Phosphatidylserine 100 Plus by Vitamin Research Products

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Athletic performance. Taking oral choline before exercise does not improve athletic performance. Details: Clinical research in trained athletes shows that taking oral choline 2.43 grams as a single dose does not delay fatigue during endurance sports when compared with placebo (5164). Other clinical research in untrained adults shows that taking oral choline 8.425 grams or 50 mg/kg once prior to participating in exhaustive, load-carrying exercise does not improve dexterity, upper or lower body strength, grip strength, or run time-to-exhaustion following exercise when compared with placebo (42229,42237).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Age-related cognitive decline. It is unclear if oral choline is beneficial in patients with age-related cognitive decline. Details: Small clinical studies in adults with memory loss shows that taking choline 2 grams four times daily orally for 21 days does not improve memory when compared with placebo (5170). Observational research in adults over 60 years of age has found that intake of choline 187-399.5 mg daily is associated with a 33% to 42% reduced odds of low cognitive function when compared with intake of less than 187 mg daily. Intake of more than 399.5 mg daily was not associated with low cognitive function when compared with less than 187 mg daily (109100).
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It is unclear if oral choline is beneficial in patients with allergic rhinitis. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking oral choline, as tricholine citrate, 500 mg three times daily for 8 weeks is less effective than intranasal budesonide 200 mcg twice daily for reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis (42252).
• Alzheimer disease. Although there has been interest in using oral choline for Alzheimer disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of choline for this purpose.
• Asthma. Small clinical studies suggest that oral choline may modestly improve symptoms in patients with asthma. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking choline 500-1000 mg orally three times daily for 3-4 months decreases the severity of symptoms, the number of symptomatic days, and the need to use bronchodilators in patients with asthma when compared with placebo (5165,5166). Preliminary data also shows that choline 3 grams daily might be more effective than 1.5 grams daily (5165).
• Autism spectrum disorder. Oral choline has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Clinical research shows that taking a combination of donepezil 2.5-5 mg daily and choline bitartrate 350 mg daily for 12 weeks improves receptive language skills, but no other outcomes, for up to 6 months after treatment when compared with placebo in children aged 5-10 years with autism spectrum disorder. Also, adolescents aged 11-16 years experienced no benefits, and some experienced an increase in behavioral symptoms, such as irritability (103571). It is unclear if this effect is due to choline, donepezil, or the combination.
• Breast Cancer. It is unclear if dietary intake of choline reduces the risk of breast cancer. Details: A meta-analysis of 6 low to moderate-quality observational studies suggests that neither high nor low dietary intake of choline is associated with breast cancer risk. This finding is largely influenced by inclusion of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition (EPIC) cohort study, which analyzed data from over 300,000 subjects. However, subanalysis of 3 case-control studies suggests that high dietary intake of choline may be associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer when compared with low choline intake (111416). The interpretation of these findings is limited by the heterogeneity of the included studies, self-reported data, and a small number of studies.
• Bronchitis. Although there has been interest in using oral and inhaled choline for bronchitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of choline for this purpose.
• Cancer. It is unclear if dietary choline intake reduces the risk for cancer. Details: A meta-analysis of 11 low-quality population studies has found that high dietary intake of choline is associated with an 18% lower risk of cancer when compared with low choline intake. High dietary intake of both choline and betaine was associated with a 40% lower risk of cancer (97390).
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is unclear if dietary choline intake reduces the risk of CVD or improves outcomes in patients with CVD. Details: A meta-analysis of population research has found that high intake of dietary choline is not associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, or mortality when compared with a diet low in choline (97388). A more recent population study has found that energy-adjusted total choline intake is not associated with the incidence of CVD over ten years. However, the highest intake of free choline is associated with a 34% reduced risk of CVD when compared with the lowest intake (109104).
• Cerebellar ataxia. It is unclear if oral choline is beneficial in patients with cerebellar ataxia. Details: Despite some anecdotal reports suggesting that taking choline improves motor function, preliminary clinical research shows that taking choline 4-5 grams orally daily for 4 days to 6 weeks does not reduce cerebellar ataxia (5161,5173,23679).
• Cognitive function. It is unclear if oral choline is beneficial for improving cognitive function in healthy adults. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a single dose of choline 50 mg/kg orally prior to participating in an exhaustive, load-carrying task does not improve reaction time, reasoning, memory, or serial addition and subtraction ability following the task when compared with placebo (42237). Also, preliminary clinical research in patients requiring long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) shows that adding choline chloride 2 grams daily to TPN for 24 weeks might improve delayed visual memory, but does not improve other measures of cognitive performance, when compared with TPN alone (42232).
• Cirrhosis. Although there has been interest in using oral choline for cirrhosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of choline for this purpose.
• Complex partial seizures. Although there has been interest in using oral choline for complex partial seizures, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of choline for this purpose.
• Dementia. Although there has been interest in using oral choline for dementia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of choline for this purpose.
• Depression. It is unclear if oral choline is beneficial for the treatment or prevention of depression. Details: Observational research has found that dietary choline intake of at least 198 mg daily is associated with a 32% to 43% decreased risk of depressive symptoms when compared with intakes of less than 198 mg daily (109106). It is unclear if choline supplementation is beneficial for depression.
• Diabetes. It is unclear if oral choline is beneficial for the treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes; the available research is conflicting. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking oral choline bitartrate 1000 mg daily for 2 months does not affect coagulation parameters or levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes (103569). Choline has also been evaluated for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. In Finnish males, observational research has found that dietary intake of total choline at levels of more than 482 mg daily, especially as phosphatidylcholine, is associated with a 25% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the following 19.3 years when compared with intakes of less than 382 mg daily (103567). However, in males and females in the US, additional observational research has found no association between dietary choline and risk of type 2 diabetes over a mean of 9 years (103570). In addition, a sub-analysis found that the highest intakes of choline (a median of 487 mg daily) were associated with a 54% higher risk of type 2 diabetes among females, but not males, when compared with the lowest intakes (a median of 175 mg daily) (103570). Population research in patients with diabetes has found that an intake of dietary choline in amounts of at least 279 mg daily is associated with a 2.1-fold increased odds of diabetic retinopathy in females, but not males, when compared with an intake less than 206 mg daily (109102). It is unclear if choline itself is responsible for the increased odds of diabetic retinopathy in this population.
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). It is unclear if oral choline improves cognition in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Details: Clinical research in children aged 2.5-5 years with FASD shows that taking oral choline bitartrate, providing choline 500 mg, daily for 9 months does not improve global cognitive development or hippocampal-dependent memory when compared with placebo. However, a subgroup analysis of only children aged 2.5-4 years suggests that choline may improve hippocampal-dependent memory (92112). Follow-up of this study at 7 years shows that choline improves motor speed and suggests a trend towards improved color naming, which are components of executive functioning testing, when compared with placebo (111745). The validity of these findings is limited by the high rate of patient discontinuation which limits statistical power. A small clinical trial in children 5-10 years old with FASD shows that taking oral glycerophosphocholine, providing choline 625 mg, daily for 6 weeks does not improve cognitive function, executive function, attention, or hyperactivity when compared with placebo (97389).
• Hepatitis. Although there has been interest in using oral choline for hepatitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of choline for this purpose.
• Huntington disease. Although there has been interest in using oral choline for Huntington disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of choline for this purpose.
• Hypertension. It is unclear if oral choline is beneficial for the prevention or treatment of hypertension. Details: Population research has found that every 100-mg increase in daily dietary choline intake is associated with a 15% decreased risk of developing hypertension over the next 4.6 to 9.1 years (109098). However, it is unclear if any benefits are specifically related to dietary choline or whether choline supplementation is beneficial.
• Infant development. It is unclear if oral choline intake during pregnancy is beneficial for infant development; the available research is conflicting. Details: Two observational studies have found that higher intake of choline during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy is associated with improvement in offspring cognitive development and visual memory at the age of 18 months and 7 years, respectively, when compared with lower choline intake (94654,94657). One of these studies found that each 1 mcmol/L increase in maternal blood levels of choline at 16 weeks' gestation was associated with a 2.23-point increase in cognitive skill score based on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-III) at 18 months of age (94657). Also, some observational research has found that higher plasma levels of choline during pregnancy are associated with higher processing speed and decreased social withdrawal at 4 years of age in the offspring (109101). In contrast, 3 observational studies have found that higher intake of choline during pregnancy, as well as higher maternal and cord blood levels of choline, are not associated with improved offspring intelligence at 5 years of age or cognitive performance at 3 or 7 years of age (94654,94655,94656). However, many of these observational studies, including those with positive findings, included populations with a mean intake of choline that was below the recommended adequate intake of 450 mg daily (94654,94656). It's possible that higher intake of choline is needed to observe a benefit; however, research on the effects of choline supplementation is limited. One small clinical trial shows that taking choline 930 mg daily during the third trimester modestly improves sustained attention in the child at 7 years of age when compared with taking 480 mg daily (109105).
• Metabolic syndrome. It is unclear if oral choline is beneficial in patients with metabolic syndrome. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with metabolic syndrome shows that taking oral choline 400 mg daily for 4 weeks does not decrease body weight, blood pressure, plasma glucose levels, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, or increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, when compared with baseline (105731).
• Neural tube birth defects. It is unclear if oral choline intake is beneficial for preventing neural tube defects. Details: Population research has found that females who have a high dietary choline intake around the time of conception have a lower risk of having offspring with a neural tube defect when compared to those with lower intake (13134).
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is unclear if oral choline is beneficial in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Details: A cross-sectional analysis of results from observational and clinical research shows that low dietary intake of choline is associated with increased fibrosis in postmenopausal adults with NAFLD, but not in children, males, or premenopausal adults with NAFLD. Dietary choline intake was not associated with steatosis severity in any patient subgroup (92109).
• Schizophrenia. Although there has been interest in using oral choline for schizophrenia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of choline for this purpose.
• Tourette syndrome. Although there has been interest in using oral choline for Tourette syndrome, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of choline for this purpose.
• TPN-associated hepatic steatosis. It is unclear if intravenous choline is beneficial in patients with TPN-associated hepatic steatosis. Details: In patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN), plasma levels of choline can decrease. Small, low-quality clinical studies show that administering intravenous choline 1-4 grams daily for 24 weeks improves some markers of TPN-associated hepatic steatosis when compared with baseline or placebo (5174,42235). More evidence is needed to rate choline for these uses.

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POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Ulcerative colitis. Limited clinical research shows that taking phosphatidylcholine products may improve clinical and remission scores in adults with ulcerative colitis. Details: Clinical research suggests that taking slow-release, phosphatidylcholine-rich phospholipids (Sterpur P-30 Granulat, Stern-Lecithin and Soja GmbH) improves symptoms and remission rate in patients with ulcerative colitis (68839,93389,93390,105728). A pooled analysis of 3 small randomized clinical trials in adults with chronic, active, ulcerative colitis at a single site shows that taking this specific form of phosphatidylcholine 1-4 grams daily for 3 months increases the odds of achieving clinical remission by 9.7 times when compared with placebo. Overall, 49% of the patients taking phosphatidylcholine achieved clinical remission. Taking phosphatidylcholine also improved quality of life and clinical improvement scores. In one study, this product also decreased the need for steroids, resulting in complete withdrawal of steroid therapy without exacerbation of disease in 80% of patients (93390). However, most patients in these studies were not treated with other standard therapies for ulcerative colitis, such as immunosuppressants and aminosalicylic acids. Subgroup analyses by dose suggest that the effective dose of this product is at least 1 gram daily; however, taking 3-4 grams daily may be more effective (93389,105728). In patients not responsive to mesalamine, some preliminary clinical research suggests taking LT-02 (Lipid Therapeutics GmbH), a modified-release formula of phosphatidylcholine, 3.2 grams daily for 12 weeks, improves symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Overall disease activity was improved by 52%, compared with 33% in those taking placebo. The effects on remission rate and mucosal healing were unclear; however, response rates were increased from 60% in the placebo group to 83% in the phosphatidylcholine group. In an 8-week follow-up, relapse was also less likely in patients treated with this product (93387).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Acne. Topical phosphatidylcholine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that applying a topical cream containing niacinamide and linoleic acid-rich phosphatidylcholine (4% niacinamide-phospholipidic; N-PHCL emulsion) once daily for 12 weeks improves skin hydration and reduce acne lesions and inflammation when compared with a 1% clindamycin cream or a carrier-only cream in patients 15 years and older with moderate acne (93388).
• Aging. Although there has been interest in using oral phosphatidylcholine for aging, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phosphatidylcholine for this purpose.
• Alcohol-related liver disease. It is unclear if oral phosphatidylcholine is beneficial in patients with alcohol-related liver disease. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with acute alcoholic hepatitis shows that taking polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine 6 grams orally daily for 24 months does not increase survival when compared with placebo (68843).
• Alzheimer disease. Although there has been interest in using oral phosphatidylcholine for Alzheimer disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phosphatidylcholine for this purpose.
• Angina. Although there has been interest in using intravenous phosphatidylcholine for angina, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phosphatidylcholine for this purpose.
• Anxiety. Although there has been interest in using oral phosphatidylcholine for anxiety, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phosphatidylcholine for this purpose.
• Atherosclerosis. Although there has been interest in using intravenous phosphatidylcholine for atherosclerosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phosphatidylcholine for this purpose.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Although there has been interest in using oral phosphatidylcholine for atopic dermatitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phosphatidylcholine for this purpose.
• Bipolar disorder. Although there has been interest in using oral phosphatidylcholine for bipolar disorder, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phosphatidylcholine for this purpose.
• Dementia. It is unclear if oral phosphatidylcholine is beneficial in patients with dementia. Details: Population research in a sample of 1259 men in Finland suggests that high daily intake of phosphatidylcholine is associated with a 28% lower risk of developing dementia when compared with low daily intake, over a mean follow-up of about 22 years (103178).
• Fatty deposits. It is unclear if subcutaneous phosphatidylcholine is beneficial in patients with fatty deposits. Details: Very low quality clinical research shows that administering subcutaneous injections of phosphatidylcholine 125 mg-250 mg every 7-15 days can reduce localized fatty deposits on the chin, thigh, hips, abdomen, back, neck, and elsewhere, based on subjective visual assessments, when compared with baseline (15621,15625,15627). Improvements appear to last for 2-3 years or longer (15621,15627). In one study, phosphatidylcholine injections markedly or moderately reduce localized fatty deposits on the face in about 80% of patients for a period of up to 3 years based on subjective patient self-assessment (15621).
• Hepatic encephalopathy. It is unclear if oral phosphatidylcholine is beneficial in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine 1050 mg daily for 6-8 weeks, either orally or through a nasogastric tube, does not improve recovery from encephalopathy compared with control in patients with acute or subacute liver failure. However, polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine seems to reduce mortality compared to control in patients with subacute, but not acute, liver failure (68835).
• Hepatitis A. It is unclear if oral phosphatidylcholine is beneficial in patients with hepatitis A. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking phosphatidylcholine 900 mg orally daily for 12 weeks does not seem to reduce serum bilirubin or liver enzyme levels in patients with hepatitis A when compared with no intervention (5225).
• Hepatitis B. It is unclear if oral phosphatidylcholine is beneficial in patients with hepatitis B. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults undergoing interferon treatment for hepatitis B shows that taking phosphatidylcholine 1.8 grams orally daily for 24 weeks improves clinical response when compared with placebo (5226). Other preliminary clinical research in patients with chronic active hepatitis B shows that taking phosphatidylcholine 3 grams orally improves histological disease scores when compared with control (5224).
• Hepatitis C. Oral phosphatidylcholine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults undergoing interferon treatment for hepatitis C shows that taking phosphatidylcholine 1.8 grams orally daily for 24 weeks improves clinical response when compared with placebo (5226).
• Hypercholesterolemia. Although there has been interest in using intravenous phosphatidylcholine for hypercholesterolemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phosphatidylcholine for this purpose.
• Hyperlipidemia. Although there has been interest in using oral phosphatidylcholine for hyperlipidemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phosphatidylcholine for this purpose.
• Hyperlipoproteinemia. Oral phosphatidylcholine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine 1.8 grams daily for 28 days in combination with clofibrate does not significantly reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, or phospholipids compared to clofibrate alone in patients with primary hyperlipoproteinemia of Fredrickson Types II or IV. However, taking the combination of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine plus clofibrate seems to significantly attenuate the relative increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol when compared with clofibrate alone (68840).
• Infant development. It is unclear if oral phosphatidylcholine is beneficial for infant development. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking phosphatidylcholine (PhosChol, Nutrasal) 5 grams daily, containing choline 750 mg daily, from 18 weeks' gestation to 90 days postpartum does not improve cognitive function in the infant at 10-12 months of age when compared with corn oil placebo (93386).
• Lipoma. It is unclear if subcutaneous phosphatidylcholine is beneficial in patients with lipoma. Details: An anecdotal report suggests that injecting a phosphatidylcholine solution directly into a lipoma can shrink the tumor by about 35%. However, in this report a major inflammatory reaction occurred, resulting in undesirable fibrotic changes to the tissue and eventual surgical excision of the lipoma (15622).
• Memory. It is unclear if oral phosphatidylcholine is beneficial for memory. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a single dose of phosphatidylcholine 25 grams (PC-55, TwinLab) orally can improve some measures of memory in healthy college students when compared with placebo (5228).
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is unclear if oral phosphatidylcholine is beneficial in patients with NAFLD. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking phosphatidylcholine 600 mg orally three times daily for 24 weeks qualitatively improves liver echogenicity and structure on an ultrasound scan, suggesting a reduction in hepatic steatosis, when compared to baseline. There is also a small decrease in liver function test values, but with considerable variability both at baseline and at 24 weeks (103176,103177). Preliminary clinical evidence also suggests that taking a combination of the milk thistle constituent silybin, phosphatidylcholine, and vitamin E (Realsil, Instituto Biochimico Italiano) orally twice daily for 12 months improves liver function tests (LFTs) and liver histology when compared with placebo in people with NAFLD (63244). It is unclear if this effect is due to phosphatidylcholine, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Periorbital fat pad herniation. It is unclear if subcutaneous phosphatidylcholine is beneficial in patients with periorbital fat pad herniation. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that injecting phosphatidylcholine 20 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks markedly reduces lower eyelid fat pads in people with bulging fat pads due to herniation when compared to baseline. In some people, benefits appeared to last for a period of 9 months to 2 years or longer (15623,15628).
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Although there has been interest in using oral phosphatidylcholine for PAD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phosphatidylcholine for this purpose.
• Peritoneal dialysis. It is unclear if oral phosphatidylcholine is beneficial in patients with peritoneal dialysis. Details: Very preliminary clinical research shows that taking phosphatidylcholine 900 mg orally daily for 8 weeks does not improve ultrafiltration in peritoneal dialysis when compared to baseline (5222).
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although there has been interest in using oral phosphatidylcholine for PMS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phosphatidylcholine for this purpose.
• Tardive dyskinesia. It is unclear if oral phosphatidylcholine is beneficial in patients with tardive dyskinesia. Details: Preliminary clinical research taking phosphatidylcholine 30 grams orally daily for 6 weeks does not improve tardive dyskinesia symptoms when compared with placebo (5223). More evidence is needed to rate phosphatidylcholine for these uses.

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POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Age-related cognitive decline. Oral bovine cortex-derived phosphatidylserine seems to improve attention and memory in patients with age-related cognitive decline. It is unclear if plant-derived phosphatidylserine is beneficial or whether phosphatidylserine is beneficial for preventing cognitive decline. Details: Clinical studies in people with age-related cognitive decline show that phosphatidylserine improves attention, arousal, verbal fluency, and memory (2440,2441,7119,7120,15539). Bovine- and plant-sourced phosphatidylserine 100 mg three times daily for up to 6 months has been used in these studies (2440,2441,15539). Most clinical studies have used phosphatidylserine derived from bovine cortex. However, most supplements now use soy- or cabbage-derived phosphatidylserine. There is some preliminary evidence that plant-derived phosphatidylserine also improves memory in people with age-associated memory impairment (15539). Also, clinical research in elderly females with complaints of memory loss shows that taking 1-3 capsules of a specific product (Vayacog, Enzymotec Ltd.) containing soybean-derived phosphatidylserine 100 mg/capsule, enriched with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 19.5 mg/capsule and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 6.5 mg/capsule, daily for 15 weeks modestly improves immediate memory and sustained attention when compared with placebo (66055,90711). A post-hoc analysis of the results from this study suggests that cognitive improvements are greatest in patients with relatively good cognitive performance at baseline (66055). There is also interest in using phosphatidylserine to prevent age-related cognitive decline. In 2003, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that it would allow a qualified health claim stating that consuming phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of developing age-related cognitive decline. However, the FDA has determined that there is very little scientific evidence supporting this claim (102363).
• Alzheimer disease. Oral bovine cortex-derived phosphatidylserine seems to improve cognitive function and behavior in patients with Alzheimer disease when used for up to 12 weeks, although benefits may disappear after 16 weeks. It is unclear if plant-derived phosphatidylserine is beneficial. Details: Taking phosphatidylserine orally can improve cognitive function and global improvement rating scales and improve behavioral rating scales over 6-12 weeks of treatment (2255,2437,2438,2439,7114,7118). Bovine-sourced phosphatidylserine 300-400 mg in divided doses daily for up to 16 weeks has been used (2255,2437,2438,2439). Phosphatidylserine seems to be most effective in patients with less severe symptoms (2437,2439). Phosphatidylserine might lose its effectiveness with extended use. After 16 weeks of treatment, progression of Alzheimer disease seems to overcome any benefit of phosphatidylserine (2255). Most clinical studies have used phosphatidylserine derived from bovine cortex. However, most supplements now use soy- or cabbage-derived phosphatidylserine. Clinical studies have not yet evaluated phosphatidylserine from soy or other sources. It is not known if phosphatidylserine from these sources is as effective as bovine-derived products.

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Athletic performance. It is unclear if oral phosphatidylserine is beneficial for athletic performance. Details: One small clinical trial in golfers shows that taking nutritional bars containing phosphatidylserine 200 mg daily for 6 weeks improves the number of good ball flights, which may improve golf score; however, perceived stress levels and heart rate are not significantly affected (68855). A clinical study in recreationally active adults shows that taking phosphatidylserine 400 mg and caffeine 100 mg daily, along with niacin 28 mg, vitamin C 60 mg, vitamin B1 1.5 mg, vitamin B5 10 mg, vitamin B6 2 mg, vitamin E 12 IU, calcium 100 mg, magnesium 40 mg, and carbohydrates in the form of evaporated cane juice, brown rice syrup, and rice syrup solids 16 grams (Nutravail Technologies) for 14 days modestly reduces post-exercise mood disturbances and perception of fatigue when compared with vitamins and minerals alone. The combination does not appear to improve cognitive function or reaction time (91463). It is not clear if the effect of the combination supplement is due to phosphatidylserine, caffeine, or the combination.
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is unclear if oral phosphatidylserine is beneficial for ADHD. Details: A meta-analysis of three generally low-quality randomized clinical trials shows that taking phosphatidylserine 200-300 mg daily for 8-15 weeks modestly improves symptoms of inattention in children with ADHD when compared with placebo. However, there were no significant effects on hyperactivity-impulsivity or on overall ADHD symptoms. Also, two of the three clinical trials included in the analysis investigated the effects of phosphatidylserine in combination with the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (105247). One preliminary clinical trial included in the analysis shows that taking soy-derived phosphatidylserine 200 mg daily for 2 months improves ADHD symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and short-term memory, when compared to baseline in treatment-naïve children with ADHD aged 4-14 years. However, results from this study are limited due to a lack of statistical comparison to the placebo group (89498).
• Cognitive function. Although there is interest in using oral phosphatidylserine for improving cognitive function in healthy adults, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phosphatidylserine for this purpose.
• Dementia. It is unclear if oral phosphatidylserine is beneficial for dementia prevention or treatment. Details: In 2003, the FDA determined that it would allow a qualified health claim stating that consuming phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly. However, the FDA has determined that there is very little scientific evidence supporting this claim (102363).
• Depression. It is unclear if oral phosphatidylserine is beneficial for depression. Details: One very small clinical study in elderly adults with depression shows that taking phosphatidylserine 300 mg daily for 30 days modestly improves depression scores when compared to baseline (7113).
• Exercise-induced muscle soreness. It is unclear if oral phosphatidylserine is beneficial for exercise-induced muscle soreness. Details: One small clinical study in athletes shows that taking soybean-derived phosphatidylserine 800 mg daily for 2 weeks during periods of over-training reduces muscle soreness post-exercise when compared with those not taking phosphatidylserine (2264). More evidence is needed to rate phosphatidylserine for these uses.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Choline is safe in adults when taken in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 3.5 grams daily (3094) ...when used intravenously and appropriately. Intravenous choline 1-4 grams daily for up to 24 weeks has been used with apparent safety (5173,5174).

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in doses above the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 3. 5 grams daily. Higher doses can increase the risk of adverse effects (3094).

CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately (3094). Choline is safe in children when taken in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL), which is 1 gram daily for children 1-8 years of age, 2 grams daily for children 9-13 years of age, and 3 grams daily for children 14-18 years of age (3094).

CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in doses above the UL. High doses can increase the risk of adverse effects (3094).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately. Choline is safe when taken in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL), which is 3 grams daily during pregnancy and lactation in those up to 18 years of age and 3.5 grams daily for those 19 years and older (3094,92114). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of choline used in higher doses during pregnancy and lactation.

(Read more about CHOLINE)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Large doses up to 30 grams per day for 6 weeks (5223) and smaller doses of up to 6 grams daily for up to 24 months have been well tolerated (68839,68843,105728). ...when used subcutaneously and appropriately, short-term. Some research suggests that subcutaneous injections of 0.2 mL to 5 mL of a 5% phosphatidylcholine solution do not cause significant serious adverse effects when doses are administered up to five times and spaced apart by 2-4 weeks (15621,15623,15624,15625). ...when used topically as an emulsion also containing niacinamide for up to 12 weeks (93388).

PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally from 18 weeks of gestation at doses of up to 5 grams daily (93386)

LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Phosphatidylserine has been used with apparent safety at dose of up to 300 mg daily for up to 6 months (2255,2437,2438,2439,2440,2441,7118,15539,68855).

CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately, short-term (7117). Phosphatidylserine has been used with apparent safety in clinical research in doses of 200-300 mg daily for up to 4 months in children aged 4-18 years (7117,89498).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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ATROPINE Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, choline might decrease the effects of atropine in the brain.  Details Animal research shows that administering choline one hour before administering atropine can attenuate atropine-induced decreases in brain levels of acetylcholine (42240). Theoretically, concomitant use of choline and atropine may decrease the effects of atropine.

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ANTICHOLINERGIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might decrease the effectiveness anticholinergic drugs.  Details Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels (2437,8857,8858), which could theoretically interfere with the activity of anticholinergic agents.

CHOLINERGIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might have additive effects with cholinergic drugs.  Details Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels (2437,8857,8858), which could theoretically lead to additive cholinergic effects when used with cholinergic drugs.

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General ...Orally, choline is well tolerated when used appropriately. Adverse effects have been reported with doses exceeding the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 3.5 grams daily.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Fishy body odor. At high doses of at least 9 grams daily, choline has been reported to cause diarrhea, nausea, salivation, sweating, and vomiting.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, doses of choline greater than 7. 5 grams daily may cause low blood pressure (94648).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, large doses of choline can cause nausea, vomiting, salivation, and anorexia (42275,91231). Gastrointestinal discomfort has reportedly occurred with doses of 9 grams daily, while gastroenteritis has reportedly occurred with doses of 32 grams daily (42291,42310). Doses of lecithin 100 grams standardized to 3.5% choline have reportedly caused diarrhea and fecal incontinence (42312).

Genitourinary ...Orally, large doses of choline greater than 9 grams daily have been reported to cause urinary incontinence (42291).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, high intake of choline may cause sweating due to peripheral cholinergic effects (42275).

Oncologic ...In one population study, consuming large amounts of choline was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in females, even after adjusting for red meat intake (14845). However, more research is needed to confirm this finding.

Psychiatric ...Orally, large doses of choline (9 grams daily) have been associated with onset of depression in patients taking neuroleptics. Further research is needed to clarify this finding (42270).

Other ...Orally, choline intake may cause a fishy body odor due to intestinal metabolism of choline to trimethylamine (42285,42275,42310,92111,92112).

(Read more about CHOLINE)

General ...Phosphatidylcholine is generally well tolerated when used orally, subcutaneously, or topically.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Altered taste, bloating, diarrhea, itching, nausea, sweating, vomiting.
Subcutaneously: Bruising, burning, edema, erythema, hematoma, itching, pain at the injection site.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Subcutaneously: Lipoma.

Dermatologic ...When taken orally, phosphatidylcholine may increase sweating (5229) and itching (63244). When given subcutaneously, phosphatidylcholine can cause pain, burning, itching, tenderness to touch, bruising, edema, and erythema at the injection site. The pain, itching and erythema usually resolve within 2 days of treatment; however localized tenderness can last longer (15623,15624,15626,15627,15628). Edema and bruising usually resolve within 10 days of treatment (15621,15623,15625). Some people can also develop nodules or hematoma at the injection site. This usually resolves within 30 days (15627).

Gastrointestinal ...Ingesting large amounts of phosphatidylcholine (30 grams per day) can cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea (5223). However, bloating, diarrhea, altered taste, nausea, and vomiting have been reported with smaller doses (63244,68843,93389,93390,105728). Although moderate subcutaneous doses do not usually cause systemic side effects, high doses exceeding 1.2 grams of phosphatidylcholine can cause nausea and abdominal pain in some people (15624).

Musculoskeletal ...Injecting phosphatidylcholine directly into a lipoma can result in a significant inflammatory response and undesirable fibrotic tissue changes (15622).

(Read more about PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE)

General ...Orally, phosphatidylserine is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Flatulence, gastrointestinal upset, headache, insomnia, and nausea.

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, phosphatidylserine can cause gastrointestinal upset such as flatulence or nausea. Gastrointestinal upset can occur at doses of 200-300 mg/day (7116,7121,15539,68862,90711).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, phosphatidylserine can cause insomnia. Insomnia is more likely to occur with a higher dose of 600 mg (7121,68844). Headache has also been reported (90711).

(Read more about PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE)