Phosphatidylserine, Phosphatidylcholine and Myo-Inositol Flashcards
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is the most abundant fat soluble phospholipid in the human brain.
* It is important in neuronal membrane functions such as maintenance of the cell’s internal environment , secretory vesicle release , cell to cell communication, and cell growth regulation
* Although the body is able to synthesise phosphatidylserine, it requires substantial energy expenditure.
Phosphatidylserine: Therapeutic uses
Alzheimer’s disease
Depression
ADHD
Stress and insomnia
Phosphatidylserine: Alzheimer’s disease
- Improves neuronal membrane functioning.
- Increases acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine.
- Has been found to preserve glucose metabolism during Alzheimer’s disease, and also reduce acetylcholinesterase activity and hippocampal inflammation.
- Increases cognitive function (including non Alzheimer’s related cognitive decline) and memory.
- More effective in patients with less severe symptoms.
- Dosage: 300 mg daily or 100 mg three times a day.
Phosphatidylserine: Depression
- Improves mood through its effects on cortisol regulation.
- Dosage: 100 mg three times a day.
- More effective when combined with fish oil.
Phosphatidylserine: ADHD
- Promotes attention and reduce symptoms of ADHD, and increases short term memory.
- Dosage: 200 mg daily.
Phosphatidylserine: Stress and insomnia
- PS dampens the effects of prolonged cortisol secretion on brain function allowing for better quality sleep and decreased anxiety.
- Dosage: 400 mg before bed for insomnia.
- Dosage: 200 mg daily for stress.
Phosphatidylserine: Safety
Generally recognised as safe.
Has been safely used in studies for up to six months.
Phosphatidylserine: Interactions
Possible additive effects when combined with cholinergic drugs which also increase acetylcholine.
* May decrease effectiveness of anticholinergic drugs.
Phosphatidylcholine
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a major structural component of cell membranes, maintaining their integrity and fluidity.
* It is synthesised from dietary choline or through the methylation of another phospholipid
phosphatidylethanolamine.
* While the body can synthesise a small amount of choline, dietary intake is essential to meet body demands about 95% of body tissue stores of choline are found in PC.
Phosphatidylcholine: Food sources
Plant sources: Nuts, peanuts, wheatgerm, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach, peas.
* Animal sources : Eggs, fish, beef, chicken, pork, liver
Phosphatidylcholine: Functions
Liver health
Neurological health
Ulcerative colitis
Phosphatidylcholine: Liver health
- Prevents fat accumulation in the liver and is hepato-protective reducing chemical and oxidative damage.
- Consider for non alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatic steatosis, drug induced liver damage and hepatitis.
- Dosage : Minimum 800 mg
Phosphatidylcholine: Neurological health
- PC has a neuro-protective role as an essential component of neuronal membranes and supplies choline for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
- Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in memory and is protective against cognitive decline and dementia.
- Dosage: 1-9 grams / day in divided doses.
Phosphatidylcholine: Ulcerative colitis
- PC plays an important role in stablishing a protective mucosal barrier and forms a vital part of intestinal mucus.
- Incorporates into enterocyte membranes to influence signalling cascades and reduce inflammation.
- Dosage: 1-6 g daily in divided doses.
Phosphatidylcholine:Mild adverse effects
Gastrointestinal symptoms.
Phosphatidylcholine: Interactions
Possible additive effect when combined with cholinergic drugs which increase acetylcholine.
* May decrease effectiveness of anticholinergic medications.
Myo- Inositol
Myo-inositol is the most predominant of nine different stereoisomer forms of inositol, a six carbon sugar alcohol. It accounts for over 90% of cellular inositol.
* Myo-inositol provides structure to body cells, acts as an intracellular second messenger and regulates a number of hormones including insulin.
* It is synthesised in the body and can also be obtained in the diet.
Myo-Inositol: Food sources
- Plant sources: Whole grains, beans, fresh fruit (e.g. prunes, melon, oranges) and vegetables (e.g. okra,
- Animal sources : Grass fed meats, eggs.
Myo-Inositol: Functions
PCOS
Type 2 and gestational diabetes
Anxiety and depression
Myo-Inositol: PCOS
- PCOS is characterised by insulin resistance and ↑ androgens
- Myo-inositol improves insulin sensitivity as it is a secondary
messenger of insulin signalling and promotes mobilisation of GLUT4 vesicles. - It increases SHBG to reduce bioavailable testosterone.
- Also i mproves menstrual cycle regularity, oocyte quality and overall female fertility.
- Dosage: 2-3 g daily. It should be used with folate
Myo-Inositol: Type 2 and gestational diabetes
- As per above. It improves the ability of cells to respond to insulin and helps regulate blood glucose.
- Dosage: 4 g daily.
Myo-Inositol: Anxiety and depression
- Inositol is linked to a number of CNS receptor signalling systems in the CNS, including the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
- Decreases anxiety symptoms and panic attack frequency.
- Decreases depression symptoms including that associated with PMS.
- Dosage: 12-18 g daily.
Myo-Inositol: Safety
- Safety: Generally well tolerated up to 12 g. About 5% incidence of mild GI symptoms observed at higher doses.
- No adverse effects noted when used in pregnancy (up to 4 g).
