken at least twice per day because of its short half-life. Once in the morning and then again at noon. Phosphatidylserine (PS) 100 mg taken 3-times per day (morning, noon and 4 pm).
PS supports the flow of neurotransmitters including dopamine. Serotonin is produced in your gut and makes its way to your and some of made within neurons in your brain.
PQQ and CoQ10 are used in your mitochondria to produce ATP which is your main form of energy.
And it is absolutely safe to use these supplements at recommended dosages daily for the rest of your life.