Concentration booster phosphatidylserine and omega-3: your natural helpers for an alert mind
In our modern world, which is characterized by a constant flood of information and multitasking, high mental performance is often crucial. But hand on heart: who hasn't experienced this? Phases in which your concentration wanes and your memory doesn't work the way you want it to. Especially now that summer is just around the corner and many of us want to use the warm days to tackle new projects or simply enjoy the lightness of being, an alert mind is particularly valuable. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, there is an increasing focus on the importance of specific nutrients for our brain health. Nutrition plays a key role here as a pillar of mental fitness. Two promising, scientifically researched natural substances that can specifically support your cognitive functions - especially concentration - are phosphatidylserine and omega-3 fatty acids. We show you how these two powerhouses of nature can work together to boost your mental performance in a completely natural way and make you fit for the sunny days!
Phosphatidylserine: the building block for an alert brain
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a really exciting nutrient that can play a key role in the function of our brain. Think of PS as an important building block for your brain cells. It belongs to the phospholipids and is a natural component of every cell membrane in our body, but is found in particularly high concentrations in the membranes of brain and nerve cells. [1]
What is phosphatidylserine?
Phosphatidylserine is like a small all-rounder for cell communication. Its special structure as a phospholipid can make a significant contribution to ensuring that the membranes of your cells remain flexible and intact. This in turn is crucial for smooth communication between brain cells. You could say it ensures clear “conversations” in your brain. It is involved in many cellular processes, from signal transmission to the proper functioning of cells. [1]
Did you know that your body can produce PS itself? That's great! However, this ability can tend to decline with age [1] . This may underline the importance of getting enough through diet or, if necessary, supplements, especially if you want to maintain your cognitive performance. Incidentally, a significant proportion of the phosphatidylserine present in the body comes from the diet. [2]
Where can you find this clever nutrient?
There are many good natural sources of PS [3]:
- Animal products such as fish (especially mackerel and herring)
- Offal (e.g. beef brains, chicken hearts)
- Egg yolk and meat
Plant foods generally contain lower amounts, with exceptions such as white beans, soy and sunflower seeds. Interestingly, the fatty acid composition of phosphatidylserine, in particular the content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, is of great importance for its function in the brain. Here you can already see a first connection to our omega-3 fatty acids - a small foretaste of their synergistic potential! [3] [4]
Phosphatidylserine for memory, learning and concentration
Imagine that your brain is a large orchestra. Every instrument - every brain cell - must be perfectly tuned to play a harmonious melody. This is exactly where phosphatidylserine can play a central role. By keeping the cell membranes supple, it could optimize communication between your brain cells. This smooth exchange of information may be fundamental for memory formation, learning ability and fast information processing. PS can also be involved in the release of important messenger substances, so-called neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine. These are like the conductors of your brain - they are crucial for cognitive functions and a balanced mood. [1]
Do you sometimes feel like your to-do list is getting on top of you and you have to work extra hard to stay on task? Individual scientific studies suggest that supplementation with phosphatidylserine can lead to an improvement in memory, attention and learning performance. Positive effects have been observed in particular in people with age-related memory problems or mild cognitive impairment. For example, one study showed that a dietary supplement containing phosphatidylserine, among other things, was able to improve various cognitive functions, particularly short-term memory. [5]
PS can also be important for your general concentration. By supporting and optimizing signaling in the brain, it could help maintain focus and increase resistance to distractions [1]. That's ideal when you're rushing into a new project in the summer or just want to finish reading a long article, don't you think?
PS and stress management: how it can influence cortisol levels
Stress is an omnipresent factor in modern life and a well-known “concentration killer”. Chronic stress can lead to an increased release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can have a negative impact on cognitive performance, including concentration [6]. Phosphatidylserine has been shown in studies to be helpful in regulating the release of cortisol, especially in acute stress situations or after intense physical and mental exertion [7].
In addition, the stress-reducing effect of PS can also have a positive influence on sleep quality [8]. Restful sleep is in turn a basic prerequisite for a good ability to concentrate the following day.
Omega-3 fatty acids: essential nutrients for your mental performance
Now that we've looked at phosphatidylserine, let's turn our attention to other helpers for your brain: omega-3 fatty acids. They play an important role in our health and the function of our brain [9]. Especially now that the days are getting longer and we are looking forward to carefree summer moments, these unsaturated fatty acids can be a great support for staying fit in the head.
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for our body. What exactly does that mean? Quite simply: your body cannot produce them itself or only in such small quantities that it is not enough. You therefore need to consume them regularly through your diet. [9]
The best known of these important fatty acids are [10]:
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): this is the plant-based version of omega-3 fatty acids. It is found in linseed oil, for example.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): A long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that is mainly found in fish.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): Also a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that is particularly important for our brain.
Even if your body can form a little EPA and DHA from ALA, this conversion process is not very efficient. The conversion rate is often highly limited. This is why the direct intake of EPA and DHA is so important, whether through omega-3-rich foods or special omega-3 supplements such as omega-3 capsules or omega-3 oil. This ensures that your omega-3 levels are optimal. If you're curious about your own omega-3 index, you can even have it measured - a great way to find out more about your nutrient intake! [10]
DHA and EPA: important building blocks for clear thinking
DHA is a real star among nutrients when it comes to your brain. This special omega-3 fatty acid is not only a building block, but actually the main component of the cell membranes in our entire nervous system. A high percentage of your brain is actually made up of this important omega-3 fatty acid! This clearly shows us how fundamental DHA is to the structure of our thinking organ. This is why it is so crucial that we keep our bodies supplied with sufficient DHA to support brain health throughout our lives and thus promote clear thinking. [1] [11]
DHA can play a key role in keeping cell membranes supple and functional. This is important so that signals can be transmitted smoothly between nerve cells. This is a key role for normal brain function. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), another important omega-3 fatty acid, also contributes to brain health, for example by being involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes. And there is even evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can support the formation of new nerve cells and synaptic connections. [12]
How omega-3 fatty acids can support your concentration and alertness
Do you sometimes wish your concentration and alertness were just a little bit better, especially when the sun is shining outside and there's so much to distract you? Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are often associated with improving these cognitive functions. The effects of these omega-3 fatty acids are varied and interesting: they can optimize communication between cells, support the function of important messenger substances (neurotransmitters) and even promote blood circulation in your brain. Good blood circulation ensures that your brain is optimally supplied with oxygen and nutrients. [13]
Studies have shown that a good supply of omega-3 fatty acids can have positive effects on your attention, learning ability and memory [11]. There is even evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to a moderate improvement in attention in children with ADHD symptoms [14]. And because mood and the ability to concentrate often go hand in hand - after all, who doesn't feel better when their head is clear and their thoughts are flowing - an improvement in mood through omega-3 fatty acids can also indirectly lead to better concentration. That's a great tip for integrating summer lightness into your thought processes too!
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
The best omega-3-rich foods are above all [15]:
Fatty cold-water fish: here, fish species such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines are real top performers for EPA and DHA. Even small portions can provide high levels of these valuable unsaturated fatty acids. A delicious way to support your brain health, especially on balmy summer evenings.
Algae oil: For those on a vegan or vegetarian diet, algae oil is an excellent plant-based source of readily available EPA and DHA. This is a clever tip for getting your money's worth without fish and optimizing your omega-3 levels
Vegetable oils and seeds with ALA: You can find alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in various vegetable oils such as linseed oil, walnut oil, rapeseed oil and hemp oil as well as in chia seeds and walnuts. Remember, however, that your body can only convert ALA into EPA and DHA to a limited extent.
General tips for increasing your concentration
In addition to the targeted intake of phosphatidylserine and omega-3 fatty acids, there are other aspects that can support your concentration.
Did you know, for example, that the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to n-3 fatty acids in your diet is important? An imbalance with too much omega-6 can impair the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids and could even lead to an increased risk of certain ailments, such as cardiovascular disease. One tip here is to reconsider your consumption of omega-6-rich foods and make sure you eat a balanced diet. [16]
Although it is rare, there is further information in the Red Hand Letter in connection with very high doses of certain food supplements, which points out possible risks - but this usually concerns specific, medical applications and very high mg amounts. In everyday life, simple measures often help to increase your concentration: sufficient sleep, regular exercise and targeted breaks.
Sources
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC4258547
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/phosphatidylserine
[3] https://media.dav-medien.de/9783804750722_p
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20523044
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39317299
[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC11431196
[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC2503954
[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC4942871
[9] https://www.sciencedirect.com/S2161831322009620
[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC4350958
[11] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC9641984
[12] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC7468918
[13] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC11878108
[14] https://www.sciencedirect.com/S0272735814000749
[15] https://ods.od.nih.gov/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional
[16] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC10997328
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