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The Influence of Phosphatidylserine Supplementation on Mood and Heart Rate when Faced with an Acute Stressor
Abstract
There have been previous reports that supplements of phosphatidylserine (PS) blunted the release of cortisol in response to exercise stress and that it improved mood. The present study extended these observations by considering whether PS supplementation influenced subjective feelings of stress and the change in heart rate when a stressful mental arithmetic task was performed. In young adults, with neuroticism scores above rather than below the median, the taking of 300mg PS each day for a month was associated with feeling less stressed and having a better mood. The study for the first time reports an improvement in mood following PS supplementation in a sub-group of young healthy adults.
... Cenacchi et al. [23] reported the improvements in behavioral and cognitive functions in a group of geriatric patients with cognitive impairment after BC-PS 300 mg/day for 6 months. Furthermore, S-PS 300 mg/day for 1 month has been shown to be associated with feeling less stressed and having better mood in a sub-group of healthy young males [31]. ...
... PS has been reported to improve the accuracy during tee-off by increasing the golfer's stress resistance [47] and to reduce stress and increase performance in runners, cyclists, and golfers. Mood improvement was observed in young healthy adults who took 300 mg PS/day supplement for a month [31]. Parker et al. [48] demonstrated that PS supplement significantly increased cognitive function prior to exercise in 18 males aged 18-30 years. ...
... Moreover, an excessive cortisol response to exercise-induced stress has been linked to a negative training state, which could lead to overreaching or overtraining. PS supplement has been reported to improve mood in a sub-group of healthy young adults when faced with a stressful mental task [31] and blunted both serum ACTH and cortisol [49]. PS has been established as a safe oral supplement capable of attenuating the serum cortisol [50] and creatine kinase [51] responses to acute exercise stress. ...
... In adults, there is emergent evidence that phospholipid supplementation improves coping and reduces distress experienced before and after exposure to socially stressful situations (Benton et al., 2001;Hellhammer et al., 2004). Other clinical intervention trials using phospholipids have focused on attenuating the cognition-impairing effects of stress. ...
... In male undergraduate students who scored high on the personality trait neuroticism, those supplemented with phosphatidylserine coped better with a stressful situation, and their mood did not decline post the stress-inducing arithmetic task compared to neurotic participants who received the placebo. Participants reported feeling more confident, composed, and clearheaded (Benton et al., 2001). Supplementation with 400 mg phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserine complex significantly reduced distress following exposure to the Trier Social Stress Test, in which participants gave an impromptu speech and performed an arithmetic task. ...
... While MFGMs contain phospholipids, the concentration of phosphatidylserine is lower than that used in previous studies that have demonstrated reductions in situation-specific stress (Benton et al., 2001;Hellhammer et al., 2004). MFGMs also contain proteins, sphingolipids, and cholesterols. ...
Polar lipids are integral to nervous system function and are implicated in cognitive performance and psychological response to situational stress. Milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) are a rich source of complex lipids and membrane proteins. This study aimed to test the effect of two doses of MFGM supplementation on stress, psychological outcomes and cortisol response. Healthy adults (n = 122) enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants received MFGM 600 mg (containing 300 mg milk phospholipids), MFGM 1200 mg (containing 600 mg milk phospholipids), or placebo daily for 12 weeks. At baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks, questionnaires assessed psychological outcomes and sleep quality. Awakening cortisol concentration was measured from saliva. Participants supplemented with MFGM had significantly lower stress scores than the placebo group after six weeks (p = 0.0004) and 12 weeks (p = 0.002). There was a suggestion that MFGM supplementation reduced anxiety after 12 weeks (p = 0.06). MFGM supplementation may improve general psychological health beyond situational stress.
... When healthy men received single intravenous infusions of either placebo or PS just before the initiation of a strenuous workout on a stationary bike, the typical exercise-induced stress response (increases in plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol concentrations) [118] occurred only following infusions of placebo and not after acute administration of PS [119]. Oral PS also attenuates the "stress response"; supplementation with PS 300 mg/d for 1 mo [120], 400 mg for 21 d [121], 600 mg for 21 d [121], 600 mg for 10 d [122], 800 mg for 10 d [123], 800 mg for 21 d [121], or 800 mg for 14 d [124] suppressed the typical exercise-induced spikes in the serum concentrations of ACTH and cortisol that accompanied the initiation of cycling exercise in healthy young physically conditioned men [123,124] or exposure to acute psychological stress in healthy young men and women [120,121]. In one study, supplementation with PS increased subjects' exercise capacity [125]. ...
... When healthy men received single intravenous infusions of either placebo or PS just before the initiation of a strenuous workout on a stationary bike, the typical exercise-induced stress response (increases in plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol concentrations) [118] occurred only following infusions of placebo and not after acute administration of PS [119]. Oral PS also attenuates the "stress response"; supplementation with PS 300 mg/d for 1 mo [120], 400 mg for 21 d [121], 600 mg for 21 d [121], 600 mg for 10 d [122], 800 mg for 10 d [123], 800 mg for 21 d [121], or 800 mg for 14 d [124] suppressed the typical exercise-induced spikes in the serum concentrations of ACTH and cortisol that accompanied the initiation of cycling exercise in healthy young physically conditioned men [123,124] or exposure to acute psychological stress in healthy young men and women [120,121]. In one study, supplementation with PS increased subjects' exercise capacity [125]. ...
... In one study, supplementation with PS increased subjects' exercise capacity [125]. Together these findings indicate that supplemental PS interacts with neuronal cell membranes within the human brain to blunt the typical pituitary ACTH secretory response to hypothalamic stimuli, reduce resting serum cortisol concentrations, and attenuate the expected hypersecretion of cortisol during and after exercise [118][119][120][121][122][123][124][125]. ...
The aim of this study was to assess the roles and importance of phosphatidylserine (PS), an endogenous phospholipid and dietary nutrient, in human brain biochemistry, physiology, and function.
A scientific literature search was conducted on MEDLINE for relevant articles regarding PS and the human brain published before June 2014. Additional publications were identified from references provided in original papers; 127 articles were selected for inclusion in this review.
A large body of scientific evidence describes the interactions among PS, cognitive activity, cognitive aging, and retention of cognitive functioning ability.
Phosphatidylserine is required for healthy nerve cell membranes and myelin. Aging of the human brain is associated with biochemical alterations and structural deterioration that impair neurotransmission. Exogenous PS (300-800 mg/d) is absorbed efficiently in humans, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and safely slows, halts, or reverses biochemical alterations and structural deterioration in nerve cells. It supports human cognitive functions, including the formation of short-term memory, the consolidation of long-term memory, the ability to create new memories, the ability to retrieve memories, the ability to learn and recall information, the ability to focus attention and concentrate, the ability to reason and solve problems, language skills, and the ability to communicate. It also supports locomotor functions, especially rapid reactions and reflexes.
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... Single (50 and 75 mg) as well as repeated intake (800 mg per day for ten days) of PS has been reported to reduce ACTH and cortisol secretion in response to physical stress (Monteleone et al., 1990(Monteleone et al., , 1992. Benton et al. (2001) demonstrated a positive effect of three-month treatment with 300 mg/day PS on perceived stress during a stressful mental arithmetic task. In line with these results, we recently showed that daily intake of 400 mg phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserine complex (PAS) over a three-week period significantly dampens the endocrine stress response (Hellhammer et al., 2004): compared to placebo, subjects exposed to 400 mg PAS had significantly lower levels of ACTH, serum cortisol and salivary cortisol (the biological active, free steroid fraction) in response to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST; Kirschbaum et al., 1993), a well-validated laboratory protocol (Dickerson and Kemeny, 2004). ...
... Furthermore, results from a clinical trial in elderly patients suggest that bovine cortex PS (BC-PS) acts as an antidementia agent that may improve behaviour and cognitive performance without any side effects (Cenachhi et al., 1993). Animal findings showed that soy PS has similar effects on cognitive performance as bovine PS (Sakai et al., 1996;Blokland et al., 1999;Suzuki et al., 2001) and this has been confirmed in human studies (Crook, 1998;Benton et al., 2001). Suggested mechanisms of how PS enhances memory performance implicate its involvement in the maintenance of the neuron membrane and its promoting dendritic branching and neurotransmitter release (McDaniel et al., 2003). ...
... Furthermore, the PL group experienced the stress task as more predictable than subjects of the placebo group. These data provide further support to the findings of Benton et al. (2001) and Hellhammer et al.(2004) on dampening effects of phospholipids on perceived stress. ...
Purpose
Phosphatidylserine (PS) extracted from both bovine cortex and soya beans has been previously reported to positively affect cognitive functioning, mood, and the capacity to cope with stress. The present paper aims to investigate whether the daily intake of phospholipid concentrate (PL) rich in phosphatidylserine (PS) and sphingomyelin (SM) has similar beneficial effects on working memory, allostastic load and the acute stress response.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 46 healthy men (average 41.5 years) received either placebo or 13.5 g per day PL over a three‐week period. On the 21st day of PL intake, subjects' working memory performance and their psychological and endocrine responses to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) were tested.
Findings
Compared to placebo‐exposed individuals, there was a tendency for shorter reaction times in the working memory task, suggesting better performance in PL‐treated subjects. The two treatment groups did not significantly differ in their endocrine stress response. However, PL‐treated subjects with a higher stress load showed a blunted psychological stress response.
Practical implications
Results of the present study show beneficial effects of PL intake on cognitive performance. Under acute stress, benefits of PL may only be visible in chronically stressed subjects.
Originality/value
This paper provides new information for practitioners, academics and food supplement industries interested in possible beneficial effects of a milk phospholipid product on memory and mental stress.
... The majority of PtdSer supplementation studies have evaluated higher brain functions; indeed, BC-PtdSer has been shown to improve a variety of cognitive functions that include memory and verbal response in aging patients (2,6), and more recently S-PtdSer has been demonstrated to enhance mood in a subsection of young individuals during mental stress (4). Few studies have investigated the effects of PtdSer supplementation before exercise (10,16,17), and the available data suffers from the methodological limitation of using crossover supplementation designs while the washout kinetics of PtdSer remains unclear (20). ...
... The participants in the current study provided baseline responses that were similar to those of other recreationally active populations before exercise training (15), indicating that the testing procedures did not induce large changes in feeling states before exercise in these subjects. Benton et al. (4) reported improvements in mood after mental stress within a subgroup of young healthy adults following chronic S-PtdSer supplementation. Nevertheless, these improvements were only identifiable in a subgroup of subjects who scored higher than the median for neuroticism; people who score highly on this dimension are known to display strong emotional reactions to stress (4). ...
... Benton et al. (4) reported improvements in mood after mental stress within a subgroup of young healthy adults following chronic S-PtdSer supplementation. Nevertheless, these improvements were only identifiable in a subgroup of subjects who scored higher than the median for neuroticism; people who score highly on this dimension are known to display strong emotional reactions to stress (4). Consequently, the baseline emotional state of an individual might influence the efficacy of S-PtdSer in altering feeling states during exercise. ...
The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of 750 mg of soybean-derived phosphatidylserine, administered daily for 10 d, on exercise capacity, oxygen uptake kinetic response, neuroendocrine function, and feeling states during exhaustive intermittent exercise.
Following preliminary testing, fourteen active males completed a staged intermittent exercise protocol on two further occasions (T1 and T2) separated by 16 +/- 1 d. The protocol consisted of three 10-min stages of cycling at 45, 55, and 65% VO2max, followed by a final bout at 85% VO2max that was continued until exhaustion. Approximately 5 d after T1 the subjects were assigned, in a double-blind manner, to either phosphatidylserine (PS) or placebo (P). Breath-by-breath respiratory data and heart rate were continually recorded throughout the exercise protocol, and blood samples were obtained at rest, during the rest periods within the protocol (Post-55, Post-65), at the end of exercise (Post-85), 20 min after the completion of exercise (postexercise), and the day following exercise (Post-24 h).
The main finding of this study was that supplementation had a significant effect on exercise time to exhaustion at 85% VO2max (P = 0.005). The exercise time to exhaustion in PS increased following supplementation (7:51 +/- 1:36 to 9:51 +/- 1:42 min:s, P = 0.001), whereas P remained unchanged (8:09 +/- 0:54 to 8:02 +/- 0:54 min:s, P = 0.670). Supplementation did not significantly affect oxygen kinetic mean response times (MRT(on) and MRT(off)), serum cortisol concentrations, substrate oxidation, and feeling states during the trial.
This is the first study to report improved exercise capacity following phosphatidylserine supplementation. These findings suggest that phosphatidylserine might possess potential ergogenic properties.
... This approach is based on the assumption that crystallised cognitive abilities (e.g., vocabulary, general knowledge) are preserved during aging fluid abilities (e.g., learning new information, problem solving) are not [43]. 14 ...
... In nutrition research mental clarity is often assessed using the clearheaded / confused subscale of POMS (McNair et al., 2005) or the Bond-Lader VAS (Muzzy-Clear headed). Whilst these measures have proven sensitive to nutritional interventions [13,14], this is an area that could do with further conceptual and methodological development. ...
Consumers often cite cognitive improvements as reasons for making dietary changes or using dietary supplements, a motivation that if leveraged could greatly enhance public health. However, rarely is it considered whether standardized cognitive tests that are used in nutrition research are aligned to outcomes of interest to the consumer. This knowledge gap presents a challenge to the scientific substantiation of nutrition-based cognitive health benefits. Here we combined qualitative consumer research and expert group methodology to (1) understand how consumers comprehend the potential benefits of nutrition for brain health, and (2) determine the alignment between consumers' articulated brain benefits and validated tests and tools. We derived a ‘Consumer Taxonomy of Cognitive and Affective Health in Nutrition Research’ which describes the cognitive and affective structure from the consumers' perspective. Experts agreed that validated tests exist for some consumer benefits including focused attention, sustained attention, episodic memory, energy levels, and anxiety. Prospective memory, flow, and presence represented novel benefits that require the development and validation of new tests and tools. Closing the gap between science and consumers, and fostering co-creative approaches to nutrition research, are critical to the development of products and dietary recommendations that support realizable cognitive benefits that benefit public health.
... PS is concentrated mainly in the inner layer of cell membranes. PS is preferentially associated with membrane proteins, especially during oxidative stress [15][16][17]. PS has facilitated some cell responses to biologically active substances [12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. ...
... PS is preferentially associated with membrane proteins, especially during oxidative stress [15][16][17]. PS has facilitated some cell responses to biologically active substances [12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. The PS amount in the human cerebral cortex and cell nuclei membrane accounted for 13-15 % [18-20] and 4-9% of the total phospholipids, respectively [12]. ...
A formation of DNA-lipid complexes was studied by molec.docking and dynamics methods using the interaction of DNA with phosphatidylserine (PS). We have previously shown that some fatty acids and phosphatidylglycerol can specifically bind to oligonucleotide DNA (dA)20•(dT)20. It is shown that (dA)20•(dT)20 and phosphatidylserine formed a stable complex with a 6.3 kcal/mol binding energy and the PS molecule located in the minor groove of DNA. This complex contains 342 atom groups (interatomic distance ≤3.4 Å). The types of bonds in the PS-DNA(oligonucleotide) complex are suggested as hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic and dipole-induced dipole interactions. In our previous study, a similar arrangement with close binding energy of 5.8 kcal/mol was shown for phosphatidylglycerol complex with the same oligonucleotide (complex contained 354 groups of atoms). The present study is of interest due to the importance of such complexes for applied biochemistry and biotechnology, genetics and molecular biology, cytology and pharmacology, nanotechnology, and selfassembly smart materials.
... Naturally occurring phospholipids can be found in plant and animal food sources, including eggs, organ and lean meats, fish, shellfish, cereal grains, oilseeds and milk (Cohn et al., 2010), and are considered to be important components of nutrition, since studies have demonstrated that phospholipid-enriched diets significantly impact behaviour (Kullenberg et al., 2012). Indeed, phospholipid supplementations have shown significant improvements in aged individuals in terms of cognitive performance (Crook et al., 1991), and attenuated the negative effects of stress in young adult subjects (Benton et al., 2001). However, it is not clear whether the positive effects of phospholipids on stress-related behaviour are linked to direct modulation of neuronal function or indirect systemic responses. ...
... Phospholipids are structural lipids with recognised potential to protect neuronal functioning linked with cognition and behaviour, from the negative effects of aging and stress (Crook et al., 1991;Benton et al., 2001;Kullenberg et al., 2012;Boyle et al., 2019;Schverer et al., 2020). In the present study, we demonstrated that specific phospholipids have potential to significantly modify processes critically regulated under stress in vitro. ...
Nutrition is a crucial component for maintenance of brain function and mental health. Accumulating evidence suggests that certain molecular compounds derived from diet can exert neuroprotective effects against chronic stress, and moreover improve important neuronal processes vulnerable to the stress response, such as plasticity and neurogenesis. Phospholipids are naturally occurring amphipathic molecules with promising potential to promote brain health. However, it is unclear whether phospholipids are able to modulate neuronal function directly under a stress-related context. In this study, we investigate the neuroprotective effects of phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidic acid (PA), sphingomyelin (SM) and cardiolipin (CL) against corticosterone (CORT)-induced cytotoxicity in primary cultured rat cortical neurons. In addition, we examine their capacity to modulate proliferation and differentiation of hippocampal neural progenitor cells (NPCs).
We show that PS, PG and PE can reverse CORT-induced cytotoxicity and neuronal depletion in cortical cells. On the other hand, phospholipid exposure was unable to prevent the decrease of Bdnf expression produced by CORT. Interestingly, PS was able to increase hippocampal NPCs neurosphere size, and PE elicited a significant increase in astrocytic differentiation in hippocampal NPCs. Together, these results indicate that specific phospholipids protect cortical cells against CORT-induced cytotoxicity and improve proliferation and astrocytic differentiation in hippocampal NPCs, suggesting potential implications on neurodevelopmental and neuroprotective pathways relevant for stress-related disorders.
... It has also been shown as a product of high intensity exercise (19), inadequate and poor nutrition (6,21,24), monotonous training (30), abrupt increases in training volume-load (31), or training multiple times per day (31). Overtraining has also been found to occur in response to insufficient quantity/ quality of sleep (27,32), and/or uncontrolled or excessive emotional, environmental, occupational, and psychological stress (4,9,24,33), and is related to the individual's stress capacity (34). Furthermore, OTS can occur from a lack of communication between the athlete and coach on the training load's perceived exertion (19), athletes training too hard on recovery sessions (25), prior or reoccurring illnesses (6), or long/ multiple consecutive competitive seasons (35). ...
... Overtraining has been associated with disturbances in physiological performance, psychological/ information processing, biochemical markers, and immunological function (6,13,19,33,42,43). This can lead to such things as depression, irritability, chronic fatigue, decreased performance, loss of competitive desire, frequent illnesses/ infections, altered sleep patterns, changed responses to catecholamine sensitivity, suppressed reproductive function, decreased testosterone, elevated cortisol, loss of appetite, reduced thirst, premature fatigue during exercise, reduced neuromuscular excitability, decreased running economy, altered lactate response, competition anxiety, reduced cognition/ ability to process large amounts of information, constant soreness, and increased injuries (6, 13, 19-21, 31-33, 35, 41-45). ...
Exercise has the potential to improve the fitness level of an individual if he or she is able to optimally recover from the training stress. If unable to recover fully, the individual runs the risk of developing overtraining syndrome (OTS). Overtraining syndrome is a complex occurrence in the body, which can result from several training and non-training factors. Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid the development and detrimental effects of OTS. This article will discuss the causes, consequences, and methods for prevention for OTS.
... The heart rate response to a standard stressor was examined using the method of Benton et al. [12] who found that this procedure increased heart rate by fifteen beats and that a biological intervention, the prior consumption of phosphotidlyserine, ameliorated the increase in heart-rate. Heart rate (HR) was measured using a Polar RS800 HR monitor set to R-R interval mode (Polar Electro, Kempele, Finland), together with an electrode transmitter belt (T61) after the application of a conductive gel. ...
... Forty six undergraduates (Table 1) gave informed consent, and under a double-blind procedure were randomly allocated to one of two groups who did or did not consume EOC. The sample size is based on the positive results of Benton et al. [12] who used the same "stress" paradigm (Section 2.2). ...
Chicken extract, which is rich in anserine and carnosine, has been widely taken in Asian countries as a traditional remedy with various aims, including attenuation of psychological fatigue. The effects of consuming BRAND'S Essence of Chicken (EOC) or a placebo on 46 young adults' responses to a standard psychological "stressor" were considered. Heart rate variability (HRV), cortisol responses, mood and cognition were measured at baseline and after ten days supplementation. EOC resulted in feeling less anxious, depressed and confused and more agreeable and clearheaded. A decrease in HRV was observed after EOC but only in females. Cognition and cortisol levels were not influenced by EOC. Findings suggest that EOC may be a promising supplement to improve mood in a healthy population.
... 6,7 The past two years have seen two new United Kingdom trials. 8,9 Altogether, the controlled trials with PS unequivocally establish its benefits for higher brain functions such as memory, learning and word recall; mood elevation; and coping with stress. 1 Initial research with PS utilized preparations laboriously extracted from bovine brains. With the advent of Mad Cow disease this source became commercially nonviable and a soy source was developed. ...
... One recent double-blind trial indicates soy PS helps young, healthy people cope with the stresses of daily life. 8 David Benton and his collaborators at the University of Wales recruited 48 young male university students, evaluated them by questionnaire for "neurotic personality", then randomly divided them between a PS test group (300 mg/day) and a placebo group (given triglycerides). After 30 days of supplementation, the subjects were given a standard acute stress test: a series of hard mental arithmetic calculations, with 4 seconds for each and without a calculator. ...
The phospholipids (pronounced fos-fo-lipi-ids) are prime building blocks of life. 1 They are found in humans, all animals, plants, and the simplest life forms. Some phospholipids are most likely conditionally essential nutrients: for their in vivo synthesis multiple enzymes and cofactors are required. Dietary phospholipid intake has declined, mainly due to increased food refining and processing. Phospholipid mixtures ("lecithin") were among the first health foods, and more sophisticated preparations have emerged as versatile nutraceuticals and functional food constituents. Phospholipids are orthomolecules—"molecules orthodox to the body", as defined by the late Nobel biochemist Linus Pauling. 2 Phospholipids have a unique molecular organization that probably rendered them integral to life since its very beginning. The phospholipid molecule is charged at one end and uncharged at the other (amphipathic). This endows phospholipids with emulsifying, wetting, and self- assembly properties, all of which are successfully employed in the human body design. Self-assembly generates the membranes which all cells require for their essential functions. These three-dimensional, sheet-like molecular assemblies consist mostly of catalytic proteins built into a continuous matrix assembled from
... Others have reported that 6 weeks of supplementation with 200 mg/d PS has been shown to significantly decrease β-1 power in right hemispheric frontal brain regions before and after induced stress in healthy male participants, an indication of increased relaxation [11]. In addition, ingestion of 300 mg/d PS for 1 month has been associated with improved mood and decreased stress in young adults with above-normal neuroticism scores follow- ing an acute mental stressor [39]. In contrast, when a physical or mental stressor is not present, PS supplementation does not appear to benefit mood [34]. ...
... It appears that PS supplementation may be most effective for mood improve- ments when there is apparent mood impairment, but may not be as effective for individuals who are in a positive or healthy mood state. Based upon our results and previous research [11,34,38,39], consumers who are not experiencing a negative mood state or periods of substantial fatigue may not benefit from supplemental PS. However, supplemental PS may have implications in arenas where substantial fatigue or impaired mood is present. ...
... Previous studies suggest that the administration of PS reduces acute physical and psychologic stress. For example, the intake of PS was associated with reduced perceived stress during and after a stress task [9,10]. In addition, PS administration resulted in lower stress-induced adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol increases [11] and lower beta-1 power in right hemisphere frontal brain regions, suggesting favorable effects on relaxation [12]. ...
... In addition, we applied the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS [31] ). Because previous research suggests stress-buffering effects of PS and omega-3 on psychologic parameters and biomarkers9101112131415161718, we hypothesized that omega-3 PS supplementation dampens both acute and chronic stress. Moreover, we hypothesize that the beneficial effects of omega-3 PS are more pronounced in subgroups characterized by high chronic stress and/or a suppressed cortisol stress response [20,21]. ...
... Phosphatidylserine supplementation improves brain functions that tend to decline with age [8]. Recent studies indicate that PS supplementation might be beneficial for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [9] and young people suffering from mental [10] and/or physical stress [11]. ...
... Mental stress was induced by performing a demanding mathematical task. Phosphatidylserine supplementation resulted in improvements in feeling clear-headed, composed and confident, feeling energetic and elated in a specific sub-section of the young healthy students [10]. ...
Phospholipids are essential components of all biological membranes. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Phosphatidylserine (PS) are Phosphatidyl-phospholipids that are required for normal cellular structure and function. The participation in physical activity often challenges a variety of physiological systems; consequently, the ability to maintain normal cellular function during activity can determine sporting performance. The participation in prolonged intense exercise has been shown to reduce circulatory choline concentrations in some individuals. As choline is a pre-cursor to the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine, this finding has encouraged researchers to investigate the hypothesis that supplementation with PC (or choline salts) could enhance sporting performance. Although the available data that evaluates the effects of PC supplementation on performance are equivocal, acute oral supplementation with PC (~0.2 g PC per kg body mass) has been demonstrated to improve performance in a variety of sporting activities where exercise has depleted circulatory choline concentrations. Short term oral supplementation with soy-derived PS (S-PS) has been reported to attenuate circulating cortisol concentrations, improve perceived well-being, and reduce perceived muscle soreness after exercise. More recently, short term oral supplementation (750 mg per day of S-PS for 10 days) has been demonstrated to improve exercise capacity during high intensity cycling and tended to increase performance during intermittent running. Although more research is warranted to determine minimum dietary Phospholipid requirements for optimal sporting performance, these findings suggest that some participants might benefit from dietary interventions that increase the intakes of PC and PS.
... In human participants, the response to situational stress improves in those supplemented with MFGMs [105,106]. Healthy adults aged 25-65 years who received daily MFGM supplementation had significantly lower stress scores and a borderline significant reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to participants receiving the placebo [107]. Men supplemented with a milk-derived phospholipid concentrate show stress reduction, specifically attenuation of stress-induced memory impairments [108], improved post-stress reaction time performance on an attention-switching task [109] and blunted psychological stress response when exposed to a high-stress load [106]. ...
The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) contains bioactive proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Polar lipids found in the MFGM play a critical role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and neuronal signalling capacity, thereby supporting brain health. This review summarises the literature on the MFGM and its phospholipid constituents for improvement of mental health across three key stages of the human lifespan, i.e., infancy, adulthood, and older age. MFGM supplementation may improve mental health by reducing neuroinflammation and supporting neurotransmitter synthesis through the gut-brain axis. Fortification of infant formula with MFGMs is designed to mimic the composition of breastmilk and optimise early gut and central nervous system development. Early behavioural and emotional development sets the stage for future mental health. In adults, promising results suggest that MFGMs can reduce the negative consequences of situational stress. Preclinical models of age-related cognitive decline suggest a role for the MFGM in supporting brain health in older age and reducing depressive symptoms. While there is preclinical and clinical evidence to support the use of MFGM supplementation for improved mental health, human studies with mental health as the primary target outcome are sparce. Further high-quality clinical trials examining the potential of the MFGM for psychological health improvement are important.
... In nutrition research mental clarity is often assessed using the clearheaded/confused subscale of POMS [33], or the Bond-Lader VAS (Muzzy-Clear headed). Whilst these measures have proven sensitive to nutritional interventions [66,67], this is an area that could do with further conceptual and methodological development. ...
Consumers often cite cognitive improvements as reasons for making dietary changes or using dietary supplements, a motivation that if leveraged could greatly enhance public health. However, rarely is it considered whether standardized cognitive tests that are used in nutrition research are aligned to outcomes of interest to the consumer. This knowledge gap presents a challenge to the scientific substantiation of nutrition-based cognitive health benefits. Here we combined focus group transcript review using reflexive thematic analysis and a multidisciplinary expert panel exercise to evaluate the applicability of cognitive performance tools/tasks for substantiating the specific cognitive benefits articulated by consumers with the objectives to (1) understand how consumers comprehend the potential benefits of nutrition for brain health, and (2) determine the alignment between consumers desired brain benefits and validated tests and tools. We derived a ‘Consumer Taxonomy of Cognitive and Affective Health in Nutrition Research’ which describes the cognitive and affective structure from the consumers perspective. Experts agreed that validated tests exist for some consumer benefits including focused attention, sustained attention, episodic memory, energy levels, and anxiety. Prospective memory, flow, and presence represented novel benefits that require the development and validation of new tests and tools. Closing the gap between science and consumers and fostering co-creative approaches to nutrition research are critical to the development of products and dietary recommendations that support realizable cognitive benefits that benefit public health.
... This is consistent with the quantitative analysis of psychological rating scale scores, which showed a significant reduction in DASS stress scores and a reduction in DASS anxiety scores that approached statistical significance. 15 Benton et al. 19 reported that university students with high scores on a neuroticism scale who received a phospholipid supplement (phosphatidylserine) were better able to cope with the stress of an arithmetic task, as evidenced by mood scores that did not decline. By contrast, mood scores for those receiving the placebo worsened with exposure to stress. ...
Background
Milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) present a nutritional intervention with the potential to improve psychological well‐being and mitigate the negative effects of stress on health. The present study aimed to investigate participant's experience of different aspects of health during a trial of MFGM supplementation and determine the effect of MFGM on qualitative measures of psychological and physical well‐being.
Methods
Seventy‐three adults in New Zealand who were enrolled in a clinical trial to test MFGM supplementation for improvement of psychological well‐being took part in a post‐intervention interview. Participants and researchers remained blinded to intervention group allocation. Interviews were conducted over the video conferencing platform Zoom and transcribed. A mixed methods analytical approach included thematic analysis to identify emerging themes and χ ² regression models to examine frequency of improvements in different aspects of well‐being between the MFGM and placebo groups.
Results
There were no significant demographic or psychological differences between interviewees and non‐interviewed study participants. Four central themes emerged from the data for all participants: improved well‐being, increased ability to cope with stress and improvements in mood, improvement in physical energy or activity, and improved sleep. The frequency of improved ability to cope with stress and improved sleep quality was significantly higher in participants who received MFGM supplementation compared to those receiving the placebo.
Conclusions
Qualitative data may capture aspects of improved sleep or psychological well‐being not measured by rating scales. The results suggest that MFGM supplementation may improve the ability to cope with stress and improve sleep quality in healthy adults.
... In human participants, the response to situational stress improves in those supplemented with MFGMs [105,106]. Healthy adults aged 25-65 years who received daily MFGM supplementation had significantly lower stress scores and a borderline significant reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to participants receiving the placebo [107]. Men supplemented with a milk-derived phospholipid concentrate show stress reduction, specifically attenuation of stress-induced memory impairments [108], improved post-stress reaction time performance on an attention-switching task [109] and blunted psychological stress response when exposed to a high-stress load [106]. ...
The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) contains bioactive proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Polar lipids found in the MFGM play a critical role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and neuronal signalling capacity, thereby supporting brain health. This review summarises the literature on the MFGM and its phospholipid constituents for improvement of mental health across three key stages of the human lifespan, i.e., infancy, adulthood, and older age. MFGM supplementation may improve mental health by reducing neuroinflammation and supporting neurotransmitter synthesis through the gut–brain axis. Fortification of infant formula with MFGMs is designed to mimic the composition of breastmilk and optimise early gut and central nervous system development. Early behavioural and emotional development sets the stage for future mental health. In adults, promising results suggest that MFGMs can reduce the negative consequences of situational stress. Preclinical models of age-related cognitive decline suggest a role for the MFGM in supporting brain health in older age and reducing depressive symptoms. While there is preclinical and clinical evidence to support the use of MFGM supplementation for improved mental health, human studies with mental health as the primary target outcome are sparce. Further high-quality clinical trials examining the potential of the MFGM for psychological health improvement are important.
... Phosphatidylsérine Effets positifs dans la maladie d'Alzheimer : agit sur la cognition, la mémoire (Crook et al., 1991 ; Agit aussi sur l'humeur, le stress (Benton et al., 2001) Composé pouvant être intégré dans des préparations alimentaires (mis à part les boissons) (Kidd, 2002) Phosphatidylcholine Aide le foie à se régénérer après des attaques de substances chimiques toxiques et des dommages causés par les virus (Kidd et al., 2000 ;Niederau et al., 1998) Protège la muqueuse gastro-intestinale contre les attaques de substances toxiques provoquant des entérocolites nécrosantes (Carlson et al., 1998) Composé sûr, bien toléré et abordable économiquement afin de l'intégrer dans des préparations alimentaires (mise à part les boissons) (Kidd, 2002) Lysophosphatidylcholine Agit comme médiateur de médicaments bactériostatiques et bactéricides (Van Rensburg et al., 1992). ...
Beaucoup de patients souffrent de maladies du tube digestif et les ventes de médicaments associés sont très élevées. La mise sur le marché sous forme d’alicaments, donc avec moins de contre-indications ou effets secondaires pour les patients, seraient alors une bonne alternative. L’objectif de ce travail a été de démontrer les effets bénéfiques sur la santé et en particulier sur la flore intestinale de la Membrane des Globules Gras du lait (« MFGM »). En effet, la Membrane des Globules Gras du lait permettrait de réduire les maladies gastro-intestinales, dediminuer l’absorption du cholestérol et agirait dans l’inhibition de cellules cancéreuses. Ceci grâce à des lipides et protéines (notamment la mucine 1) constituants la Membrane des Globules Gras du lait. Des expériences ont été réalisées pour démontrer l’affinité entre les protéines de la MFGM et les probiotiques et donc la possibilité d’encapsuler les probiotiques dans la Membrane des Globules Gras du lait. Malgré les résultats non-concluant obtenus, plusieurs publications prouvent déjà qu’il existe une bonne affinité et qu’une encapsulation des probiotiques dans une membrane des globules gras du lait serait alors possible.
... phosphatidylserine), and neurotransmitters (acetylcholine) [12,13]. Previous studies showed a positive effect of phospholipids supplementation on depression and cognitive function in rodents [14] and humans [15][16][17]. Therefore, our goal was to evaluate the effect of a phospholipid dietary supplement on the depression-like behavior induced by Gardasil in immunized mice. ...
Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPVv) is used worldwide for prevention of infection. However several reports link this vaccine, with immune-mediated reactions, especially with neurological manifestations. Our previous results showed that HPVv-Gardasil and aluminum-immunized mice developed behavioral impairments. Studies have shown a positive effect of phospholipid supplementation on depression and cognitive functions in mice. Therefore, our goal was to evaluate the effect of a dietary supplement on vaccine-induced depression. Sixty C57BL/6 female mice were immunized with HPVv-Gardasil, aluminum or the vehicle (n = 20 each group), and half of each group were fed 5 times per week with 0.2 ml of a dietary supplement enriched with phosphatidylcholine. The mice were evaluated for depression at 3 months of age, by the forced swimming test. Both the Gardasil and the aluminum-treated mice developed depressive-like behavior when compared to the control group. The HPVv-Gardasil-immunized mice supplemented with phosphatidylcholine significantly reduced their depressive symptoms. This study confirms our previous studies demonstrating depressive-like behavior in mice vaccinated with HPVv-Gardasil. In addition, it demonstrates the ability of phosphatidylcholine-enriched diet to attenuate depressive-like behavior in the HPVv-Gardasil-vaccinated mice. We suggest that phosphatidylcholine supplementation may serve as a treatment for patients suffering vaccine-related neurological manifestations.
... For example, preliminary evidence suggests chronic supplementation with phospholipids at high doses may prove beneficial in treating a range of diseases and enhancing brain function [38]. Of particular relevance to the present research, daily supplementation with 300-400 mg of PS over three to four weeks has been found to reduce the stress response to laboratory-induced mild stress [39,40]. A randomised controlled trial of chamomile extract (Matricaria recutita) supplementation over eight weeks in generalised anxiety disorder also suggests anxiolytic effects of this extract [41]. ...
L-theanine (γ-glutamylethylamide) is an amino acid found primarily in the green tea plant. This study explored the effects of an L-theanine-based nutrient drink on mood responses to a cognitive stressor. Additional measures included an assessment of cognitive performance and resting state alpha oscillatory activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Thirty-four healthy adults aged 18–40 participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced crossover study. The primary outcome measure, subjective stress response to a multitasking cognitive stressor, was significantly reduced one hour after administration of the L-theanine drink when compared to placebo. The salivary cortisol response to the stressor was reduced three hours post-dose following active treatment. No treatment-related cognitive performance changes were observed. Resting state alpha oscillatory activity was significantly greater in posterior MEG sensors after active treatment compared to placebo two hours post-dose; however, this effect was only apparent for those higher in trait anxiety. This change in resting state alpha oscillatory activity was not correlated with the change in subjective stress response or the cortisol response, suggesting further research is required to assess the functional relevance of these treatment-related changes in resting alpha activity. These findings further support the anti-stress effects of L-theanine.
... In addition to its roles in cognitive function, PS is being attributed with salubrious roles in juvenile stress control [96]. One such study has been undertaken by Hellhammer et al. [97], who recruited 46 healthy volunteers (mean age: 41.5 years) and gave them 13.5 g/d of PLs (especially PS and SM) isolated from a milk 12% PL paste, for three weeks. ...
Glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids participate in a variety of indispensable metabolic, neurological, and intracellular signaling processes. In this didactic paper we review the biological roles of phospholipids and try to unravel the precise nature of their putative healthful activities. We conclude that the biological actions of phospholipids activities potentially be nutraceutically exploited in the adjunct therapy of widely diffused pathologies such as neurodegeneration or the metabolic syndrome. As phospholipids can be recovered from inexpensive sources such as food processing by-products, ad-hoc investigation is warranted.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
... Safety concerns of the risk for prion contamination in BC-PS limited its use and promoted the establishment of soybean-derived PS (SB-PS) as a safe alternative [7] . SB-PS was shown to attenuate both physical [8] and mental stress [9,10] . However, inconclusive results have been obtained in clinical studies evaluating the ability of SB-PS to promote cognitive functioning in age-associated memory impairment subjects. ...
... Large doses of vitamin C, phosphatidylserine and Moducare (sterols and sterolins) have all been found to be effective in helping to keep cortisol levels under control [47][48][49]. Could they be effective in preventing LAF episodes? ...
... Animal research suggests that PA may prevent or restore gastrointestinal disorders [21,22] and may increase skeletal muscle mass [23]. PS plays a key role in neuronal cell structure and functioning and may improve memory, learning, mood and stress management [24][25][26][27][28][29]. PS has been shown to decrease ACTH and cortisol responses to acute physical and mental stress [30][31][32][33][34][35]. ...
Background:
Supplementation with a phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylserine/ phosphatidic acid complex (PAS) has been observed to normalize stress induced dysregulations of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA). Prolonged stress first induces a hyper-activation of the HPAA, which then can be followed by a state of hypo-activation.The aim of this study was to examine effects of an oral supplementation with 400 mg PS & 400 mg PA (PAS 400) per day on the endocrine stress response (ACTH, saliva and serum cortisol) to a psychosocial stressor. A special focus was to analyze subgroups of low versus high chronically stressed subjects as well as to test efficacy of 200 mg PS & 200 mg PA (PAS 200).
Methods:
75 healthy male volunteers were enrolled for this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, stratified by chronic stress level, and randomly allocated to one of three study arms (placebo, PAS 200 and PAS 400 per day, respectively). Study supplementation was administered for 42 days for each participant. Chronic stress was measured with the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS), and subgroups of high and low chronic stress were differentiated by median values as provided by the TICS authors. A six week period of supplementation was followed by an acute stress test (Trier Social Stress Test - TSST).
Results:
Chronic stress levels and other baseline measures did not differ between treatment groups (all p>0.05). Acute stress was successfully induced by the TSST and resulted in a hyper-responsivity of the HPAA in chronically stressed subjects. Compared to placebo, a supplementation with a daily dose of PAS 400 was effective in normalizing the ACTH (p=0.010), salivary (p=0.043) and serum cortisol responses (p=0.035) to the TSST in chronically high but not in low stressed subjects (all p>0.05). Compared to placebo, supplementation with PAS 200 did not result in any significant differences in these variables (all p>0.05). There were no significant effects of supplementation with PAS on heart rate, pulse transit time, or psychological stress response (all p>0.05).
Conclusion:
In chronically stressed subjects, a supplementation with PAS 400 (MemreePlus™) can normalize the hyper-responsivity of the HPAA to an acute stressor.
Trial registration:
Trial registration:
DRKS-ID: DRKS00005125.
... Mood improvements have been previously reported in a double-blind trial of PS in depressed patients [87] . A number of studies have also demonstrated that phospholipids may have anti-stress effects, as demonstrated by lowered levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), reduction in perceived stress ratings in response to acute stress [88] and reduced cortisol release in response to acute stress [89,90]. In relation to milk-based phospholipids, it was recently demonstrated that chronic supplementation may lead to increased morning cortisol availability in chronically stressed men [91] as well as a blunting of self-report stress ratings in response to an acute stressor [43]. ...
Background:
Age-related cognitive decline (ARCD) is of major societal concern in an ageing population, with the development of dietary supplements providing a promising avenue for amelioration of associated deficits. Despite initial interest in the use of phospholipids (PLs) for ARCD, in recent years there has been a hiatus in such research. Because of safety concerns regarding PLs derived from bovine cortex, and the equivocal efficacy of soybean-derived PLs, there is an important need for the development of new PL alternatives. Phospholipids derived from milk proteins represent one potential candidate treatment.
Methods:
In order to reduce the effects of age-associated memory impairment (AAMI) the Phospholipid Intervention for Cognitive Ageing Reversal (PLICAR) was developed to test the efficacy of a milk protein concentrate rich in natural, non-synthetic milk phospholipids (Lacprodan® PL-20). PLICAR is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-groups study where 150 (N = 50/group) AAMI participants aged > 55 years will be randomized to receive a daily supplement of Lacprodan® PL-20 or one of two placebos (phospholipid-free milk protein concentrate or inert rice starch) over a 6-month (180-day) period. Participants will undergo testing at baseline, 90 days and 180 days. The primary outcome is a composite memory score from the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. Secondary outcomes include cognitive (verbal learning, working memory, prospective and retrospective memory, processing speed and attention), mood (depression, anxiety, stress and visual analogue scales), cardiovascular (blood pressure, blood velocity and pulse wave pressure), gastrointestinal microbiota and biochemical measures (oxidative stress, inflammation, B vitamins and Homocysteine, glucoregulation and serum choline). Allelic differences in the Apolipoprotein E and (APOE) and Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene will be included for subgroup analysis. A subset (N = 60; 20/group)) will undergo neuroimaging using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) in order to further explore in vivo central mechanisms of action of Lacprodan® PL-20. This study will enable evaluation of the efficacy of milk-derived phospholipids for AAMI, and their mechanisms of action.
Trial registration:
The trial is jointly funded by Arla Foods and Swinburne University of Technology, currently recruiting and is registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12613000347763.
... PS has further benefits regarding other brain activities like coping with stress and fighting depression. In young and healthy male patients the supplementation of PS showed to lower the production of stress hormones linked to strenuous exercise and eased stress-related mood symptoms [86]. Recent studies with soya PS supplementation showed stress lowering effects and improvements on concentration parameters in young and healthy subjects. ...
Beneficial effects of dietary phospholipids (PLs) have been mentioned since the early 1900's in relation to different illnesses and symptoms, e.g. coronary heart disease, inflammation or cancer. This article gives a summary of the most common therapeutic uses of dietary PLs to provide an overview of their approved and proposed benefits; and to identify further investigational needs.
From the majority of the studies it became evident that dietary PLs have a positive impact in several diseases, apparently without severe side effects. Furthermore, they were shown to reduce side effects of some drugs. Both effects can partially be explained by the fact that PL are highly effective in delivering their fatty acid (FA) residues for incorporation into the membranes of cells involved in different diseases, e.g. immune or cancer cells. The altered membrane composition is assumed to have effects on the activity of membrane proteins (e.g. receptors) by affecting the microstructure of membranes and, therefore, the characteristics of the cellular membrane, e.g. of lipid rafts, or by influencing the biosynthesis of FA derived lipid second messengers. However, since the FAs originally bound to the applied PLs are increased in the cellular membrane after their consumption or supplementation, the FA composition of the PL and thus the type of PL is crucial for its effect. Here, we have reviewed the effects of PL from soy, egg yolk, milk and marine sources. Most studies have been performed in vitro or in animals and only limited evidence is available for the benefit of PL supplementation in humans. More research is needed to understand the impact of PL supplementation and confirm its health benefits.
... Our findings did not show any significant changes in mood states as measured by the POMS. An article by Benton et al. reported that young adults who scored high in measures of neuroticism experienced feeling less stress and had a better mood after PS supplementation of 300 mg/day for one month [9] . Another study investigated the effects of three different doses of PS (400, 600, or 800 mg/day for 21 days) on pituitary adrenal reactivity and the psychological response to a mental and emotional stressor [10]. ...
ABSTRACT:
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid found in cell membranes of most animals and plants. PS has been shown to reduce stress and increase performance in runners, cyclists and golfers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a PS containing formulation on cognitive function, mood and endocrine response before and after intense resistance exercise.
18 lower body, resistance trained, college aged males ingested 14 days of supplement (IQPLUS Focus, providing 400 mg of soy-derived PS) and a Placebo (PL), in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over manner. Following 14 days of supplementation, participants performed an acute bout of lower body resistance training. Mood (Profile of Mood States, POMS) and cognitive function (Serial Subtraction Test, SST) were measured prior to, 5 minutes after, and 60 minutes after exercise. Venous blood samples were collected prior to, and 5, 15, 25, 40 and 60 minutes after exercise. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma cortisol and testosterone. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.
PS supplementation significantly reduced the time needed for a correct calculation on the SST by 20% (reduced by 1.27 s per calculation; PL: 6.4 s, PS: 5.13 s; p = 0.001), and reduced the total amount of errors by 39% (PL: 1.28 + .69, PS: .78 + .27, p = 0.53), and increased the amount of correct calculations by 13% (PL: 22.1 + 2.24, PS: 24.9 + 1.52, p = 0.07) prior to or in response to exercise compared to PL. Following exercise, there was no difference in SST scores between PS and PL. There were no significant changes in regards to mood or endocrine response to exercise as a result of PS supplementation.
PS supplementation significantly increased cognitive function prior to exercise. Improved cognitive function could benefit athletes and non-athletes alike. PS did not appear to affect mood or endocrine response prior to or following resistance exercise.
... The precise mechanism of action of PS, however, remains unclear. At the clinical level, PS attenuates both physical [22] and mental stress [3,18], which is suggested to be mediated mainly through a reduction in cortisol secretion. Additionally, administration of PS to elderly with age-associated memory impairment, as well as to patients with mild cognitive impairment, results in a consistent improvement in memory test performance [10,12]. ...
To study the efficacy and safety of phosphatidylserine (PS) containing Omega3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids attached to its backbone (PS-Omega3) in reducing attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children.
A 15-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase followed by an open-label extension of additional 15 weeks. Two hundred ADHD children were randomized to receive either PS-Omega3 or placebo, out of them, 150 children continued into the extension. Efficacy was assessed using Conners' parent and teacher rating scales (CRS-P,T), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Safety evaluation included adverse events monitoring.
The key finding of the double-blind phase was the significant reduction in the Global:Restless/impulsive subscale of CRS-P and the significant improvement in Parent impact-emotional (PE) subscale of the CHQ, both in the PS-Omega3 group. Exploratory subgroup analysis of children with a more pronounced hyperactive/impulsive behavior, as well as mood and behavior-dysregulation, revealed a significant reduction in the ADHD-Index and hyperactive components. Data from the open-label extension indicated sustained efficacy for children who continued to receive PS-Omega3. Children that switched to PS-Omega3 treatment from placebo showed a significant reduction in subscales scores of both CRS-P and the CRS-T, as compare to baseline scores. The treatment was well tolerated.
The results of this 30-week study suggest that PS-Omega3 may reduce ADHD symptoms in children. Preliminary analysis suggests that this treatment may be especially effective in a subgroup of hyperactive-impulsive, emotionally and behaviorally-dysregulated ADHD children.
... In this study, participants of the PL group were characterized by lower stress-induced salivary cortisol increases. In addition, memory performance was also improved in the PL group, a result highlighted in many other studies [36][37][38][39][40]. ...
Phospholipids (PLs) have been shown to dampen the activity and reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA). To further investigate stress protective effects of PL, 75 chronically stressed men aged 30 to 51 years were enrolled in a randomized and placebo-controlled trial. The subjects received a bovine milk drink with either 0.5% PL, 1% PL, or a placebo for 42 days to test the hypothesis that supplementation with specific phospholipids would normalize the cortisol response of the HPAA. For determining HPAA activity, the cortisol awakening response was studied before and after treatment. In addition, participants were exposed to an acute stressor, the Trier Social Stress Test, to assess treatment effects on stress reactivity and stress-related memory impairment. After receiving PL-enriched milk, both PL groups showed a delayed decline from peak levels in morning salivary cortisol, suggesting a prolonged availability of free cortisol. Treatment with 0.5% PL additionally resulted in a stronger increase of cortisol after awakening, whereas no such differences could be observed in the 1% PL group and the placebo group, respectively. The acute stress response did not significantly differ among placebo and PL groups. An exploratory data analysis further revealed that elderly participants receiving the higher PL dosage had a significant better memory performance after the Trier Social Stress Test as compared with elderly participants from the placebo and low-PL dosage group; no such difference was observed at baseline. Our results suggest that PL may increase the availability of cortisol in chronically stressed men and may attenuate stress-induced memory impairments. Results of the present study are discussed within the context of previous research and current state of knowledge.
... Due to safety concerns about potential contamination by bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) prions in recent years, alternatives to BC-PS, such as soy derived PS (SB-PS), have been developed. SB-PS however, differs considerably in its fatty acid composition as compared to mammalian brain PS, and while SB-PS was shown to attenuate both physical [9] and mental stress [10,11], further research is required to determine its ability to promote cognitive functioning [12,13] . The safety of SB- PS was tested in a double-blind placebo controlled study on 120 elderly [14]. ...
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a naturally occurring phospholipid present in the inner leaflet of mammalian plasma membranes. Administration of PS extracted from bovine cortex (BC-PS), which contains high levels of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) attached to its backbone, resulted in positive effects on brain functions such as learning and memory. Recently, a novel marine-sourced PS with omega-3 LC-PUFA attached to its backbone was developed (PS-DHA). In the present study, we evaluated the safety profile of the novel PS preparation in non-demented elderly with memory complaints. The efficacy study of this novel formulation indicated that PS-DHA may ameliorate cognitive deficits in non-demented elderly population.
157 non-demented elderly participants with memory complaints were randomized to receive either PS-DHA (300 mg PS/day) or placebo for 15 weeks. Standard biochemical and hematological safety parameters, blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated at baseline and endpoint. 122 participants continued into an open-label extension for additional 15 weeks, in which they all consumed PS-DHA (100 mg PS/day) and were evaluated for their blood pressure, heart rate and weight at endpoint. Adverse events were monitored throughout the double-blind and open-label phases.
131 participants completed the double-blind phase. No significant differences were found in any of the tested safety parameters between the study groups, or within each group. 121 participants completed the open-label phase. At the end of this phase, there was a reduction in resting diastolic blood pressure and a slight weight gain among participants who consumed PS-DHA for 30 weeks.
The results of this study indicate that consumption of PS-DHA at a dosage of 300 mg PS/day for 15 weeks, or 100 mg PS/day for 30 weeks, is safe, well tolerated, and does not produce any negative effects in the tested parameters.
clinicaltrials. gov, identifier: NCT00437983.
... zky, 1999). In a first clinical trial, 72 subjects aged 60 –80 years, were randomly assigned to placebo and therapy groups and treated for three months with 300 mg phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid daily. The results indicated a strong and significant positive effect of treatment on memory and mood (Gindin et al., 1993Gindin et al., , 1995). Benton et al. (2001) demonstrated a positive effect of a one month treatment with 300 mg/day phosphatidylserine on perceived stress during a stressful mental arithmetic task. These data suggest a possible beneficial effect on hypothalamus– pituitary – adrenal axis (HPA) responsivity under psychological stress. Based on these data, we were interested to expl ...
Phosphatidylserine, derived from cow brains, has been shown previously to dampen the ACTH and cortisol response to physical stress. Further research investigated the influence of soy lecithin phosphatidylserine supplementation on mood and heart rate when faced with an acute stressor. In this study, we investigated the effects of soy lecithin phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserine complex (PAS) supplementation on pituitary adrenal reactivity (ACTH, cortisol) and on the psychological response (Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory stress subscale) to a mental and emotional stressor. Four groups of 20 subjects were treated for three weeks with daily dosages of either 400 mg PAS, 600 mg PAS, 800 mg PAS, or placebo before exposure to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Treatment with 400 mg PAS resulted in a pronounced blunting of both serum ACTH and cortisol, and salivary cortisol responses to the TSST, but did not affect heart rate. The effect was not seen with larger doses of PAS. With regard to the psychological response, 400 mg PAS seemed to exert a specific positive effect on emotional responses to the TSST. While the placebo group showed the expected increase in distress after the test, the group treated with 400 mg PAS showed decreased distress. These data provide initial evidence for a selective stress dampening effect of PAS on the pituitary-adrenal axis, suggesting the potential of PAS in the treatment of stress related disorders.
... Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2010, 7:39 http://www.jissn.com/content/7/1/39 phosphatidylserine has been shown to enhance subjective feelings of energy, elation and confidence in healthy students subjected to stressful mental tasks [30] and in combination with carbohydrates to improve performance in golfers during induced stress [31]. Carnitine supplementation has been shown to enhance recovery following high intensity exercise [32,33], as reflected by reduced markers of muscle damage and a greater anabolic response (elevation in IGF binding protein) to exercise recovery. ...
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acute and prolonged (4-weeks) ingestion of a supplement designed to improve reaction time and subjective measures of alertness, energy, fatigue, and focus compared to placebo.
Nineteen physically-active subjects (17 men and 2 women) were randomly assigned to a group that either consumed a supplement (21.1 ± 0.6 years; body mass: 80.6 ± 9.4 kg) or placebo (21.3 ± 0.8 years; body mass: 83.4 ± 18.5 kg). During the initial testing session (T1), subjects were provided 1.5 g of the supplement (CRAM; α-glycerophosphocholine, choline bitartrate, phosphatidylserine, vitamins B3, B6, and B12, folic acid, L-tyrosine, anhydrous caffeine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and naringin) or a placebo (PL), and rested quietly for 10-minutes before completing a questionnaire on subjective feelings of energy, fatigue, alertness and focus (PRE). Subjects then performed a 4-minute quickness and reaction test followed by a 10-min bout of exhaustive exercise. The questionnaire and reaction testing sequence was then repeated (POST). Subjects reported back to the lab (T2) following 4-weeks of supplementation and repeated the testing sequence.
Reaction time significantly declined (p = 0.050) between PRE and POST at T1 in subjects consuming PL, while subjects under CRAM supplementation were able to maintain (p = 0.114) their performance. Significant performance declines were seen in both groups from PRE to POST at T2. Elevations in fatigue were seen for CRAM at both T1 and T2 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.000, respectively), but only at T2 for PL (p = 0.029). Subjects in CRAM maintained focus between PRE and POST during both T1 and T2 trials (p = 0.152 and p = 0.082, respectively), whereas significant declines in focus were observed between PRE and POST in PL at both trials (p = 0.037 and p = 0.014, respectively). No difference in alertness was seen at T1 between PRE and POST for CRAM (p = 0.083), but a significant decline was recorded at T2 (p = 0.005). Alertness was significantly lower at POST at both T1 and T2 for PL (p = 0.040 and p = 0.33, respectively). No differences in any of these subjective measures were seen between the groups at any time point.
Results indicate that acute ingestion of CRAM can maintain reaction time, and subjective feelings of focus and alertness to both visual and auditory stimuli in healthy college students following exhaustive exercise. However, some habituation may occur following 4-weeks of supplementation.
... PS has been shown to improve a variety of brain functions that tend to decline with age [3]. In recent studies, PS has been shown to enhance mood in a cohort of young people during mental stress [4] and to improve accuracy during tee-off by increasing the golfer's stress resistance [5]. ...
Previous research has indicated that phosphatidylserine (PS) supplementation has the potential to attenuate the serum cortisol response to acute exercise stress. Equivocal findings suggest that this effect might be dose dependent. This study aimed to examine the influence of short-term supplementation with a moderate dose of PS (600 mg per day) on plasma concentrations of cortisol, lactate, growth hormone and testosterone before, during, and following moderate intensity exercise in healthy males.
10 healthy male subjects participated in the study. Each subject was assigned to ingest 600 mg PS or placebo per day for 10 days using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Serial venous blood samples were taken at rest, after a 15 minute moderate intensity exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer that consisted of five 3-minute incremental stages beginning at 65% and ending at 85% VO2 max, and during a 65 minute passive recovery. Plasma samples were assessed for cortisol, growth hormone, testosterone, lactate and testosterone to cortisol ratio for treatment (PS or placebo).
Mean peak cortisol concentrations and area under the curve (AUC) were lower following PS (39 +/- 1% and 35 +/- 0%, respectively) when compared to placebo (p < 0.05). PS increased AUC for testosterone to cortisol ratio (184 +/- 5%) when compared to placebo (p < 0.05). PS and placebo supplementation had no effect on lactate or growth hormone levels.
The findings suggest that PS is an effective supplement for combating exercise-induced stress and preventing the physiological deterioration that can accompany too much exercise. PS supplementation promotes a desired hormonal status for athletes by blunting increases in cortisol levels.
Temperature is the primary abiotic player that regulates and restricts fish physiology and growth. The effects of extreme temperatures on fish vary depending on the severity of the stress and any accompanying conditions. This review discuss the impact of extreme temperature on neuroendocrine, antioxidant status, immune response, heamotology, growth, metabolism and reproductive performance. In addition, the mitigation strategies have been discussed.KeywordsFishesClimate changeEnvironmental stress responsesMitigation strategies
The role of phosphatidylserine in providing the cognitive functions of the brain is considered. The Neuroexel complex, which contains phosphatidylserine and alpha-lipoic acid, can reduce cognitive imbalance caused by atherosclerotic changes, improve short-term and long-term memory. The use of a dietary supplement, which includes phosphatidylserine, can improve the adaptive potential of a person.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to examine the stress-buffering potential of phospholipid (PL) intake on cognitive performance and neuroendocrine and psychological responses under conditions of psychosocial stress in a high-stress vulnerable (perfectionist) sample.
Methods:
Fifty-four high-perfectionist men consumed a 6-wk daily intake of a bovine milk-derived PL (2.7 g/d) or placebo drink in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel groups design. Working memory, executive control function, and acute physiological/subjective responses to an acute psychosocial stressor were examined before and after the 6-wk PL or placebo intake.
Results:
PL intake improved post-stress reaction time performance on an attention-switching task (P = 0.01). No significant attenuation of the salivary cortisol stress response was shown. PL intake significantly increased mid-stress induction energetic arousal (P = 0.03). A non-significant reduction in anticipatory subjective stress was reported after PL intake (P = 0.06). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (P <0.04 and P = 0.01, respectively) were significantly augmented in the PL condition.
Conclusions:
Dietary intake of bovine milk PLs conferred cognitive performance benefit under conditions of psychosocial stress but failed to moderate cortisol response. Moderation of subjective response to stress exposure may have underpinned this performance protection.
Background & aims
Many women experience emotional and physical symptoms around the time of ovulation and more so before menstruation interfering with their daily normal life also known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Recent observational data suggest that supplementation with Lipogen's phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidic acid (PA) complex (PAS) alleviates these PMS symptoms. The aim of this study was to confirm these observations on the effects of PAS on PMS symptom severity within a controlled clinical trial setting.
Methods
Forty women aged 18–45 years with a diagnosis of PMS were assigned to either take PAS (containing 400 mg PS & 400 mg PA per day) or a matching placebo. The study comprised 5 on-site visits including 1 baseline menstrual cycle followed by 3 treatment cycles. Treatment intake was controlled for by using an electronic device, the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS®). Primary outcome of the study was the PMS symptoms severity as assessed by using the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP). Further, SIPS questionnaire (a German version of the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST)), salivary hormone levels (cortisol awakening response (CAR) and evening cortisol levels) as well as serum levels (cortisol, estradiol, progesterone and corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG)) were assessed.
Results
PMS symptoms as assessed by the DRSP Total score showed a significantly better improvement (p = 0.001) over a 3 cycles PAS intake as compared to placebo. In addition, PAS treated women reported a greater improvement in physical (p = 0.002) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.068). They also reported a lower reduction of productivity (p = 0.052) and a stronger decrease in interference with relationships with others (p = 0.099) compared to the placebo group. No other DRSP scale or item showed significant results. Likewise, the reduction in the number of subjects fulfilling PMS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) criteria as classified by the SIPS did not differ between the PAS and the placebo group. For the biomarkers, the salivary cortisol percentage increase of the CAR was significantly less pronounced in the follicular phase of cycle 4 than in the follicular phase of cycle 1 for subjects taking PAS when compared to subjects taking placebo (p = 0.018). Furthermore, the change of serum cortisol levels between visit 1 and visit 5 differed significantly between groups (p = 0.043). While serum cortisol levels of PAS treated females slightly decreased between visit 1 and visit 5, cortisol levels of females treated with placebo increased. For all other biomarkers, no treatment effects were observed over the 4 cycles study period.
Overall, this study confirms that a daily intake of PAS, containing 400 mg PS and 400 mg PA, can be considered as safe.
Conclusions
Results substantiate the efficacy of PAS in reducing symptoms of PMS. In view of the recent inclusion of severe PMS symptoms (PMDD) in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the positive results of this clinical study merits consideration of developing the PAS complex as a botanical drug for treatment of PMDD.
Clinical trial registration
The study is registered at Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien with the registration number DRKS00009005.
Like other glycerophospholipids, Phosphatidylserine (PS) exists as one of the components of the bilayer membrane of a cell. Though not as abundant as phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE or cepharin), PS is one of the most important phospholipids, both from biological function and dietary nutrition points of view. PS is located asymmetrically in the cell membrane and mostly in the inner leaflet of the cell. Besides maintaining membrane integrity, it is also involved in various cell activities through binding to and activating on several classes of enzymes and supplying a negatively charged surface in order to recruit positively charged molecules such as proteins. As a member of the glycerophospholipid class, the PS molecule has a glycerol moiety esterified by fatty acids at the first and second positions of the glycerol molecule, and the head group at the third position is the amino acid serine esterified to phosphate. Therefore, it is negatively charged under physiological conditions, unlike PC and PE that are zwitterionic. This physical property is very important for PS as it lays the foundation for the biological functions of PS within the cell. In recent years, with the help of emerging technologies, elucidation of the biological function of PS has made great progress. This chapter focuses on the new findings about the functionality of this important phospholipid, including the authors' works, from a practical point of view.
Development of new functional foods requires technologies for incorporating health-promoting compounds into matrices without reducing their bio-functionality, protecting them from degradation, and maintaining their bioavailability. The production of nanoliposomes is considered to be an effective technology for the encapsulation and controlled release of nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds, as well as for enhancing their stability and bioavailability. However, application of nanoliposome technology in foods has yet to be fully exploited. Liposomes are often prepared with methodologies requiring the use of non-food-grade materials, such as the drying and reconstituting method. On the other hand, microfluidics and extrusion can be employed to prepare food grade unilamellar phospholipid vesicles of about 100 nm in diameter, also called nanoliposomes. Although liposomes are generally prepared with phospholipids from soy or egg, in recent years there has been a growing interest in the health benefits and functional properties of Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM)-derived phospholipid extracts as these ingredients have become commercially available. The unique composition of the MFGM-derived phospholipid fractions and the low cost of some of the sources, such as buttermilk, may offer some advantages in the manufacture of nanoliposomes for the entrapment of bioactive compounds in food systems. This chapter describes the preparation, structure, and physiochemical properties of nanoliposomes prepared with phospholipids from milk and their potential function as delivery systems for bioactive compounds. © 2012 AOCS Press Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
In the last 20 years, Phosphatidylserine has been object of a large number of explotoratory pilot trials and several randomized, double blind placebo controlled clinical trials, which highlighted its utility in the management of several mental conditions and clarified the physiological role of endogenous Phosphatidylserine.lt has been shown that supplementation with Phosphatidylserine can improve memory, learning capabilities, concentration and other cognition parameter as well as management of stress and positive influence in mood.
POSITIVE ADAPTATIONS FROM TRAINING ONLY OCCUR WHEN RESTORATION EXCEEDS THE CATABOLIC DOSAGE RECEIVED DURING TRAINING. NUMEROUS FACTORS AFFECT RECOVERY, SUCH AS ADDITIONAL LIFE STRESS. THE CUMULATIVE STRESS CAN NEGATIVELY AFFECT RESTORATION, AS WELL AS PERFORMANCE. ONE UNIQUE SUPPLEMENT, PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE (PS), HAS UNIQUE PROPERTIES ON RECOVERY AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE, AND HAS ALSO BEEN SHOWN TO ENHANCE MOOD, IMMUNITY, DECISION MAKING, AND ACCURACY. ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE IS AFFECTED BY SEVERAL FACTORS, IN WHICH PS MIGHT BE ABLE TO FACILITATE ENHANCED PERFORMANCE. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE IS TO REVIEW THE LITERATURE ON PS AND SUGGEST HOW IT CAN BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE ATHLETE.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of soybean-derived phosphatidylserine (SB-PS) (300 mg/day) in improving cognitive performance in elderly with memory complaints, following a short duration of 12 weeks' SB-PS administration.
SB-PS was administered daily for 12 weeks to 30 elderly volunteers with memory complaints (age range 50-90 years). Cognitive performance was determined by a computerized test battery and by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (Rey-AVLT). Physical examination and blood safety parameters were part of the extensive safety analysis of PS that was performed.
The computerized test results showed that SB-PS supplementation significantly increased the following cognitive parameters: memory recognition (P = 0.004), memory recall (P = 0.006), executive functions (P = 0.004), and mental flexibility (P = 0.01). The Rey-AVLT indicated that, following SB-PS administration, total learning and immediate recall improved significantly (P = 0.013 and P = 0.007, respectively). Unexpected results from the safety tests suggested that SB-PS significantly reduces both systolic (P = 0.043) and diastolic (P = 0.003) blood pressure. SB-PS consumption was well tolerated and no serious adverse events were reported during the study.
This exploratory study demonstrates that SB-PS may have favorable effects on cognitive function in elderly with memory complaints. In addition, the study suggests that SB-PS is safe for human consumption and may serve as a safe alternative to phosphatidylserine extracted from bovine cortex. These results encourage further extended studies in order to establish the safety and efficacy of SB-PS treatment.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) may have beneficial effects on cognitive functions. We evaluated the efficacy of a novel preparation of PS containing omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids attached to its backbone (PS-DHA) in non-demented elderly with memory complaints.
157 participants were randomized to receive either PS-DHA or placebo for 15 weeks. Efficacy measures, assessed at baseline and endpoint, included the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Rey Complex Figure Test, and a computerized cognitive battery. Clinicians' Global Impression of Change was assessed following 7 and 15 weeks of treatment.
131 participants completed the study although 9 were excluded from the efficacy analysis due to protocol violation. At endpoint, verbal immediate recall was significantly improved in the PS-DHA group compared to the placebo group. Post-hoc analysis revealed that a subset of participants with relatively good cognitive performance at baseline had significant treatment-associated improvements in immediate and delayed verbal recall, learning abilities, and time to copy complex figure. These favorable results were further supported by responder analysis.
The results indicate that PS-DHA may improve cognitive performance in non-demented elderly with memory complaints. Post-hoc analysis of subgroups suggests that participants with higher baseline cognitive status were most likely to respond to PS-DHA. The results of this exploratory study should be followed up by additional studies aimed at confirming the present tentative conclusions.
Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) is a ubiquitous phospholipid species that is normally located within the inner leaflet of the cell membrane. PtdSer has been implicated in a myriad of membrane-related functions. As a cofactor for a variety of enzymes, PtdSer is thought to be important in cell excitability and communication. PtdSer has also been shown to regulate a variety of neuroendocrine responses that include the release of acetylcholine, dopamine and noradrenaline. Additionally, PtdSer has been extensively demonstrated to influence tissue responses to inflammation. Finally, PtdSer has the potential to act as an effective antioxidant, especially in response to iron-mediated oxidation.
The majority of the available research that has investigated the effects of PtdSer supplementation on humans has concentrated on memory and cognitive function; patients experiencing some degree of cognitive decline have traditionally been the main focus of investigation. Although investigators have administered PtdSer through intravenous and oral routes, oral supplementation has wider appeal. Indeed, PtdSer is commercially available as an oral supplement intended to improve cognitive function, with recommended doses usually ranging from 100 to 500 mg/day. The main sources that have been used to derive PtdSer for supplements are bovine-cortex (BC-PtdSer) and soy (S-PtdSer); however, due to the possibility of transferring infection through the consumption of prion contaminated brain, S-PtdSer is the preferred supplement for use in humans. Although the pharmacokinetics of PtdSer have not been fully elucidated, it is likely that oral supplementation leads to small but quantifiable increases in the PtdSer content within the cell membrane.
A small number of peer-reviewed full articles exist that investigate the effects of PtdSer supplementation in the exercising human. Early research indicated that oral supplementation with BC-PtdSer 800 mg/day moderated exercise-induced changes to the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in untrained participants. Subsequently, this finding was extended to suggest that S-PtdSer 800 mg/day reduced the cortisol response to overtraining during weight training while improving feeling of well-being and decreasing perceived muscle soreness. However, equivocal findings from our laboratory might suggest that the dose required to undertake this neuroendocrine action may vary between participants.
Interestingly, recent findings demonstrating that short-term supplementation with S-PtdSer 750 mg/day improved exercise capacity during high-intensity cycling and tended to increase performance during intermittent running might suggest an innovative application for this supplement. With the findings from the existing body of literature in mind, this article focuses on the potential effects of PtdSer supplementation in humans during and following exercise.
The effect of chronic administration of phosphatidylserine derived from brain cortex on the neuroendocrine responses to physical stress has been examined in a placebo-controlled study in 9 healthy men. Phosphatidylserine 800 mg/d for 10 days significantly blunted the ACTH and cortisol responses to physical exercise (P = 0.003 and P = 0.03, respectively), without affecting the rise in plasma GH and PRL. Physical exercise significantly increased the plasma lactate concentration both after placebo and phosphatidylserine. The results suggest that chronic oral administration of phosphatidylserine may counteract stress-induced activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in man.
This article investigates mechanisms through which neuroticism leads to distress in daily life. Neuroticism may lead to distress through exposing people to a greater number of stressful events, through increasing their reactivity to those events, or through a mechanism unrelated to environmental events. This article evaluates the relative importance of these three explanations. Subjects were 339 persons who provided daily reports of minor stressful events and mood for 6 weeks. Exposure and reactivity to these minor stressors explained over 40% of the distress difference between high- and low-neuroticism subjects. Reactivity to stressors accounted for twice as much of the distress difference as exposure to stressors. These results suggest that reactions within stressful situations are more important than situation selection in explaining how neuroticism leads to distress in daily life.
The stress response should be regarded as an alarm system, occurring whenever there is something missing. Lack of information (uncertainty), and the absence or loss of control produce alarm, presence of information and control (coping), or cognitive defence mechanisms (distorted stimulus expectancies) reduce the alarm. Both immune and endocrine parameters of stress are dampened by defence and coping. Biologically, these two mechanisms have different time axes. While coping is related to the fast catecholamine response, defence is related to the slower pituitary-adrenal response. The role of cortisol seems to be to suppress and dampen the acute stress response in the later phase, once it has been elicited. The relation between stress and health depends on the stress-dampening mechanisms, on how the alarm is turned off, why it sometimes seems to be left on, and what the consequences really are of leaving the alarm on.
The authors examined the influence of neuroticism (N) on the occurrence of different types of daily events, primary and secondary appraisals of those events, use of specific coping strategies, and end-of-day negative mood. College students completed questionnaires at the end of every day for 14 consecutive days. When reporting their most stressful event of each day, high-N individuals, compared with low-N individuals, reported more interpersonal stressors and had more negative primary and secondary appraisals and reacted with more distress in response to increasingly negative primary and secondary appraisals. Compared with low-N individuals, high-N individuals used less-adaptive coping strategies (e.g., hostile reaction) and reacted with more distress in response to some types of coping strategies. The appraisal findings, in particular, help to explain the chronic negative affectivity associated with neuroticism.
Changes in high affinity [3H]choline uptake, newly synthesized [3H]acetylcholine release and [3H]quinuclidinylbenzilate (QNB) binding were characterized in crude synaptosomal preparations from rat hippocampus immediately after different intervals of immobilization stress and at different times following chronic intermittent stress (2 h once daily for 5 days). Choline uptake was increased to 125% of unhandled controls after 10 min of stress, after 2 h it returned to control levels and after chronic stress uptake was reduced to 75% of control. Acetylcholine release was enhanced after all stress intervals. Maximal muscarinic (QNB) binding capacity (Bmax) was increased to 135% of control only after chronic stress, with no change inKd values. Following chronic stress the changes observed in cholinergic synaptic mechanisms all persists for up to 2 days. Recovery occurred only by the 7th post-stress day. We conclude: (1) presynaptic hippocampal cholinergic terminals are rapidly activated by stressful stimuli and this is expressed by an increase in choline uptake and newly synthesized acetylcholine release; (2) after prolonged periods of stress adaptive changes in the cholinergic terminals are expressed by a reduction in choline uptake and an elevation in the number of muscarinic binding sites; and (3) the chronic stress-induced changes are slow to recover. The results demonstrate that the septo-hippocampal cholinergic system is an integral part of the adaptive response to stress.
Liposomes obtained from bovine brain cortex phospholipids (BC-PL), which display several effects on brain function in mice, have been administered intravenously (200 mg) to healthy subjects at various times before diagnostic lumbar puncture. HVA and 5-HIAA concentrations in CSF have been evaluated with the aim of assessing changes of monoamines metabolism. An increase of HVA occurs after 2 hours from BC-PL administration, reaching its peak after 6--7 hours. The finding is interpreted as an index of an increased turnover of brain DA. 5-HIAA changes are less impressive and a smaller increase of the metabolite is observed. They cannot correctly be related to brain changes of serotonin metabolism, since 5-HIAA originates also from the spinal cord. No effects are observed on the secretion of prolactin, but somatotropin increases sharply between 2 and 7 hours from treatment, suggesting the possibility of an activation of the dopaminergic pathway, stimulating STH secretion.
The effects of phosphatidylserine (BC-PS) on cognitive, affective and behavioural symptoms were studied in a group of 10 elderly women with depressive disorders. Patients were treated with placebo for 15 days, followed by BC-PS (300 mg/day) for 30 days. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Gottfries-Bråne-Steen Rating Scale, Nurse's Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation and Buschke Selective Reminding Test were administered before and after placebo and after BC-PS therapy, to monitor changes in depression, memory and general behaviour. At the same time, basal plasma levels of noradrenaline, MHPG, DOPAC, HVA and 5-HIAA, and GH/beta-endorphin/beta-lipotropin responses to clonidine stimulation were measured. BC-PS induced consistent improvement of depressive symptoms, memory and behaviour. No changes in amine metabolite levels or in hormonal responses to alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulation were observed.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) was administered in aged rats subjected to various stressor stimuli in order to evaluate its effect on grooming behavior, core temperature and gastric ulcers. Novelty-induced grooming appeared to be increased in aged rats as compared to young controls. The subchronic intraperitoneal treatment with PS (20 mg/kg/day for 20 days) decreased grooming activity in aged rats, whereas it did not affect that of young animals. Restraint stress induced hyperthermia in both aged and young rats. However, 90 min after the beginning of restraint, PS-treated old rats showed a normalization of core temperature. Furthermore, restraint-plus-cold stress induced gastric ulcers in both aged and young rats. The treatment with PS was followed by a decreased incidence of gastric lesions in aged, but not in young rats. The mechanism of PS protective action against stress-induced behavioral and autonomic changes is unknown, but it may involve the brain level as this drug exerts a noteworthy influence on behavior and autonomic functions.
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of extraversion and task difficulty on heart-rate reactivity. 15 extraverts and 15 introverts as identified by their scores on the Eysenck Personality Inventory completed mental arithmetic problems of three levels of difficulty. Two-way analysis of variance indicated that heart-rate reactivity increased as task difficulty increased. Also, introverts showed larger heart-rate reactivity to the task than extraverts. The present findings partially support Eysenck's physiological theory of extraversion in that introverted subjects were more aroused by the mental arithmetic task; however, the factors which produce such a difference are unclear.
The activity of brain cortex-derived phosphatidylserine (BC-PS) on the neuroendocrine and neurovegetative responses to physical stress was tested in 8 healthy men who underwent three experiments with a bicycle ergometer. According to a double-blind design, before starting the exercise, each subject received intravenously, within 10 min, 50 or 75 mg of BC-PS or a volume-matched placebo diluted in 100 ml of saline. Blood samples were collected before and after the exercise for plasma epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL) and glucose determinations. Blood pressure and heart rate were also recorded. Physical stress induced a clear-cut increase in plasma E, NE, ACTH, cortisol, GH and PRL, whereas no significant change was observed in plasma DA and glucose. Pretreatment with both 50 and 75 mg BC-PS significantly blunted the ACTH and cortisol responses to physical stress.
Heart rate was monitored while 20 young males completed MATH, a computer-operated mental arithmetic task specifically designed for use in experiments involving subjects of heterogeneous numerical ability, and a standard mental arithmetic task used in this laboratory on several occasions. Both tasks elicited sizeable increases in heart rate, and comparison of subjects' reactivity scores revealed significant inter-task consistency of reaction.
Bovine brain phospholipid liposomes (BC-PL) reduce plasma prolactin (PRL) levels in humans after acute administration and counteract the metoclopramide- and sulpiride-induced hyperprolactinaemia. However, BC-PL, like nomifensine, a dopamine (DA) reuptake inhibitor and therefore an indirect dopaminergic compound, does not influence TRH-induced hyperprolactinaemia. Moreover, BC-PL and nomifensine reduce plasma PRL levels in hyperprolactinaemic PCO syndromes but not in PRL secreting pituitary adenomas. The results obtained indicate that BC-PL antagonizes the DA blockade-induced hyperprolactinaemia and that the main site of action of BC-PL seems to be at the hypothalamic level; however a concomitant pituitary effect cannot be ruled out.
Plasma concentrations of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) were measured in 10 elderly women with major depressive disorder (MDD) and in two groups of controls, one consisting of 10 age-matched healthy female volunteers and one consisting of 10 young healthy female volunteers. The cytokine concentrations were measured in MDD patients before and after 30 days of treatment with phosphatidylserine (BC-PS), 600 mg daily p.o. The plasma IL-Ibeta, IL-6 and TNFalpha concentrations did not differ significantly in young controls, elderly controls and MDD patients. BC-PS therapy, while significantly improving the depressive symptoms, did not alter the cytokine concentrations.