Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid found in high concentrations in the brain and is involved in cell signaling and the maintenance of cellular function, particularly in neurons. Its use for stress management is primarily based on its potential effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and cortisol regulation. Several small clinical studies have investigated the impact of phosphatidylserine supplementation on stress, particularly stress induced by exercise or mental challenges. Some studies, such as those published in the early 2000s, found that PS supplementation (typically 300-800 mg daily) could blunt the rise in cortisol levels in response to acute stressors, suggesting a potential role in modulating the body's stress response.

However, the overall quality of the evidence is modest. Many studies have small sample sizes, short durations, and sometimes conflicting outcomes. While reductions in perceived stress and improvements in mood have been reported in some trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews indicate that the effect size is small and may not be clinically significant for everyone. There is no large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trial definitively proving its efficacy for general stress reduction. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary research supporting the use of phosphatidylserine for stress, the strength of the evidence is limited, and more robust clinical studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

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