Consumer's Guide to

Phosphatidylserine

What Does PhosphatidylSerine Do?

Over 3,000 published research papers and more than 60 clinical trials have established that phosphatidylserine (PS) in Flavay Plus® can rejuvenate your brain cell membranes and thereby:

  • strengthen your memory,
  • improve mental acuity,
  • increase vigilance and attention,
  • intensify your concentration,
  • boost learning,
  • improve your brain’s electrical rhythms,
  • improve mood and ease anxiety,
  • lower physical and mental stress-induced increases in cortisol,
  • reverse age-related memory decline. (106,109,106,117,119,124,210-213)
PET image of a 59-year-old female’s brain. The color scale indicates regional glucose metabolism at
                       three brain levels, red is most intense and tertiary is least. Upper: before Flavay Plus; Lower:
                       after Flavay Plus daily for three weeks.

Flavay Plus® (the original, clinically-proven PS) increases metabolism throughout the brain.

ABOVE: PET imaging of the brain of a 59-year-old woman. The color scale indicates regional glucose metabolism at three brain levels, red is most intense and blue is least. UPPER: before Flavay Plus®; LOWER: after taking Flavay Plus® daily for three weeks. Metabolism is increased in almost all brain regions. (109, 125)

Early clinical studies used phosphatidylserine derived from cow brains (bovine cortex). But when mad cow disease was discovered in the 1980s, researchers began testing various foods to find an effective replacement.

Why Do I Need PS?
Why Isn't Diet Enough?

Because of stress, aging, modern eating habits and food-production methods.

Your body cannot produce phosphatidylserine in sufficient amounts when under stress, when aged, or when lacking in the necessary enzymes and metabolic cofactors.

Dietary Undersupply of Phosphatidylserine. Chart of changes in phosphatidylserine consumption: Today’s typical diet: 130 mg; 1980s typical diet: 250 mg; Diet rich in meat and fish: 180 mg; Low fat diet: 100 mg; Vegetarian diet: less than 50 mg; Children's diet: less than 30mg. Conclusion: Modern low-fat and low-cholesterol diets lack up to 150 mg per day of dietary phosphatidylserine.

Modern low-fat and low-cholesterol diets lack up to 150 mg per day of dietary phosphatidylserine. (135)

ABOVE: Changes in our Western diet have resulted in a significant decrease in phosphatidylserine consumption in recent years, including rejection of fat, innards, organ meats and poultry skin (e.g., low-fat, low-cholesterol, and reduced-meat diets). (135)

Dietary Undersupply

Modern Diets: Modern low-fat and low-cholesterol diets lack up to 150 mg per day of dietary phosphatidylserine. A vegetarian diet may undersupply as much as 200 to 250 mg per day. Other eating styles also create a demand for more phosphatidylserine. For example, a diet deficient in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the amount of phosphatidylserine in the brain by 28% and thereby impair your brain’s ability to form, store, process and remember. (135)

Modern Food Production: To make matters worse, modern industrial production of fats and oils decreases all of the natural phospholipids—including phosphatidylserine. (135)

The average daily intake of phosphatidylserine in Western diets is well below healthy levels.

Stress and Aging

Stress: Like burning a candle burning at both ends, stress increases the demand for phosphatidylserine and depletes your phosphatidylserine levels at the same time. (128-133)

Aging: The elderly particularly benefit from taking phosphatidylserine. While aging increases our brain’s need for phosphatidylserine it also creates digestive and metabolic inefficiency so that it’s simply not possible to get enough phosphatidylserine in diet. Considerable research proves that phosphatidylserine improves age-associated memory impairment and continued use prevents age-related decay of brain functions. (126, 168)

My psychologist husband told me that the difference in my behavior and focus is huge since taking Flavay and Flavay Plus. I am definitely ADD but was never diagnosed as a child. He is amazed at the changes in me, as am I. —Ms. Danielle S.*

My psychologist husband told me that the difference in my behavior and focus is huge since taking Flavay and Flavay Plus. I am definitely ADD but was never diagnosed as a child. He is amazed at the changes in me, as am I.
—Ms. Danielle S.*
In 2006 I stopped taking Zoloft because it made me sick. That's when I found Flavay and Flavay Plus and I've been taking it ever since (12 years) and it gets me going every day. Such a difference in my life. It's been very good for me. My wife takes it too.
—Mr. P.Z.*
A placebo-controlled study of 120 students shows Flavay Plus for 40 days improves directed memory, associative learning, free memory, recognition and visual memory. Click here for more.

How Does PhosphatidylSerine (PS) compare to PhosphatidylCholine (PC)?

PhosphatidylSerine (PS) is a better source of choline than taking PhosphatidylCholine (PC)

Various studies found taking phosphatidylserine (PS) in Flavay Plus® increases the availability of endogenous choline (choline that your body creates within your cells) for de novo synthesis and release in brain cells, (128-131) but similar use of phosphatidylcholine (PC) had no effect. (132)

Studies found taking phosphatidylserine (PS) increases choline levels in brain cells where taking phosphatidylcholine (PC) had no effect.

How Does It Work?

Phosphatidylserine enables your brain cells to metabolize glucose and to release and bind with neurotransmitters— all of which is important to learning, memory and other cognitive functions. (127)

Maintaining brain levels of phosphatidylserine is associated to normal and efficient signal transduction processes, efficient glucose metabolism and healthy cognitive and mental functions. (291,336,337)

Phosphatidylserine increases communication between cells in your brain by increasing the number of membrane receptor sites for receiving messages. Phosphatidylserine modulates the fluidity of cell membranes which is essential to your brain cells' ability to send and receive chemical communication. (14,126-128)

Revitalize Brain Communication

Phosphatidylserine supplementation restores activity of phosphatidylserine in brain cell membranes, the chemical interaction and transfer of electrical impulses between neurons at both the sending and receiving ends. This means, new information can more easily carve a new pattern and memories are reinvigorated. (209)

Clinical data accumulated from over 20 years of controlled testing, including at least 21 double-blind clinical trials, shows phosphatidylserine supplementation benefits practically all higher functions of the brain. By building cell membranes, phosphatidylserine supplementation revitalizes the cells of your brain and is thereby shown to:

  • improve your brain’s electrical rhythms,
  • reverse age-related memory decline,
  • ease anxiety,
  • lift depression,
  • benefit motor functions,
  • improve learning concentration and word skills.
  • modulate many aspects of cortisol overproduction, especially following intense exercise.
  • As a dietary supplement, very well tolerated with virtually no adverse effects. (110,117,124,210,211)

Turn Back the Clock in an Aging Brain

Studies demonstrate that phosphatidylserine restores the brain's supply and output of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter so important to memory, and supplementation can turn back the clock in an aging brain. (127,129)

Decline in acetylcholine is not only symptom of an aging brain, but a hallmark of neurodegenerative disease. Phosphatidylserine in Flavay Plus® is shown to restore acetylcholine release by maintaining an adequate acetylcholine supply. (128-131,330)

Chart shows number of ChAT-positive cells showing synthesis and release of the essential brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Young vs old-impaired study shows healthy youthful levels were restored when taking phosphatidylserine.

In clinical studies, phosphatidylserine in Flavay Plus® replenishes ChAT-positive cells, thereby promoting the synthesis and release of acetylcholine— neurotransmitter essential to memory, cognition, sleep and neuromuscular control. (126,127,168,330)

After one month of taking Flavay and Flavay Plus, I feel really good. I feel younger, like I used to feel 5 years ago, so that I want to start a business, and other things like that. My wife says I even look different.
—Mr. R.K.*
I'm 26 and have a severe case of ADHD, and just recently started taking Flavay Plus. From the first week I was taking three to four pills per day, and feeling the results quite rapidly... I'm thrilled with the results I'm getting with Flavay Plus.
—Ms. T.A.*

Stimulates Brain Dopamine

Phosphatidylserine also stimulates your brain to produce dopamine and this is likely why patients diagnosed with clinical depression have shown marked improvement in their symptoms as a result of taking phosphatidylserine daily. Reduced dopamine levels are also thought to contribute to attention deficit disorder and this natural substance has proven to be an effective therapeutic agent for ADD and ADHD. (114,128-133)

Chart of young versus old shows supplementation with phosphatidylserine restores healthy youthful levels of dopamine. Dopamine is a brain transmitter which regulates the sense of well-being, reward-behavior, mood and bodily coordination.

PS in Flavay Plus® restores your brain’s supply and output of dopamine—essential to memory, attention and problem-solving. Dopamine is also associated to the sense-of well-being, reward-behavior, mood and bodily coordination. (128-133,331,332)

Phosphatidylserine restores dopamine release and benefits glutamatergic neurotransmission. Dopaminergic, glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission play an important role in learning, memory and other cognitive functions. (133,299)

Flavay Plus really helps me sleep, I love it.
—Mr. L.G.*
In taking Flavay and Flavay Plus I really notice in my concentration. It seems to help with that. I can tell a difference. Also, I feel like I look younger when I'm taking Flavay, in my skin and hair, it looks better. I've noticed a big difference in my sleep, I sleep better and I have more energy. Flavay is a wonderful product!
—Ms. Lisa L.*
Results show taking Flavay Plus significantly improved ADHD symptoms and short-term auditory memory in children in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study performed on 36 children (ages 4 to 14) who had not previously received any drug treatment related to ADHD.

Reduces Stress-Induced Hormone Levels

Both physical and mental stressful conditions cause stress hormones to be released into circulation, even in the young and healthy. In athletes, prior to starting exercise, taking PS in Flavay Plus® produced an impressive degree of down-regulation of the stress hormones. Researchers found PS has the capacity to "normalize" the stress-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Chart of phosphatidylserine supplementation shows phosphatidylserine inhibits stress- induced and exercise-induced increases in cortisol.

(PS) in Flavay Plus® significantly inhibits ACTH and cortisol (stress-induced and exercise-induced hormones) in exercise. (124)

A number of double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials show phosphatidylserine can prevent and significantly lower exercise-induced cortisol levels and other markers related to hard training. (121,144,145)

Other studies show phosphatidylserine can speed recovery, prevent muscle soreness and help athletes feel their best during training. (121,144,145)

I want to thank you for Flavay Plus, it's just wonderful. My anxiety, panic and stress levels plummeted and my skin became clear and radiant.
—Ms. J.C.*
I've been taking 4 Flavay per day for about a month and the thing I really did notice is my stress level is really good. I've had a lot of unusual stress and with the Flavay I'm handling the stress a whole lot better.
—Ms. S.M.*
Clinically proven to boost the weak stress response in the elderly person and calms down exaggerated stress in the healthy young person. Click here for more.

Increase Endurance and Time to Exhaustion

Chart shows phosphatidylserine in Flavay Plus can significantly increase time to exhaustion, up to 30 percent more time in cycling exercise.

(PS) in Flavay Plus® can significantly increase time to exhaustion in cycling. (258)

A double-blind, placebo controlled study using 14 healthy and trained male athletes underwent cycling exercise prior to and following the supplementation period. Endurance was measured using a cycle ergometer at 85% VO2 max. After ten days, the group taking phosphatidylserine experienced about 30% more time before exhaustion, while the placebo group experienced no change. (258)

Phosphatidylserine is Important To Every Cell in Your Body

Phosphatidylserine is found in every cell in your body and the membrane proteins it activates are important in all your cells. Research shows phosphatidylserine is important to:

  • bone matrix formation,
  • testicular function,
  • beat coordination of the heart,
  • hormone secretion by the adrenal glands,
  • cell repair and removal by the immune system. (106,112)

Phosphatidylserine is necessary for transmission of information between your brain cells. (106,112)

Turn Back Brain-Aging with Phosphatidylserine

Human clinical studies show phosphatidylserine may assist against the symptoms of dementia and Age-Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI), also in reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive dysfunction.

Chart: Years of improvement following 12 weeks of 300 mg of phosphatidylserine in Flavay Plus per day. 13.9 Years: Remembering names after introduction. 11.6 Years: Learning and Remembering written information. 7.4 Years: Recognizing a previously seen person. 3.9 Years: Dialing a ten-digit phone number from Memory.

Flavay Plus® (4 per day) for 12 weeks may result in reversal of brain-aging by nearly 14 years. (168, 126)

A reversal of brain-aging of nearly 14 years was shown after 12 weeks of supplementation with 300 mg per day of phosphatidylserine. Improvements were found in learning and remembering written information, remembering names and recognizing people, and memory of numbers. (168)

Children and young adults also get results in maintaining a sharp mind and controlling stress. Studies show students experience improved learning abilities and performance. Placebo-controlled and double-blind trials show that young university students experience significantly less stress from tests, stay more clear-headed and composed, and keep a more stable mood when taking phosphatidylserine. (125)

I started taking Flavay and Flavay Plus for depression in January of this year. I’m very satisfied to have no withdrawal periods and no depression. I know it works because I stopped taking the products and my husband said he could tell the difference, that I wasn't 'as nice a person' when I didn't take them. And I could tell, too. So I started taking them again. —Ms. E.R.*

Flavay Plus really helps me sleep, I love it.
—Mr. L.G.*
In taking Flavay and Flavay Plus I really notice in my concentration. It seems to help with that. I can tell a difference. Also, I feel like I look younger when I'm taking Flavay, in my skin and hair, it looks better. I've noticed a big difference in my sleep, I sleep better and I have more energy. Flavay is a wonderful product!
—Ms. Lisa L.*
Improvements were found in learning and remembering written information, remembering names and recognizing people, and memory of numbers in data from objective neuro-psychological testing shows taking Flavay Plus (4 per day) for 12 weeks resulted in reversal of brain-aging of nearly 14 years.

What is Phosphatidylserine?

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid (a fatty molecule) which contains both amino and fatty acids.

The molecular structure of phosphatidylserine molecule with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and linoleic acid (LA) tails

Phosphatidylserine is a fatty molecule and includes amino and fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Phosphatidylserine is found in every human cell and is universally present in living things from the most simple to the most complex. Phosphatidylserine has many known functions throughout all our tissues and organs, and most importantly, our brain.

This natural supplement has proven effective for ADD and ADHD.

Decades of research have established phosphatidylserine* as the best single means for conserving memory and other higher brain functions. Findings from controlled clinical trials show when intake of phosphatidylserine is doubled, or better still quadrupled, as a dietary supplement, the majority of persons derive measurable brain benefits. (211, 110)

*Newer (and unproven) sources of phosphatidylserine are now in the marketplace, see: Has sunflower-derived phosphatidylserine proven effective for cognitive improvement?

Phosphatidylserine is found mainly in the inner part of cell membranes where it acts as a signaling molecule and is involved in a number of enzymatic functions. While most tissues are no more than 3% phosphatidylserine, your brain and nerve cells are highly enriched with phosphatidlyserine, up to 18%. Nerve cells depend on phosphatidylserine for normal neuro-transmitter metabolism and nerve signal transmission. Maintaining brain levels of phosphatidylserine is associated to normal and efficient signal transduction processes, efficient glucose metabolism and healthy cognitive and mental functions. (291,336,337)

A placebo-controlled study of 120 students shows Flavay Plus for 40 days improves directed memory, associative learning, free memory, recognition and visual memory. Click here for more.

Phosphorylated vs. Phosphatidyl

A phosphorylated serine is available as a dietary supplement but does not substitute for phosphatidyl serine (PS), despite the claims of its manufacturer. Though it resembles the head piece, phosphorylated serine is different—it is not a phospholipid and does not work like PS does.

Consumers report phosphorylated serine can cause highly uncomfortable adverse reactions. Be sure you get the real thing.

The molecular structure of phosphatidylserine molecule with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and linoleic acid (LA) tails

Phosphatidylerine’s tails of amino and fatty acids, the extra negative charge on its head piece and unique conformation are essential to its specific actions.

Proven Safety

Phosphatidylserine in Flavay Plus® is extracted from soy fractions which is highly purified and *Certified Soy-Free* and confirmed non-GMO. The phosphatidylserine in Flavay Plus® was the subject of many human clinical trials regarding memory loss, mood, cognitive performance and learning ability.

The use of phosphatidylserine in Flavay Plus® is well validated through clinical research and proven safe in standard toxicology tests.

The large number of human studies conducted on phosphatidylserine in Flavay Plus® produced a flawless safety record. First, it has proven compatible with a wide array of medications including: anti-acids, anti-hypertensives, anti-inflammatories, anti-ulcer and mucolytic agents, diuretics, anti-thrombotics, hypoglycemics, anti-arrhythmics, insulin, calcium channel blockers, calcitonin, chemotherapy drugs and other prescription medications. Second, phosphatidylserine is well tolerated by elderly patients with chronic diseases such as cerebrovascular, artery and vein disorders, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, lung diseases, digestive system diseases and arthritis.

Interestingly, clinical researchers found phosphatidylserine lowered uric acid levels and liver SGPT in their elderly patients—which can signify improved liver health. (106,110,114-117,119)

Authentic vs. “Borrowed” Science

Not all phosphatidylserine products are equal. The marketplace is full of inferior variations of scientifically-proven products. Those who are looking for proven results—and not just claimed or implied results—want the authentic products used in scientific research.

Has sunflower-derived phosphatidylserine proven effective for cognitive improvement?

Consumers want phosphatidylserine that's proven safe and effective. Phosphatidylserine in Flavay Plus® is patented and validated by clinical trials.

Change the way you grow older by protecting your memory for the many years ahead.

Taking Flavay Plus and I feel strong. —Mr. W.P.*

My husband swears by Flavay Plus. He's a truck driver and Flavay Plus keeps him calm and at the same time his energy lasts long. He wouldn't do without it. —Ms. C.K.*

Flavay plus is still the only product that works to combat my ADHD without prescription medication. I am so thankful! —Ms. D.G.*

After a few weeks of taking Flavay Plus, I felt like someone turned on a light bulb, I was just stunned. Now my husband is taking it too. —Ms. Susan F.*

I started taking Flavay and Flavay Plus for depression in January of this year. I’m very satisfied to have no withdrawal periods and no depression. I know it works because I stopped taking the products and my husband said he could tell the difference, that I wasn't 'as nice a person' when I didn't take them. And I could tell, too. So I started taking them again. —Ms. E.R.*

My psychologist husband told me that the difference in my behavior and focus is huge since taking Flavay and Flavay Plus. I am definitely ADD but was never diagnosed as a child. He is amazed at the changes in me, as am I. —Ms. Danielle S.*

My ADD is so bad I cannot go a day without Flavay Plus. It actually helps me to stay awake in the afternoon at work and not need coffee. —Ms. D.G.*

I gave my son 2 capsules of Flavay Plus this morning before school and I took 2 capsules myself. A few hours into the school day, my son's teacher sent me an email saying that my son is like a new child, focused and alert. She wanted to know what happened... My husband is a medical doctor. He had cautioned me not to get excited when ordering it... and you know what, I feel more focused myself, more able to handle things. —Ms. C.L.*

I stopped taking Zoloft in 2006 because it made me sick. That's when I found Flavay and Flavay Plus and I've been taking it ever since (12 years) and it gets me going every day. Such a difference in my life. It's been very good for me. My wife takes it too. —Mr. P.Z.*

I know taking vitamins is good for you but this is much more than that. Because of taking Flavay and Flavay Plus I experience substantial improvement in mental sharpness, acuity and in the ability to react quickly and stay on top of situations while auto racing. —dentist*

I just wanted to write and say WOW... I was so skeptical of your product at first and really had a negative attitude when I started taking it. I am a 40 yr old female with anxiety, mild ADHD and a host of arthritis and inflammation issues. It was a struggle for me to get out of bed everyday and focus on what needed to be done. I had no focus, no attention span, no energy, and no desire to do anything. About a week into taking Flavay and Flavay Plus, I started noticing that I could think a little clearer. My rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups weren't so bad, though I still have them. feeling better, and having more energy. I never thought I would feel like my old self again. I don't know exactly how you do it,...but this stuff works! I am telling all of my friends to try it because you've given me my old life back! Thank you! —Ms. L.A.*

I have used Flavay and Flavay Plus for almost a month and I really have not felt this healthy for so long. Fantastic energy and better overall. I have ms (small letters intentional, I hate it) and am feeling better even at work, people have commented my skin is better than it has ever been. I have great energy, it is incredible. —Mr. G.S.*

After one month of taking Flavay and Flavay Plus, I feel really good. I feel younger, like I used to feel 5 years ago, so that I want to start a business, and other things like that. My wife says I even look different. —Mr. R.K.*

I take 4 capsules of Flavay Plus every morning and I can keep going all day, and I stay focused too. —Mr. T.C.*

I want to thank you for Flavay Plus, it's just wonderful. My anxiety, panic and stress levels plummeted and my skin became clear and radiant. —Ms. J.C.*

I began giving my daughter Flavay Plus for ADD and then I decided to add Flavay for my daughter's allergies. I want to tell you, the Flavay works like a charm for my daughter’s allergies. She is 6 years old, and when we ran out of capsules this week she told me, "You've got to get more Flavay!" —Ms. S.S.*

My son was born with a cleft palate and learning disabilities. I am no believer in nutrients but Flavay Plus is helping my son to calm down and stay on task. I recently ran out and my son told me that 'not taking Flavay Plus makes me act crazy,' so I know he can tell the difference. —Ms. E.W.*

I'm 26 and have a severe case of ADHD, and just recently started taking Flavay Plus. From the first week I was taking three to four pills per day, and feeling the results quite rapidly... I'm thrilled with the results I'm getting with Flavay Plus. —Ms. T.A.*

Flavay Plus has worked amazingly for my son in school. I don't have the same issue with ADHD like he does but I started taking it just because I saw what it did for him and it's helped so much with making me sharper and more clear minded. —Ms. A.M.*

I have had my son on Flavay Plus now for a couple months and his test scores have dramatically improved in school!!! —Ms. M.H.*

It's (Flavay) working! My grandson is doing so much better in school. No more bad text messages from his teacher. I am so grateful. I'm so happy. —Ms. M.P.*

After two weeks my mom (85, with dementia) is telling me she feels good because she is remembering better. I’m very upbeat over this. Flavay Plus is doing just what you thought it would for my mom. —Ms. X.M.*

I ordered Flavay Plus for my son because he just started a job. He said it helps his concentration and really missed your product. —Mr. F.C.*

My sister has been using Flavay Plus and she tried to get me to order it but I resisted. Now my sister is doing better about remembering and focusing while I'm still suffering, so I’ve got to get some for myself. —Ms. Mary C.*

Flavay is terrific. I've had concentration problems, well, for 60 years, all my life. I couldn't have direct eye contact with people when talking with them because I couldn't concentrate. I told jokes but couldn't make people laugh because I couldn't keep my concentration. Now I can look people in the eye. Now I can make people laugh! I don't know how it works but it works and it is terrific. —Mr. Wayne M.*

I've got to have my Flavay. Keeps me going. Keeps me young. 4 Flavay every day. —Mr. C.S.*

My 13-year-old son started taking Flavay for ADD. He came home from school saying, ‘Mom! I felt so smart! I answered all of the questions!’ The teacher backed him up, saying he got every answer correct. So I will keep giving him Flavay. —Ms. Tammy A.*

Flavay works well with my son (6 years-old, with Autism). He's doing work at the proper level, anger issues are gone. —Ms. O.F.*

Thank you so much for all your help. Thank you for also improving my son's lifestyle (taking Flavay). —Ms. R.D.*

My grandson asked to start taking Flavay again. He is 14 years old and has ADD and anxiety and pain going down his arms and so Flavay must have been helping him because he is asking for it. (Follow-up:) Flavay is working! My grandson is doing so much better in school. No more bad text messages from his teacher. I am so grateful. I'm so happy. —Ms. M.P.*

I have found Flavay to be a wonderful product. I buy it for my mum's eyes, but we also notice it improves her cognitive function. —Ms. N.S.*

Your Flavay Plus is wonderful! I'm a nurse and I don't dare tell the doctors what my son is taking, you know they don't like supplements. This product is amazing. I put it in my son's food, he doesn't even know he is taking it. Thanks again for a wonderful product. —Ms. R. Lee*