Phosphatidyl Serine Dr. Lynch product Q&AUpdated 16 hours ago
Question | Answer |
| I have mild serine deficiency and low homocysteine levels, would this product help raise my serine levels? | Hi Adrian - This supplement won't help you raise serine levels. The amount of serine here is insignificant. The highest serine containing foods are eggs, seaweed and bearded seal. You may find that seal is not the most ideal :) Low homocysteine and low serine make sense as they are both related to protein absorption commonly. Here's an article on low homocysteine: Consider:
In health, |
| Dear Dr. Lynch, Thank you for your prompt response. Given the significant variability in Sharp-PS® concentration (18-70%), I will await your further clarification before making a purchase decision. I appreciate your support. | Satine - Thanks for responding back. The potency of the SharpPS depends on each lot. What we claim in the supplement facts is 150 mg which is the 'elemental' or 'active' amount of phosphatidyl serine. In other words, you're getting 100% phosphatidyl serine in 150 mg per capsule regardless if the potency is 18% or 70%. We just use more raw material if we have to in order to make the label claim amount accurate to 150 mg. Hope that makes sense. There are companies out there that say '150 mg of Phosphatidyl Serine' - but they aren't talking about the active amount - they're talking about the entire raw material and that's not honest in my opinion. What you want to look for are ( ). If you see parentheses after an ingredient, then you know it's elemental. If you don't see parentheses, then it likely is the whole compound and not the active amount. In our case on our label, you can see Phosphatidyl Serine (as SharpPS) - 150 mg. In health, |
| Dear Seeking Health Team, Could you kindly share the exact purity percentage (e.g., 50%, 70%) of Phosphatidylserine (PS) in your product? This information is crucial for my health regimen. Thank you for your support! | Hi Satine - We use SharpPS which is a trusted source of phosphatidylserine. They standardize it from 18-80% It would be nice if they would standardize it to just 80% and maintain that standard. I'll have my team talk with them and see what's up there. In health, |
| We are struggling with our 7 year old adopted son who we brought home at the age of 5 from the Philippines. He is VERY Happy (until you tell him not to do something) very high energy. He does not tolerate GABA-Lithium-inositol-Bacopa-quercetin -melatonin- stimulants or b vitamins. I do make sure he has plenty of protein but he does love his carbs. He struggles to keep his hands to himself in class, struggles with sitting in his chair and listening to his teacher leaving him behind in class. He is very smart and loving and really wants to try! Trying so hard to get him the supports he needs but failing. Just purchased phosphatidyl serine and ashwaganda and praying this will help. Any insight would be so very appreciated. He does very well with topical magnesium and seems to help him sleep. | Hi Lauren - I think your choices are pretty good. I'd also consider:
I think this should be quite supportive for him. It's very foundational and a great place to start. In health, |
| Hi! Just purchased and started phosphoserine and feel very jittery, heart racing etc. Is there a detox phase? Keep going or try another option? Thank you SO much! | Hi Lauren - There are so many variables - such as:
The first few times of a nootropic do 'hit' the hardest as your brain receives the nutrients. Consider:
This way you're supporting healthy hydration, electrolyte balance and healthy neurotransmission with the added electrolytes and glutathione. If you feel benefits this way, excellent. If you continue feeling jittery, then I'd pause it and let me know what symptoms you're trying to improve and we'll see if we can steer you in the right direction. In health, |
| Wish it would have worked for me Hi so back on July I had a questions regarding high cortisol levels and not being able to tolerate adaptogens and you recommended the supplement below. I tried it and it drove my anxiety more. I recently have found out I have an adrenal mass on my left adrenal and so far is Showing it is producing more cortisol. I have been having chronic brain fog, anxiety and insomnia. I do have the homozygous mthfr677 and homozygous comt H62H and comt V158m. My dr has tried me on a few ssri and I end up having more anxiety and not able to tolerate. They made the brain fog increase as well. I’m not even able to tolerate doing my sauna without getting pain and aching in my body after I do it and I guess perhaps it’s toxins and not being able to clear the toxins fast enough because of the adrenal issues and nervous system deregulation My endocrinologist has mentioned possibly surgery to remove the adrenal if additional test also show more cortisol production. My question is how could I support my body because I’m being labeled as having mental health issues because of my symptoms and my drs and even my functional dr has told me until we see what is going on with your test they don’t want to add any medications or supplements right now. It’s just my symptoms are debilitating and I just trying to find something that will help me. This is a good product but didn’t work for me but could be from what I’m dealing with | Hi Brooke - I thought given your high cortisol that Phosphatidyl Serine would help support healthy cortisol levels.* Seems that your body wants those high cortisol levels for some reason as this supplement backfired. I highly recommend working with a health professional such as ElizmaLambert.com She's excellent and will help identify areas and can work with your current team. In terms of supporting a healthy mood, consider:
Ask for a refund on the Phosphatidyl Serine as it backfired. In health, |
| Hi Dr. Lynch. I'm a 20 year old male and dealing with symptoms of stress/anxiety and fatigue. One day I feel fine and another day, I feel anxiety. I have restless sleep sometimes and even getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep, I never feel rested. Tests show leaky gut with lots of inflammation, high cortisol, low copper and low glutathione. Mom says I'm MTHFR 1298++ and COMT +/-. Methylated supps give me anxiety, so I use your B Complex MF. Ironically, ashwagandha gives me heart palps. Mom thinks support for neurotransmitter pathways is needed (low PEA, low norepinephrine, low epinephrine, but high norepinephrine to epinephrine ratio which I'm told is contributing to my stress). Would phosphatidyl Serine be a good fit? Along with lithium orotate? Serotonin Nutrients? I can't take the Stress Nutrients due to the ashwagandha. Thanks so much, Dr. Lynch. Any guidance is greatly appreciated to help relieve this stress/anxiety and fatigue. | Hi CMP - We need to focus on healing your gut as that controls everything you're struggling with - fatigue, anxiety, stress. What I'm going to mention for you to consider seems like you're restricting yourself but you're actually freeing yourself. Consider:
Give this a go for two weeks - 14 days. I am not recommending the P Serine because I feel your body's cortisol will adjust naturally once you're addressing the gut inflammation. Inflammation drives cortisol up. If I give you P Serine, I think it will make your inflammation worse and fatigue worse. Then reach out and let's measure your progress and adjust if needed. Stay 110% on point with the recommendations above. In health, |
| I recently received my amino acid test results and I’m feeling a bit confused. I purchased phosphatidylserine and ornithine, but it seems I might not need to take them based on my results. Could you please help clarify this for me? For context, I’m currently being treated for mold toxicity, hypothyroidism, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, and low estrogen and progesterone levels. My genetic markers include Intermediate COMT, Dirty MTHFR, Dirty SOD, and Dirty PEMT (although I tried phosphatidylcholine and felt depressed). Here are some highlights from my amino acid test results: Low: Ethanolamine: 3.5 (Reference Range: 5 - 13) High Normal: Alpha-Aminobutyric Acid: 31 (Reference Range: 7 - 31) High: Phenylalanine: 77 (Reference Range: 40 - 74) High: Ornithine: 87 (Reference Range: 27 - 83) High: Serine: 139 (Reference Range: 65 - 138) Low Normal: Glutamine: 435 (Reference Range: 428 - 747) Low Normal: Tyrosine: 48 (Reference Range: 38 - 64) I would appreciate any insights you could provide on how these levels might affect my treatment plan and whether I should continue with the supplements I bought. Thank you for your help! | Hi Caitlin - Feeling depressed after taking phosphatidylcholine is indicative of low serotonin. There is an important ratio needed between these two. If needing to continue supporting a Dirty PEMT, consider Optimal PC along with a capsule of Serotonin Nutrients. Lab test results need to be taken along with other signs and symptoms. I cannot interpret these labs and make recommendations in detail. If needing support, I recommend working with ElizmaLambert.com In health, |
| Hi Dr. Ben, I already have Stress Nutrients for my daughter, and was wondering what would be the best option for her to take. She’s a high school senior and is taking Anatomy & Physiology this year. She gets stressed and overwhelmed with things at times, and I’m assuming this class will definitely be a challenge for her. She also has minor anxiety, but I haven’t really noticed any issues with attention. What supplement do you think would be the best to help with these issues? Ideally only one or two supplements if possible. Thanks! Chris | Hi Chris - I'd consider:
That's more than one or two but it's a more effective approach and supports the fundamentals as well. In health, |
| Hello - I am in the process of deciding if I should purchase Phospatidlyl Serine and Optimal PC. I am unsure what to buy. Can you help? I completed an amino acid plasma test. It showed the following: H Serine - 139 (RR 65-138) L Ethanolamine - <4 (RR 5-13) H Phenylalanine - 77 (RR 40-74) H Ornithine - 87 (RR 27-83) Tyrosine - 48 (RR 38-96) Tryptophan - 77 (RR 40-91)Glutamine - 435 (RR 428-747) I also have an elevated Homocysteine 11.7, Normal Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides, but Elevated LDL Small and Medium Particle Numbers, and Low Total Iron 39, and Ferritin 3. I have read your book and it's been an excellent starting point. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. I already take gallbladder nutrients, CoQ10 and digestive enzymes. | Hi CP - I'm stepping in for Dr. Lynch to help answer the influx of questions we're receiving. I agree, Dirty Genes is a great book. It started you on a journey to optimal health, so don't stop! First of all, I highly recommend that you work with a healthcare practitioner who understands functional testing and nutrigenomics to help you decide what treatment is best for you. I know it's tempting to treat yourself, but taking supplements based on test results, without taking your whole health history into account, can sometimes backfire. After all, we're not treating numbers on a piece of paper ;) but a person. While it's great that you provided some test readings, practitioners like me typically look at ratios of even 'normal' readings to make judgments on treatment options. However, based on the limited information I would recommend: Get your iron and ferritin levels retested after 3 months of supplementation. If it still remains low you may need to work with someone to dig deeper on why this is the case. Having said that, I love Optimal PC. Most people benefit from it in a wide variety of ways. Regards, |
| Hello Dr. Lynch, Thank you for all you do to support your customers :) Is this product good for someone who has a normal cortisol level on the Dutch test but is sluggish some mornings and wired some nights? My hesitancy with the other adrenal supplements is - all B vitamins (even B 5) make me jittery and I am hesitant to take Ashwanga with having Hashimotos. I have read mixed reviews on how it impacts thyroid. My cortisol seems to be all over the place. I have had chronic stress for many years. I am at a loss for what to try. Are there any contraindications with medications or other supplements? Thanks! | Hi Zoe - I hear you. Instead of working on lowering your cortisol which is all over the place it sounds like, I think it's better to support your stress response. Consider:
Start here. Keep me posted. You should notice significant benefits within 24 hours. In health, |
| Hi Dr. Ben Lynch! I love your products and take so many of them! I am wondering if this is a product I should try, as I read in your book it is good for sleep and those with a slow COMT. I have had issues sleeping for many years. I wake up at midnight for a bit sometimes, and sometimes at 4 AM for hours. But on most occasions, I just sleep very light, toss and turn, and wake up about 20 times per night (going back to sleep right away though.) Sometimes I stretch my whole body restlessly in the early morning hours as well. I have tried so very many lifestyle and diet changes and supplements, and nothing helps. This is one I have not tried yet! Sometimes new supps help for a week or two, and then it goes back. I have worked with naturopaths and had pretty much every functional test, and still my sleep has not budged. My DUTCH test showed low end cortisol in morning and mid morning, and high end cortisol at supper, and then above range at bed time. My middle of the night cortisol was on the lower end as well. Is it smart to take this supplement with low cortisol in all my AM readings but high cortisol in the evenings? If so when would I take it? At supper time or with my bedtime snack? I also have all low sex hormones and just recently a Lyme test came back positive. But the Lyme doc wants to get my sleep and detox figured out before we treat anything. We just can't seem to! Any advice or ideas would be very welcome! | Hi Courtney - I hear you.
Try this. I'd make sure you're not exercising or doing things that are increasing your stress in the evening. Move these things to the morning time. The above recommendations should help a ton. In health, |
| Hi! Can we open the capsule for people who can't swallow pills? Thanks! | Hi Courtney - Yes this is fine. Do take with a bite of food and a meal. In health, |
| Hello! I purchased this because I’ve heard and read from so many sources that it helps regulate cortisol. As a postpartum mother, I was hoping this would help me with stress from sleepless nights and just the daily tasks of motherhood. However when I took the first dose I got severe anxiety along with feeling very “depressed” and almost spiraled into a full meltdown. I stopped taking it and tried again a couple days later and again got severe anxiety. I normally do not struggle with anxiety or depression and it seems like this would be used to help with anxiety. Is that a common side effect of this supplement? Can if cause anxiety/depression or mood fluctuations? Thank you! | Hi Victoria - I believe it's due to you needing the exact opposite supplement to support cortisol. As a busy mother, your cortisol levels are likely too low and you need to support an increased amount of cortisol - not lower it. Low levels of cortisol may increase anxiety - and oddly - high levels can do the same. It's a fine line. Consider:
You were on the right track thinking to support healthy cortisol levels. It's not easy knowing which side of the cortisol curve you're on without testing - and even then - testing is a snapshot in time as it does not show you real time situations even a day or two later. I'd keep the Phosphatidyl Serine on hand. There may be moments where you get really stressed out and high cortisol, and you need to support healthy cortisol levels by reducing them. Right now, it appears that your cortisol levels are too low so supporting them in the morning is needed by using Adrenal Cortex. In health, |
| Thank you Dr Lynch. I’ve used Gallbladder nutrients a lot and find them great. They solved my right side ache. But I also eat a lot of fat without symptoms so am not convinced it’s the fatty nature of this supplement causing the gas and bloating. Any other thoughts? | Hi Sophie - You may be right. Phosphatidyl serine is a fat with an amino acid bound to it - so it may be more than just fat malabsorption. The mechanism for gas and bloating caused by phosphatidyl serine supplementation may involve:
To resolve or minimize gas and bloating caused by phosphatidyl serine supplementation, consider:
In health, |
| With the gas and bloating side effect, is building up a tolerance likely? My reaction to my first pill was extreme so I only want to persevere if I am likely to gain tolerance... | Hi Sophie - This supplement is fatty so this side effect tells me that you may have difficulties digesting or absorbing fat or both. Some suggestions:
In health, |
| I'm a 47 year old woman that has struggled with mood since a kid (depression, anxiety, OCD). However, since being in my 40s, it has gotten much worse to include panic attacks at times, worsened OCD, constant worry. Something has happened in the last month where my depression has gotten significant and I have constant worrying, fear, intrusive thoughts, and anxiety. I have tried 5htp, progesterone, L-theanine (higher doses), GABA, CBD oil, lemon balm; but nothing seems to help me enough, they only help to make me feel better for a couple hours. I have a SLOW COMT, and I do not have the MTHFR gene. My levels of D, B12, iron, ferritin, zinc, etc are all in rangel. I don't know if it's a hormonal issue or neutrotransmitter/chemical issue. Do you have anything that can help me, please? I took medications for 3 months a couple years ago (ativan, Lexapro); and I had horrible side effects and withdrawal when I stopped. | Hi Miyara - It's not easy for me to give a recommendation in this case. If you had good experience with Lexapro, that is a SSRI that supports serotonin production. Serotonin Nutrients supports healthy serotonin levels.* Ativan supports GABA which is very different than a SSRI. If Ativan worked for you, then you need to support GABA levels. Lithium Orotate supports healthy GABA levels along with Magnesium Plus which has B6 and magnesium.* Make sure you start your day with protein like goat whey protein. I'd go gluten and cow dairy free. Ask my team for a list of referral practitioners. In health, |
| Hi Ben! Just wanted to say that I noticed, that the “Supplement Facts” image currently on the product page has still capsule content listed as 100mg. In the text content is stated as 150mg | Hi Andi - Thank you! I'll have my team update this ASAP :) Great catch! It is indeed 150 mg per capsule. I did it this way as research shows phosphatidyl serine best used 150 mg twice per day. In health, |
| My son is 9 and has 2 copies of C677T. I used to give him the seeking health multivitamin chewables when he was younger but I cannot get my hands on them these days as they are always out of stock. Wondering if this supplement is best for his learning difficulties and depression. He also overheats easily and gets nauseous and faint if he has a hot shower /sauna. Vitamin A hasn't helped the chicken skin on elbows and spine. I have read Dirty Genes but would love some help with the best supplements to try to help my son please. Many thanks 🙏 | Hi Aneta - I recommend our Kid Multivitamin Chewable for him. It's new and tastes amazing. Start with 1/2 chewable in the morning with breakfast. After about 20 minutes, ask him how he feels. If he feels nothing, give him the other 1/2 a chewable. Some days he may need 1 chewable, another day none and another day he may need the full 2 chewable serving size. Essentially, he will learn how much support he needs as he will feel the supplement working. Take too much, and he will likely get irritable and a headache. Take too little, and he will still struggle with learning and low mood. Take the right amount, and his mood and learning are great. I'd also consider Optimal Electrolyte Unflavored - 1/2 scoop in the morning before school. He can take the other 1/2 scoop in his water bottle to school. Use filtered water. Start his day with a protein breakfast. No cold cereals or juice. In health, |