Effects of Soybean-derived Phosphatidylserine on Working Memory and Motor Speed in Healthy Adults with Subjective Memory Complaints: A 12-Week Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Abstract
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a functional phospholipid widely studied for cognitive support, yet evidence in healthy adults with subjective cognitive decline remains limited. This 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the safety and cognitive effects of 300 mg/day of soybean-derived PS in 70 adults aged 35–65 years reporting subjective memory complaints. PS was well tolerated, with no adverse events or clinically significant changes in safety parameters. In the prespecified primary analysis, the primary endpoint of composite memory score did not differ significantly between groups at week 12. Exploratory secondary analyses suggested possible domain-specific effects, including favorable changes in working memory ( p = 0.037) and motor speed ( p = 0.005), with the latter appearing to vary according to blood fatty-acid profiles. These findings should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in future studies designed to evaluate these domains and potential nutritional moderators.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 70 participants or records.
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