Written by
Louise W Lu, PhD, MPH, BMLS
Written/Reviewed by
Alexandra V Goldberg, Registered Dietitian
A child’s learning ability is not just about “memorizing quickly and remembering firmly.” True learning ability is the collaborative outcome of thinking and logic, language organization and expression, concentration, memory, and comprehension. For these abilities to work efficiently together, smooth communication within the brain’s neural network is essential.
As an essential component of cell membranes, PS helps promote neurotransmitter release, enhances receptor function, and improves synaptic activity, thereby maintaining stable operation of the neural network. It also has anti-neuroinflammatory effects, providing nutritional support for sustaining attention, processing information, and consolidating memory.
“Supplementing 200–300 mg/day of phosphatidylserine (PS) in children can significantly improve ADHD attention deficit symptoms.”
In this article, we will focus on children, exploring in depth how PS influences core learning abilities such as thinking, language, and memory, reviewing research evidence from both domestic and international studies, and providing parents with scientific choices and practical recommendations.
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What is Phosphatidylserine (PS)?
In the brain, nerve cells are constantly “talking” to each other through electrical and chemical signals. This process works like a relay race: neurotransmitters are released, cross the synapse, and pass the message to the next cell.
It is not only the structural cornerstone of brain cells, but also the “lubricant” for information transfer. PS supports neurotransmitter release and receptor function, making synaptic activity more efficient and thus supporting focus, memory, and thinking ability.
The role of PS in elderly brain health will be discussed in a future article.
Scientific Mechanisms of PS and Children’s Brain Health
A child’s learning ability and concentration rely on the efficient functioning of the brain’s neural network. Phosphatidylserine (PS) plays a central role in this process.
These neurotransmitters allow children to concentrate during learning, understand knowledge points more quickly, and recall them when needed.
Moreover, studies have found that PS also has anti-neuroinflammatory effects, protecting children’s brains from the impact of chronic inflammation.
Therefore, during children’s brain development, PS not only supports memory and concentration but also plays a positive role in thinking, expression, and emotional stability.
Scientific Evidence and Clinical Studies
Early research on phosphatidylserine (PS) mainly focused on memory and cognitive function. In the past decade, more clinical trials have shifted attention to children’s learning and attention performance.
“Across 4 randomized controlled trials involving more than 200 children (ages 4–14, all diagnosed with ADHD), supplementation with 200–300 mg/day of PS for 8–12 weeks significantly improved inattention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation.”
The outcomes were commonly measured using the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale and the ADHD-RS (ADHD Rating Scale), with some studies also including cognitive tasks such as the Stroop test and teacher questionnaires.
These findings suggest that PS has a positive effect on attention, focus, impulse control, and learning performance in children. Importantly, it was well tolerated with almost no serious adverse effects reported.
Beyond children, studies in adults and elderly populations have also shown benefits: PS may support short-term memory, processing speed, and emotional well-being, and could be valuable in cognitive decline.
Overall, the effective dosage range for PS appears to be 100–300 mg/day, with a high safety profile, making it one of the more reliable cognitive nutrition supplements available today.
Which Children May Need Extra PS Support?
Some children have low learning efficiency — they procrastinate on homework or cannot remember what they just learned. This suggests their memory and information processing may need extra support.
In addition, if the child’s diet lacks high-quality sources of phospholipids (such as fish, eggs, or lean meat), they may be more likely to have lower PS levels.
It is important to note that PS is not a “magic pill to make children smarter.” Instead, it is a nutrient that can help improve focus, support memory, and stabilize emotions, serving as part of a comprehensive approach to learning and health.
PS Supplementation Methods and Dosage Recommendations
Phosphatidylserine (PS) can be obtained from both food and dietary supplements. Food sources include fish, eggs, and lean meat. However, the average daily intake from a regular diet is usually less than 50 mg, which is far below the levels used in clinical studies.
In some small-scale studies, non-ADHD children supplemented with 100–200 mg/day also showed improvements in attention and memory.
“Clinical trials in children with ADHD (Bruton et al., 2021 systematic review) most often used 200–300 mg/day of PS, mainly in diagnosed ADHD patients, with intervention durations of 8–12 weeks.”
The recommended timing is usually in the morning or at midday, which supports focus during learning hours and avoids interference with nighttime sleep.
It is important to remember that PS is a dietary supplement, not a drug. Its benefits typically require consistent use for 4–8 weeks, and should be combined with balanced nutrition, good sleep, and adequate physical activity.
Comparison of Patented Ingredients
Not all phosphatidylserine (PS) is the same. Different patented ingredients may vary in source, purity, clinical validation, and safety. Choosing a well-studied branded ingredient can give parents more confidence when supplementing for their children.
| Ingredient | Source | Features | Clinical Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp-PS® | Soy / Sunflower | Most widely used patented PS, high stability | Extensive studies in children and adults |
| SerinAid® | Soy | Popular in US brands, known for cognitive and sports support | Studies in ADHD and memory |
| Lipoid PS® | Soy | European supplier, consistent quality | Some clinical studies, mainly in adults |
| Cargill™ PS | Plant (various) | Widely available, but less clinical validation | Limited studies |
Overall, Sharp-PS® and SerinAid® are the most widely applied in studies on children’s attention and learning. Lipoid PS® also has some validation, while other plant-based PS sources require more supporting evidence.
Common Misconceptions and Parent Reminders
When choosing phosphatidylserine (PS) for children, parents may encounter some common misconceptions that require special attention.
Therefore, supplementing with PS should be seen as a beneficial support for brain health, not as a “one-size-fits-all solution.”
Conclusion and Practical Advice for Parents
As an essential component of brain cell membranes, phosphatidylserine (PS) plays a key role in supporting children’s attention, memory, thinking ability, and emotional stability. Growing research suggests that appropriate supplementation may benefit children struggling with focus or learning efficiency.
When choosing a product, parents are advised to prioritize supplements made with patented, clinically validated ingredients. At the same time, remember that PS is a nutritional supplement, not a “magic solution.”
True support for brain health and learning comes from a combination of balanced diet, consistent sleep, regular physical activity, and patient parental guidance. PS supplementation should be viewed as a helpful addition to these foundations, not a replacement.
By understanding and using PS scientifically, parents can help their children reach more stable and sustainable potential in both learning and growth.
