Phosphatidylserine, Phosphatidylcholine and Myo-Inositol

Question 1

Phosphatidylserine

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Phosphatidylserine: Therapeutic uses

Answer 2

Alzheimer’s disease
Depression
ADHD
Stress and insomnia

Question 3

Phosphatidylserine: Alzheimer’s disease

Answer 3

• 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.

Question 4

Phosphatidylserine: Depression

Answer 4

• Improves mood through its effects on cortisol regulation.
• Dosage: 100 mg three times a day.
• More effective when combined with fish oil.

Question 5

Phosphatidylserine: ADHD

Answer 5

• Promotes attention and reduce symptoms of ADHD, and increases short term memory.
• Dosage: 200 mg daily.

Question 6

Phosphatidylserine: Stress and insomnia

Answer 6

• 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.

Question 7

Phosphatidylserine: Safety

Answer 7

Generally recognised as safe.
Has been safely used in studies for up to six months.

Question 8

Phosphatidylserine: Interactions

Answer 8

Possible additive effects when combined with cholinergic drugs which also increase acetylcholine.
* May decrease effectiveness of anticholinergic drugs.

Question 9

Phosphatidylcholine

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Phosphatidylcholine: Food sources

Answer 10

Plant sources: Nuts, peanuts, wheatgerm, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach, peas.
* Animal sources : Eggs, fish, beef, chicken, pork, liver

Question 11

Phosphatidylcholine: Functions

Answer 11

Liver health
Neurological health
Ulcerative colitis

Question 12

Phosphatidylcholine: Liver health

Answer 12

• 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

Question 13

Phosphatidylcholine: Neurological health

Answer 13

• 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.

Question 14

Phosphatidylcholine: Ulcerative colitis

Answer 14

• 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.

Question 15

Phosphatidylcholine:Mild adverse effects

Answer 15

Gastrointestinal symptoms.

Question 16

Phosphatidylcholine: Interactions

Answer 16

Possible additive effect when combined with cholinergic drugs which increase acetylcholine.
* May decrease effectiveness of anticholinergic medications.

Question 17

Myo- Inositol

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Myo-Inositol: Food sources

Answer 18

• Plant sources: Whole grains, beans, fresh fruit (e.g. prunes, melon, oranges) and vegetables (e.g. okra,
• Animal sources : Grass fed meats, eggs.

Question 19

Myo-Inositol: Functions

Answer 19

PCOS
Type 2 and gestational diabetes
Anxiety and depression

Question 20

Myo-Inositol: PCOS

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

Myo-Inositol: Type 2 and gestational diabetes

Answer 21

• As per above. It improves the ability of cells to respond to insulin and helps regulate blood glucose.
• Dosage: 4 g daily.

Question 22

Myo-Inositol: Anxiety and depression

Answer 22

• 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.

Question 23

Myo-Inositol: Safety

Answer 23

• 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).