Phosphatidylserine – Anti-Aging For Memory And Skin?
June 8, 2008
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Phosphatidylserine, commonly abbreviated to PS, is a fat that is a component of our cell membranes. It has previously been suggested to slow memory decline and improve understanding. New research suggests that application to the skin may slow aging of the skin.
In a number of trials studying memory in the elderly (humans and dogs), have suggested that there may be improvements in memory for those taking PS supplements. There are studies that have not shown an improvement, such as those testing patients who already have diagnosed Alzheimer’s. Probably it depends on who was tested and what types of tests were used. The data is sufficient for the FDA to allow labeling that PS may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly.
Since PS is required for the normal function of membranes it may be that some people have insufficient levels in the cells of the brain.
PS is found in a range of foods including fish, poultry, leafy greens and beans. Supplements used to be made from cow brain which has high levels. However, since the outbreak of mad cow disease, brain is no longer used. Most lipids (fats) are not very stable when isolated, so if you buy supplements containing lipids, buy from a good source, get fresh batches and store carefully.
Recent research (PubMed) has shown that application of the skin may reduce the effects of UV damage to the skin. As we all know sunlight can damage skin. For example there is a decrease in procollagen (the precursor to collagen) expression. PS treated or untreated young skin was exposed to damaging amounts of UV. The PS treated skin showed less effects of the UV such as having a smaller decrease in procollagen expression than the untreated.
Aged skin (on the buttocks) was treated several weeks, three times per week and saw improvement in procollagen sysnthesis. So PS may soon be found in skin creams.
PS may be good for the inside and the outside!
Technorati Tags: phosphatidylserine, PS, memory, cognitive function, skin, aging, procollagen
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This is not a comment meant for posting but an email to you - the only way I know to reach you is through your comments section.
Having stumbled across your website and having read your bio, I think you might be interested my husband’s book The Brain Trust Program and his blog at http://www.drmccleary.com. You can listen to some free audio interviews there, too. It appears that you have an interest in some of the subjects he discusses - plus I think that you’d like to know that, although traditionally trained as a neurosurgeon, he is a strong believer in supplements and has patented a few formulations based on his research of medical literature. If you’re interested, please email me and I can tell you more.
Christine McCleary