Introduction
Phosphatidylserine powder is a natural phospholipid that plays a vital role in maintaining healthy brain function and supporting cellular activity. As a key structural component of cell membranes, especially in brain cells, phosphatidylserine (PS) helps regulate nerve signaling, enhance memory, and improve cognitive performance. Often referred to as the “brain nutrient,” it contributes to mental clarity, emotional balance, and stress resistance.
With its excellent bioavailability and stability, phosphatidylserine has become a popular ingredient in dietary supplements, functional foods, and brain health formulations. As a professional phosphatidylserine manufacturer and supplier in China, Runtai Chemical provides high-quality PS powder with consistent purity, competitive pricing, and reliable global supply.
In this article, we will explore what phosphatidylserine is, its production methods, major health benefits, and broad industrial applications.
What Is Phosphatidylserine Powder?
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a naturally occurring phospholipid and a key component of all cell membranes in the human body, particularly brain cell membranes. Its unique molecular structure, with a phosphate group and a serine “head,” gives it a distinct zwitterionic structure. This structural property enables PS to play a crucial role in maintaining cell membrane fluidity and permeability, as well as participating in cell signaling. PS is widely present in the body and is particularly abundant in highly metabolic tissues such as the brain, heart, and liver.
Due to its critical functions in the brain, phosphatidylserine is known as the “brain nutrient.” As a dietary supplement, it’s widely used to support and improve multiple health functions. Scientific research has shown that PS significantly improves cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and learning. It also helps regulate stress hormone levels, thereby enhancing sleep quality and managing mood. Therefore, PS powder is a supplement with important benefits for brain health.
Chemical Structure and Properties of Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Molecular structure characteristics
PS molecules have a classic “hydrophilic head-hydrophobic tail” structure:
- Hydrophilic Head: Composed of a glycerol backbone, a phosphate group, and a unique serine amino acid. Serine gives PS its unique zwitterionic properties, allowing it to carry both negative and positive charges at physiological pH, which is crucial for charge distribution in cell membranes and signal transduction.
- Hydrophobic Tails: Usually composed of two fatty acid chains, these tails insert into the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane.
Chemical properties
- Amphipathicity and cell membrane construction: This amphipathic structure determines that PS is the main component of the cell membrane lipid bilayer. It can spontaneously form a bilayer structure to maintain the fluidity and stability of the membrane.
- Solubility: Due to the presence of the hydrophobic tail, PS is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents (such as chloroform and ethanol), which affects its extraction and formulation form in dietary supplements (PS supplements).
- Stability: PS is relatively stable in its natural state, but its fatty acid tail may be degraded by oxidation, so attention should be paid to antioxidant protection during preparation and storage.
- Interaction: The unique charge properties of PS enable it to interact specifically with proteins, calcium ions, and other phospholipids (such as phosphatidylcholine) on the inner side of the cell membrane, thereby regulating key physiological activities such as cell apoptosis and coagulation.
Production and Synthesis of Phosphatidylserine Powder
Natural Extracts
Phosphatidylserine (PS) was initially produced primarily through natural extraction, directly from animal brain tissue, particularly bovine cortex (BC-PS). This method yielded PS in its native structure, but safety and regulatory concerns have largely eliminated this practice.
Plant fermentation
Currently, the dominant production method is the plant fermentation approach, using natural phospholipid sources such as soybean lecithin and sunflower lecithin. This method involves an enzymatic transphosphatidylation reaction where phosphatidylcholine reacts with L-serine in the presence of specific enzymes like phospholipase D (PLD). The enzymes catalyze the substitution of the choline head group with serine, producing phosphatidylserine.
Key production steps include breaking down lecithin by homogenization, enzyme-catalyzed reaction under controlled temperature and pH, followed by separation, purification (using vacuum drying, membrane filtration), and spray drying to obtain the fine, high-purity PS powder.
Key Benefits of Phosphatidylserine Powder
Enhances Memory and Learning Ability
PS improves memory by increasing the number of synapses between neurons and enhancing the fluidity of brain cell membranes, which facilitates efficient signal transmission. It promotes glucose metabolism in brain cells, boosting cell activity. PS also increases the synthesis and release of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
Studies have shown that supplementing PS can reverse age-related cognitive decline and has been used clinically to alleviate memory loss in elderly populations. Additionally, PS combined with DHA can synergistically protect neurons and support intellectual development.
Reduces Stress and Brain Fatigue
PS regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to reduce cortisol levels, the hormone closely linked to stress. Lower cortisol levels mitigate brain fatigue, improve mood, and enhance mental performance under stress.
Clinical trials show PS supplementation helps individuals maintain focus and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, contributing to emotional stability.
Supports Athletic Performance and Recovery
PS, as a phosphatidylserine supplement, can provide nutritional support for sports performance. Suppressing the increase in cortisol induced by exercise helps maintain a healthy hormone balance, thereby reducing muscle breakdown and immune dysfunction caused by overtraining. This effect not only improves exercise endurance but, more importantly, accelerates post-exercise recovery and reduces muscle damage and soreness.
Helps Improve ADHD in Children
PS also has positive effects on the development and function of children’s nervous systems. Studies have shown that supplementing with PS, along with omega-3 fatty acids, can help improve symptoms in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). PS can regulate neurotransmitter activity in the brain related to attention and impulse control, thereby helping improve children’s concentration, behavioral performance, and emotional stability.
Aids in Reducing Depression and Improving Sleep
In addition to cognitive and exercise benefits, PS also plays a key role in regulating emotions and sleep. By balancing neurotransmitters and stabilizing the HPA axis, PS helps improve emotional states and has a certain auxiliary effect on alleviating mild depressive symptoms.
Furthermore, due to its ability to effectively reduce stress-related cortisol levels, especially at night, PS can help regulate the normal circadian cortisol rhythm, thereby improving insomnia and promoting deeper and higher-quality sleep.
Recommended Daily Dosage of Phosphatidylserine (PS)
The typical recommended intake for phosphatidylserine is generally between 100 mg to 300 mg per day. For instance, numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of doses around 200 mg daily, which can be taken in the morning, afternoon, or before bed to support cognitive function and reduce stress.
For specific health conditions such as cognitive decline, memory support, or stress relief, dosages may vary from 100 mg to 300 mg per day. It is common to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it based on individual response and recommendations from a healthcare provider.
Special populations like vegetarians, the elderly, and those experiencing high stress levels may benefit from slightly higher doses, often up to 400 mg daily, to fully support their needs. Vegetarians should ensure they choose plant-based sources, such as soy or sunflower lecithin, to avoid allergen concerns.
Usage Tips
- For general cognitive support: 200 mg daily.
- For stress and sleep enhancement: 100–200 mg before bedtime.
- High-stress or athletic recovery: up to 300-400 mg daily, divided into multiple doses.
Always consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any supplementation, especially if you are on medication or have health concerns. Proper dosage ensures safety, minimizes side effects, and optimizes the benefits of phosphatidylserine.
Is Phosphatidylserine powder Safe?
Phosphatidylserine (PS) powder is widely recognized as safe by major food and drug regulatory agencies worldwide, thanks to its natural biological properties in the human body and food, as well as the safety of modern plant-based enzymatic synthesis.
- U.S. FDA-recognized (GRAS Status)： The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated PS from plant sources (such as soybean, sunflower seed, or fish oil lecithin) as “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS). This designation indicates that qualified experts agree that PS is a safe food ingredient under intended conditions of use and can be widely used in foods and dietary supplements.
- South Korea KFDA Approval: The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (KFDA) has approved PS as a functional food ingredient, allowing products with PS to advertise benefits such as **improving memory and mood**.
- PS has been included in the list of “New Food Ingredients (formerly New Resource Foods)” of the National Health Commission of China, allowing it to be used in ordinary foods and health foods within the prescribed scope of use and dosage.
Together, these regulatory approvals highlight PS’s food-grade safety, making it a trustworthy ingredient for cognitive health supplements, functional foods, and nutraceutical products worldwide.
Applications of Phosphatidylserine Powder
Solid Foods
PS powder has good stability and miscibility, making it very suitable as a functional ingredient to be added to daily food for nutritional enhancement. The main applications include:
- Fortified Grains and Breakfast Products: Used to add to breakfast cereals, oatmeal, or meal replacement powders to support morning cognitive function for students and office workers.
- Nutrition bars and energy blocks: added as brain nutrients to nutrition bars or energy bars, convenient for high-pressure individuals or athletes to quickly replenish.
Beverages
By utilizing the water dispersibility of PS powder, it can be applied to liquid formulations to create functional beverages tailored to specific functional needs
- Brain health functional drink: formulated as a “brain health drink” or “energy drink” with the effects of improving attention and anti-fatigue.
Milk & Yogurt
PS, as a phospholipid component, naturally exists in the milk fat globule membrane and therefore has good compatibility and synergistic effects with dairy products:
- Fortified milk and yogurt: when added to milk, flavored milk drinks and yogurt, not only can the nutritional value of the product be improved (especially for children and the elderly), but also its phospholipid properties can help improve the stability of lotion.
Health Supplements Formulation
This is the main phosphatidylserine powder used for PS. Because PS powder can be made into capsules, soft capsules, or direct powders, it is the most widely used:
- Core cognitive supplements: capsules made as a single ingredient or in combination with other cognitive components such as Ginkgo biloba extract and choline to improve memory and learning abilities.
- Co-formulation with DHA: PS is usually co-formulated with Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA is an important structural component of neuronal cell membranes, and the combination of PS and DHA (such as DHA-PS) is considered an ideal combination to support cell membrane structure and function, and maximize cognitive health benefits.
- Stress management and sleep support: Develop a formula supplement specifically designed to regulate cortisol and alleviate insomnia.
Why Choose Runtai Chemical as Your Phosphatidylserine Supplier
Runtai Chemical has become a reliable choice for global procurement of PS bulk products due to its professionalism, product quality, and excellent service. If you plan to buy phosphatidylserine powder (purchasing PS powder), Runtai Chemical is your ideal partner.
Core Advantages
- Runtai Chemical has been deeply engaged in the phosphatidylserine industry for over 15 years, with professional manufacturing and international export experience. We fully understand the quality requirements and regulatory standards of the global market and can provide high-quality products that meet international standards.
- We offer a wide range of high-purity PS powders, including Food Grade and Health Supplement Grade products that meet stringent requirements. All products are produced using advanced enzymatic synthesis technology to ensure safety and efficacy.
- Runtai Chemical has stable and efficient production capabilities, enabling us to provide large quantities of PS powder, ensuring supply chain continuity. We offer professional global export services to ensure the timely and safe delivery of our products to customers worldwide.
- We are committed to providing comprehensive customer support, including detailed product technical documentation (COA, TDS, etc.). Free samples are available for testing and evaluation before purchase to ensure that our products fully meet your formulation and quality standards.
Conclusion
Phosphatidylserine (PS) powder, as a key phospholipid nutrient, has gained global recognition for its scientific value and market potential. Based on its unique biological functions, phosphatidylserine powder benefits are reflected in multiple core areas: it can effectively enhance memory and learning abilities, help the body reduce stress and lower cortisol levels, and provide strong support for exercise recovery and emotional balance. Therefore, high-purity phosphatidylserine supplements occupy an indispensable position in the growing market for brain health and anti-aging.
If you are seeking reliable and high-quality phosphatidylserine powder for formula development or commercial production, Runtai Chemical is your ideal partner. We are committed to providing stable and high-purity PS powder that meets international standards.
