Phosphatidylserine (PS) ---- Ingredients of Brain Health

PS is an important membrane phospholipid in cells, yeast, plants, and mammalian cells, and is the main acidic phospholipid in the brain. It is an active substance in cell membranes, especially in brain cells. Its function is mainly to improve the function of nerve cells, regulate the conduction of nerve impulses, and improve the memory function of the brain. Because of its strong lipophilicity, it can quickly enter the brain through the blood-brain barrier after being absorbed, soothe vascular smooth muscle cells, and increase the brain’s brain. blood supply. 

Among the top 10 raw materials with an annual growth rate in the U.S. market in 2020, phosphatidylserine (PS) ranks second with an annual growth rate of 215%. Of the top 10 ingredients by sales, 7 are related to immune health and 2 are related to brain health. During the epidemic, immune health is still the most concerned area for consumers, followed by brain health.

Globally, the market of PS is mainly concentrated in North America, Europe, Japan and other countries and regions, and it is mainly used in dietary supplements. Although PS has been approved as a new food raw material as early as 2010, at present, PS products in my country are relatively single and the market size is small. PS has been added to some milk powder, dairy products, chocolate and other products. With consumers' attention to brain health, my country's PS industry has great potential for development.

In 2010, PS was approved as a new food raw material in China. Its source is soybean lecithin and L-serine. After the conversion reaction of phospholipase, it is purified and concentrated, and it is obtained after secondary purification and drying. In 2006, PS passed the GRAS certification of the U.S. FDA, and can be used in yogurt (except 0-fat yogurt), milk powder, ready-to-drink soy milk, meat substitute, cereal bars, mixed beverage powder, chewing gum, and cereal breakfast. The dosage is 20mg/serving.

Korea: Health Functional Food Code 2021: PS is a healthy functional raw material

Raw material: soybean lecithin

Functional ingredients (PS)

Content: not less than 380mg/g

Health Claims: PS may help improve cognitive performance reduced by aging, maintain skin health, protect against UV damage, keep skin moisturized, Daily Intake: 300mg (as PS).

1. What are the sources of PS preparation?

(1) Source of bovine brain: PS was first extracted from bovine brain, but due to the outbreak of mad cow disease in Europe, the sale of PS derived from bovine brain was prohibited;

(2) PS derived from soybeans: gradually replaced PS derived from milk and become the mainstream product in the world market;

(3) Source of marine organisms: In 2009, Enzymotec of Israel developed PS derived from deep-sea fish. In 2010, Enzymotec developed PS derived from krill, and PS derived from marine organisms began to enter the market.

(4) Sunflower source: In 2015, Enzymotec developed PS derived from sunflower.

 

2. What are the functions of PS?

(1) Improve brain skills, improve memory and relieve brain fatigue;

(2) Repair brain damage;

(3) Improve attention and relieve ADHD in children;

(4) Provide sports nutrition to relieve muscle fatigue;

(5) Relieve tension and resist depression.