Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a nutrient that maintains the integrity of cell membranes and youthful synaptic plasticity (meaning it protects cells against age-related deterioration). PS has been shown to be effective at helping to improve memory and neural function. It is important to note that two health claims of PS have been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an important achievement in itself. NSI Phosphatidylserine (PS) Complex is the best standardized form available, and has been found to be well-tolerated.

On February 24, 2003, the FDA allowed two health claims for PS: the first allowed claim is that PS may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly, and the second is that PS may reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly. It is important to note that it is an achievement in itself for the FDA to recognize a supplement’s health claims. Proposed products must meet the FDA’s requirements that they are safe and lawful at the levels needed to justify a health claim, and to even qualify for submission, PS was subjected to the FDA’s rigorous reviewing and submission policies, as well as stringent testing. The FDA’s recognition of PS is amazing news, and it may provide hope for millions of people and their families.

Brain tissues are especially rich in PS, but aging causes a decline in the PS content of cells throughout the body. Research has shown that in addition to improving neural function, PS enhances energy metabolism in all cells. In the brain, PS helps maintain cell membrane integrity and youthful synaptic plasticity (protecting brain cells against age-related deterioration.) One study indicated 800 mg elemental per day dramatically reduced cortisol (a harmful stress hormone) levels in athletes and improved their immune system.

Published research in Europe has indicated PS could slow and even reverse the rate of brain cell aging in laboratory animals. PS restored mental function in older animals to levels exceeding those found in some younger animals. Although studies in humans with Alzheimer’s disease were less dramatic, they still produced significant improvements in cognitive function. In patients with mild dementia, significant cognitive and behavioral enhancing effects were observed. In one study with mildly demented elderly patients, the improvement in neural function continued 30 days after discontinuing PS therapy. This suggests that relatively low doses or cyclical dosing of PS therapy over an extended period of time in healthy people may produce sustained results. Most studies have used a standardized PS that provides an elemental level of 100 mg taken twice per day.

Over 30 studies suggest that 200-300 mg per day of PS may help improve memory. For example, in one study of 51 patients meeting the clinical criteria for probable Alzheimer’s disease, patients received either 12 weeks of PS 100 mg 3 times daily or a placebo. At the end of the three-month trial, those treated with PS improved on several cognitive measures relative to those who were administered the placebo. Differences between treatment groups were most apparent among patients with less severe cognitive impairment. In a study published in Neurology, 149 patients with age-associated memory impairment were treated for 12 weeks with PS 100 mg 3 times daily (vs. placebo) improved in performing tasks related to learning and memory tasks of daily life. The study’s findings suggest that PS may be a promising candidate for treating memory loss in later life. A large multi-center PS study involving 494 elderly patients with moderate to severe cognitive decline was performed in Italy approximately ten years ago. Half of the group was treated with PS 300 mg daily for a six-month period. Patients were examined just before starting the therapy and at three and six months thereafter. Compared to the placebo group, there was statistical significant improvement in the treated group in both terms of behavioral and cognitive parameters. The PS was also found to be well-tolerated by the participants.

NSI PS is the best standardized form available, with each 500 mg softgel providing 100 mg of elemental PS. Many companies provide only gross levels and even use non-standardized forms, which may not provide any benefits. Taking 2–3 softgels per day will provide the optimal dosage used in most studies. Also of importance is the fact NSI exclusively uses plant-sourced PS versus others that may come from animal brains.

“Based on the blessing from the FDA, I will now freely recommend PS to all of my senior patients with declining memory and early dementia.”
- Dr. Allen S. Josephs, M.D. Board Certified Internal Medicine, Neurology.
- Co-Founder & Chairman

Did You Know?

All NSI supplements are packaged in HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) bottles. These bottles keep moisture vapor out, protecting the freshness and integrity of their contents, and are 400% more effective compared other brands currently using PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles. HDPE bottles do not break as glass can and are also recyclable so we urge you to please recycle them.