ADHD is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, the full name is Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is a group of syndroes characterized by significant difficulty focusing attention, short attention duration, hyperactivity or impulsivity. It is estimated that between 5% and 10% of children and adolescents worldwide have ADHD, with more males than females. Most school-age children are severely affected academically and socially, and in severe cases, their quality of life and career development can be affected. This widespread disease and its many associated adverse effects are a clinical and public health concern.


Relationship between phosphatidylserine and ADHD

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid compound widely present in human brain cells and cell membranes. It has been proven to improve the processing and transmission efficiency of information in mental activities, improve cognitive performance, learning memory and executive function by enhancing the synthesis, release and metabolism of brain neurotransmitters.

Studies have shown that children with ADHD have lower levels of PS in their serum, as well as lower levels in the basal ganglia and prefrontal cortex. These brain regions are targeted by stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD, suggesting that low levels of PS in these regions may contribute to the symptoms of the disorder, as well as suggesting that PS may have some potential for treating ADHD.

According to clinical research data, PS has significant benefits for the treatment of children with ADHD. The use of PS as an intervention measure for ADHD is a new research trend in recent years. Results from a 2021 meta-analysis showed that 200-300 mg/ day of PS may have some improvement in ADHD inattention symptoms relative to placebo.

PS supplements may be a safe and natural nutrition strategy for improving ADHD. A 2014 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that investigated the effects of PS on symptoms and memory in 36 ADHD patients aged 4-14 years showed that after 2 months of treatment with 200mg/ day of PS, patients with ADHD experienced: (i) ADHD (P < 0.01), AD (P < 0.01) and HD (P < 0.01); (ii) short-term auditory memory (P < 0.05); (iii) inattention (differentiation and reverse differentiation, P < 0.05) and inattention and impulsivity (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed in the placebo group. It suggests that PS supplements may be a safe and natural nutritional strategy to improve psychological performance in children with ADHD.


Omega-3 fatty acids have been extensively studied as a treatment for ADHD. PS (PS-Omega3) containing Omega3 fatty acids has been shown to be effective and safe in reducing ADHD symptoms in children. In a 15-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled open-label study in 2011, 200 children with ADHD were randomly assigned to receive PS-Omega3 ((300mgPS+120mgEPA/DHA) or placebo. Of these, 150 children continue to receive extended treatment. Efficacy was assessed using the Conners Parent and Teacher Rating Scale (CRS-P,T), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). The results of the study showed that the main findings of the double-blind phase were a significant reduction in the upset/impulsives subscale of CRS-P in the PS-Omega3 group and a significant improvement in the Parental Influence - Mood (PE) subscale of CHQ. An exploratory subgroup analysis of children with more pronounced hyperactive/impulsive behaviors and mood and behavior disorders showed significant reductions in the ADHD index and hyperactive components. Data from the Open Label extension indicate a sustained efficacy for children who continue to receive PS-Omega3 treatment. Both CRS-P and CRS-T subscale scores were significantly lower in children who switched from placebo to PS-Omega3 treatment compared to baseline scores. The treatment was well tolerated. The results of the 30-week study suggest that PS-Omega3 can reduce ADHD symptoms in children.

Market application

1.Buried Treasure's Add Attention to liquid nutrients
The product is formulated with a variety of nutritional ingredients to support a child's ability to learn and focus, especially for highly active children. The products are rich in B vitamins, phospholipid complex, DHA, GABA, DMAE and trace minerals. 15ml of PS 50mg per serving. It helps to increase attention, improve the child's learning ability, help develop the child's concentration, and help generate positive emotions.


2.Vayarin® Capsule
This product is a nutritional supplement for children with lipid imbalance. It is rich in PS and Omega-3, which provide important nutrients to the brain and help improve behavioral problems related to lipid imbalance, improve self-control and focus, and reduce emotional problems.


As a natural neurotrophic agent, PS has become a popular safe and effective auxiliary means to improve ADHD children. Although the mechanism of its improvement of ADHD is not fully understood, clinical research data and practical application cases at home and abroad have shown that PS may alleviate ADHD symptoms.

L&P phosphatidylserine PS advantages
L&P Food Ingredient Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as L&P) is a professional manufacturer of functional food ingredients, with nearly 40 years of production experience. L&P is the earliest manufacturer of phosphatidylserine PS in China, and officially established a phosphatidylserine production line in 2015. So far, it has become a top producer of phosphatidylserine production capacity and quality.
L&P Phosphatidylserine PS is produced by independent intellectual property patented technology, which is based on natural non-transgenic soybean phospholipid or sunflower seed phospholipid as raw material, obtained by phospholipase biocatalyzation, and has the attribute of natural source. The company has complete production qualifications, including production permits, and various system certifications: non-GMO (IP certification), quality (ISO 9001), food safety (ISO22000), religious (KOSHER, HALAL), social responsibility (ISO 45001) and environmental system (ISO 14001); L&P supplies high-quality phosphatidylserine PS with perfect after-sales service and personalized customized solutions.


References:
1.Bruton A, Nauman J, Hanes D, Gard M,  Senders A. Phosphatidylserine for the Treatment of Pediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder:  A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2021 Apr; 27 (4) : 312-322.
2.Hirayama S, Masuda Y, Rabeler R,  et al. The effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity  disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial [J]. J Hum Nutr Diet, 2014, 27 Suppl 2:284-291.
3.Manor I, Magen A, Keidar D, Rosen S, Tasker H, Cohen T, Richter Y, Zaaroor-Regev D, Manor Y,  Weizman A. The effect of phosphatidylserine containing Omega3 fatty-acids on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder  symptoms in children:  a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, by an open-label extension. Eur Psychiatry. 2012 Jul; 27 (5) : 335-42.