Q1: What is included in the Brain and Stress Balance Bundle?
The Brain and Stress Balance Bundle includes two Health Canada licensed natural health products: PS Phosphatidylserine 150mg (NPN 80129536), sourced from sunflower lecithin (Helianthus annuus, seed), soy free, providing 150mg of phosphatidylserine per vegan capsule (60 capsules, 30 day supply at 2 capsules per day); and Magnesium Bisglycinate 200mg Elemental (NPN 80077844), a chelated magnesium bisglycinate formula providing 200mg of elemental magnesium per vegan capsule (120 capsules, 4 month supply at 1 capsule per day). Both products are manufactured in Canada to GMP standards.
Q2: Why do phosphatidylserine and magnesium bisglycinate work well together? Phosphatidylserine and magnesium bisglycinate support brain and nervous system health through distinct and complementary mechanisms. Phosphatidylserine supports cognitive health and brain function as the primary structural phospholipid of neuronal cell membranes, supporting membrane fluidity, receptor function, and neurotransmitter signal transduction. Magnesium is an essential mineral cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions including neurotransmitter synthesis, nerve signal transmission, and regulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, the body's primary stress response system. Together they provide complementary structural and functional support for cognitive health and nervous system balance.
Q3: What is phosphatidylserine and what does it do in the brain?
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid, a class of fat molecules that form the structural backbone of all cell membranes. PS is particularly concentrated in the brain, comprising approximately 15% of the total phospholipid content of neuronal cell membranes, making it the most abundant phospholipid in brain tissue. In neuronal cell membranes, PS maintains membrane fluidity and structural integrity, supports the function of membrane bound receptors and ion channels, facilitates neurotransmitter release and signal transduction, and supports the activity of membrane bound enzymes involved in neuronal metabolism. PS levels in the brain decline with age. This formula is licensed by Health Canada to help support cognitive health and brain function (NPN 80129536).
Q4: Why is this phosphatidylserine sourced from sunflower lecithin rather than soy?
Earlier clinical research on phosphatidylserine used PS sourced from bovine brain cortex or soy lecithin. Soy derived PS is the most common commercial form but is not suitable for individuals with soy allergies or those avoiding soy for dietary reasons. This formula provides PS sourced from sunflower lecithin (Helianthus annuus, seed), making it a soy free alternative that delivers the same 150mg of phosphatidylserine per capsule without soy derived ingredients. Each capsule is sourced from 300mg of sunflower lecithin.
Q5: What is magnesium bisglycinate and how is it different from other magnesium forms? Magnesium bisglycinate (also called magnesium glycinate or magnesium diglycinate) is a chelated form of magnesium in which magnesium is bound to two glycine molecules. Chelation significantly improves magnesium absorption compared to inorganic magnesium salts such as magnesium oxide or magnesium sulfate by protecting the magnesium ion from competing minerals in the digestive tract and facilitating absorption through amino acid transport pathways. Magnesium bisglycinate is also significantly better tolerated than inorganic magnesium forms, with a much lower incidence of the gastrointestinal side effects (particularly diarrhea) associated with high dose magnesium supplementation. This formula provides 200mg of elemental magnesium per capsule from magnesium bisglycinate and magnesium oxide.
Q6: What are the licensed uses of magnesium bisglycinate?
This formula is licensed by Health Canada (NPN 80077844) for the following uses: helps to maintain proper muscle function, including the heart muscle; helps in the development and maintenance of bones and teeth; helps to maintain the body's ability to metabolize nutrients; and a factor in the maintenance of good health.
Q7: How do I take each product in this bundle?
PS Phosphatidylserine 150mg: Adults take 1 capsule 2 times per day with meals. Taking PS earlier in the day supports focus and cognitive performance during periods of mental demand. Magnesium Bisglycinate 200mg: Adults and adolescents (9 to 18 years of age) take 1 capsule once daily. Taking magnesium bisglycinate later in the day or in the evening supports muscle relaxation and nervous system balance. Both products can be incorporated into a morning and evening routine for convenience.
Q8: How long does one bundle last?
PS Phosphatidylserine 150mg (60 capsules at 2 per day) provides a 30 day supply. Magnesium Bisglycinate 200mg (120 capsules at 1 per day) provides a 4 month supply. The two products have different supply durations, so plan restocking of the phosphatidylserine accordingly.
Q9: Can this bundle be taken with blood thinning medications?
Consult a healthcare practitioner before use of Phosphatidylserine if you are taking blood thinning medications or medications that affect cognitive function or neurotransmitter activity. Consult a healthcare practitioner before use of Magnesium Bisglycinate if you are taking antibiotics (tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones), bisphosphonates, or diuretics, as magnesium may interact with these medications.
Q10: Is this bundle suitable for adolescents?
Magnesium Bisglycinate 200mg is licensed for use by adults and adolescents 9 to 18 years of age at 1 capsule once daily. Phosphatidylserine 150mg is licensed for adult use. Consult a healthcare practitioner before giving any supplement to individuals under 18 years of age.
Q11: Who should not use this bundle?
Consult a healthcare practitioner before use of Magnesium Bisglycinate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney disease or impaired kidney function, or are taking antibiotics (tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones), bisphosphonates, or diuretics. Consult a healthcare practitioner before use of Phosphatidylserine if you are taking blood thinning medications or medications that affect cognitive function or neurotransmitter activity. Do not exceed the recommended dose of magnesium bisglycinate.
Q12: Are both products in this bundle licensed by Health Canada?
Yes. Both products are licensed Natural Health Products approved by Health Canada under the Natural Health Products Regulations. PS Phosphatidylserine 150mg is licensed under NPN 80129536 and Magnesium Bisglycinate 200mg is licensed under NPN 80077844. Both products are manufactured in GMP certified facilities in Canada.
