The influence of phosphatidylserine on children's attention

I. Association between Phosphatidylserine (PS) and Childhood Brain Development

Phosphatidylserine is a key phospholipid component of neuronal cell membranes, particularly abundant in synaptic structures (the core sites for neuronal signal transmission). Childhood (3–12 years old) is a peak period for brain synaptic pruning, myelination, and neural circuit optimization, making adequate PS supply crucial for:

Enhanced Synaptic Plasticity: As a "fluidity regulator" of membrane phospholipids, phosphatidylserine maintains the structural stability of pre- and post-synaptic membranes, promotes the receptor sensitivity of neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, norepinephrine), and enables more efficient signal transmission between neurons, forming the basis for attention maintenance.

Myelination Support: Myelin is a lipid layer wrapping nerve fibers that accelerates neural electrical signal conduction. PS participates in myelin phospholipid synthesis; its deficiency may cause delayed neural signal transmission, manifesting as childhood inattention, slow response, etc.

II. Core Mechanisms of PS in Improving Childhood Attention

1. Regulation of Neurotransmitter System Balance

Optimization of Dopamine and Norepinephrine: These neurotransmitters are key regulators of the attention network (e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). Phosphatidylserine acts via:

Promoting the function of dopamine transporter (DAT) in presynaptic membranes of dopaminergic neurons, reducing premature dopamine reuptake, prolonging its action time in the synaptic cleft, and enhancing "focus drive".

Regulating the sensitivity of norepinephrine receptors (e.g., α2 receptors) to improve attention fluctuations caused by norepinephrine level variations (e.g., "mind-wandering" in class).

Inhibiting Excessive Glutamate Excitation: Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system; its excessive release causes neuronal overactivation and distractibility. PS stabilizes postsynaptic glutamate receptors (e.g., NMDA receptors) to reduce excessive excitatory signal transmission, preventing brain "overload".

2. Alleviating Stress-Induced Attention Interference

Psychological stress in children (e.g., test anxiety, peer competition) elevates cortisol levels via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and excessive cortisol impairs cognitive functions (including attention) in the prefrontal cortex. The role of phosphatidylserine includes:

Inhibiting Excessive Cortisol Secretion: Studies show PS supplementation reduces salivary cortisol concentration in children, mitigating stress-induced damage to prefrontal neurons and maintaining normal function in attention-related brain regions.

Protecting Hippocampal Memory Function: The hippocampus is closely linked to the "working memory" aspect of attention. Elevated cortisol inhibits hippocampal neurogenesis, while phosphatidylserine reduces cortisol toxicity to the hippocampus via antioxidant effects, indirectly supporting sustained attention.

3. Optimizing Brain Energy Metabolism and Neuroprotection

Enhanced Mitochondrial Function: As a component of mitochondrial membranes, phosphatidylserine promotes ATP (cellular energy currency) synthesis efficiency. Sufficient brain energy supply keeps neurons in attention-related regions (e.g., prefrontal cortex) active, reducing attention fatigue due to energy depletion (e.g., decreased focus during homework).

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The childhood brain is sensitive to oxidative stress. PS's polyunsaturated fatty acid chains neutralize free radicals, reducing lipid peroxidation damage to neuronal membranes. Its inhibition of the NF-κB inflammatory pathway also decreases central inflammation interference with the attention network (e.g., reducing attention fluctuations induced by allergies, infections).

III. Clinical Research Evidence: Actual Effects of PS on Childhood Attention

Studies on healthy children and those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) spectrum show:

Attention Enhancement in Normal Children: After 8–12 weeks of daily 100–200 mg phosphatidylserine supplementation (typically from soybean extract), children showed significantly improved scores in attention tests (e.g., Conners Scale, Visual Sustained Attention Test), manifested by shorter reaction times and lower error rates, especially in tasks requiring sustained focus (e.g., classroom listening, reading).

Improvement of ADHD-Related Symptoms: For children with mild inattention, phosphatidylserine combined with behavioral intervention reduces hyperactive-impulsive behaviors and extends attention duration, possibly via its regulation of the dopamine system. Note: PS is not a substitute for ADHD medications (e.g., methylphenidate) but an adjuvant intervention.

Age Differences and Dosage Correlation: Children aged 6–12 respond more significantly to phosphatidylserine, while effects in younger children (3–5 years old) may relate to brain developmental stages. Excessive dosage (e.g., >300 mg/day) increases the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort, necessitating adherence to recommended intakes.

IV. Parent Guidelines: Scientific PS Supplementation for Children

1. Food Sources and Supplement Selection

Natural Food Intake: Phosphatidylserine is highly abundant in animal offal (e.g., liver), deep-sea fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel), egg yolks, and soy products. Parents can provide natural PS through 2–3 weekly servings of deep-sea fish, 1 daily egg (with yolk), and dietary combinations of tofu, natto, etc.

Supplement Applications: For picky eaters, allergies (e.g., fish allergy), or obvious attention issues, choose soybean-derived PS supplements with purity ≥95% (usually capsules or powders) under medical/nutritionist guidance, prioritizing additive-free products with qualified heavy metal testing.

2. Precautions and Potential Risks

Individual Variability and Timing: PS effects vary among children, with improvements possible after 2–4 weeks. Parents should avoid excessive short-term expectations; consult professionals for plan adjustment if no 明显变化 (obvious changes) occur after 12 weeks.

Synergy with Other Nutrients: Combining phosphatidylserine with nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., DHA), vitamin B6, and magnesium enhances neuroprotection and neurotransmitter regulation (e.g., DHA and PS co-participate in cell membrane construction, B6 supports dopamine synthesis).

Contraindications and Safety Boundaries: Current research shows high safety of PS within recommended doses, but soybean-allergic individuals should avoid soybean-derived PS. Pregnant/lactating women and children taking psychotropic medications should consult a doctor before supplementation.

V. Limitations of Phosphatidylserine and Key Parental Considerations

Despite PS's positive effects on childhood attention, parents should note:

Cannot Replace Behavioral Intervention and Environmental Optimization: Attention issues may involve multiple factors like parenting styles (e.g., excessive interference, excessive screen time), sleep quality, and nutritional balance. Phosphatidylserine is only an adjuvant. For example, ensuring 9–11 hours of daily sleep (sleep deprivation significantly impairs attention) and reducing sugary beverage intake (high blood sugar fluctuations affect neurotransmitter stability) are as important as PS supplementation.

Cautious View on Long-Term Effects: Long-term (over 6 months) large-sample studies on childhood PS are limited, and whether excessive supplementation affects other phospholipid metabolism remains uncertain. Thus, blind long-term high-dose use is not recommended.

Phosphatidylserine provides potential nutritional support for childhood attention enhancement through multiple mechanisms like neurotransmitter optimization, stress alleviation, and brain development support. However, scientific supplementation must integrate dietary adjustment, lifestyle improvement, and professional guidance to achieve optimal effects.