Phosphatidylserine-Fortified Milk Associated With Enhanced Cognitive Performance

by | Nov 7, 2017 | 2011, Brain Health, Phosphatidyl Serine

Written by Angeline A. De Leon, Staff Writer. A forty-day supplementation with 250 mg of phosphatidylserine-fortified milk significantly enhanced memory in the sixty participating subjects compared to the control group in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.  

brain healthPhospholipids are major components of cell membranes that provide cell structure and protection. Phosphatidylserine (PS), a phospholipid containing both amino acids and fatty acids, plays a critical role in brain function, influencing nerve cell function, regulating the rate of nerve impulse conduction, and helping to support overall memory and cognitive performance 1-3. A growing number of studies support the significant physiological boost to cognition associated with PS both in individuals with normal cognitive ability and those with declining brain function 4. PS is primarily extracted and purified from the byproducts of natural soybean oil, however, modern production of fats and oils has led to decreased levels of PS, with estimates suggesting that current dietary intake of PS may be up to 150 mg lower than the amount required for optimal brain function 2. Several companies and research groups have invested in the production of PS-fortified food and beverage products to help supplement PS deficiencies in the modern diet, however, the efficacy of such nutrition-based therapies is still inconclusive. In a recent study in China, researchers investigated the potential benefits of PS-fortified milk on memory and cognitive performance in a group of high school students.

A total of 120 students (aged 17-18 years) participated in a 40-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which they were allocated to receive either 250 ml of pure milk or 250 ml of milk fortified with 100 mg of PS. Before and after the intervention, researchers evaluated memory using a clinical memory scale (CM) with computerized multimedia methods to assess associative learning, directed memory, free memory of images, features-linked memory, and recognition of abstract figures.

Although no significant effects were detected for the placebo group, a significant improvement was observed in the CM scores of individuals receiving PS-fortified milk: +20.5% directed memory, +14.1% associative learning, +7.0% free memory of images, +8.3% recognition of abstract figures, and +7.6% features-linked memory (p < 0.05 for all).

Results suggest that supplementation with PS-fortified milk for even a short period of time may significantly improve both the language-based and non-language-based memory capacity of students. Thus, based on study findings, the integration of PS-fortified foods and beverages appears to be consistent in its capacity to support cognitive performance. The impact of PS on other facets of cognitive and brain function, including attentional control, for example, remains to be examined.

Source: Yong T, Quianyong Z, Mantian M, et al. Research on human memory enhancement by phosphatidylserine fortified milk. Chongqing Medicine. 2011; 30: 1671-83483. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-83483.2011.30.003.

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Posted November 7, 2017.

Angeline A. De Leon, MA, graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2010, completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a concentration in neuroscience. She received her master’s degree from The Ohio State University in 2013, where she studied clinical neuroscience within an integrative health program. Her specialized area of research involves the complementary use of neuroimaging and neuropsychology-based methodologies to examine how lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and meditation, can influence brain plasticity and enhance overall connectivity

References:                

  1. ZHOU F, LI H-j, YANG F-x, ZOU Z-y, MENG L-j, MEI L-l. Research advance of phosphatidylserine. Science and Technology of Food Industry. 2008;5:097.
  2. Araujo JA, Landsberg GM, Milgram NW, Miolo A. Improvement of short-term memory performance in aged beagles by a nutraceutical supplement containing phosphatidylserine, Ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, and pyridoxine. The Canadian Veterinary Journal. 2008;49(4):379.
  3. Kato-Kataoka A, Sakai M, Ebina R, Nonaka C, Asano T, Miyamori T. Soybean-derived phosphatidylserine improves memory function of the elderly Japanese subjects with memory complaints. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition. 2010;47(3):246-255.
  4. Vakhapova V, Cohen T, Richter Y, Herzog Y, Korczyn AD. Phosphatidylserine containing ω–3 fatty acids may improve memory abilities in non-demented elderly with memory complaints: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders. 2010;29(5):467-474.