Phosphatidic Acid (PA)

What is Phosphatidic Acid (PA)?

Product namePhosphatidic Acid
CAS numberN/A
Other namesPA, Phosphatidate,Mediator, Micro-PA
Molecular formulaN/A
Molecular weightN/A
AppearanceFine white powder
Specification98%, 99%
solubilityInsoluble in water, Soluble in DMSO, chloroform
package25kg/drum
dosage1200 mg per serving
benefitsenhance lean body mass and strength
applicationsBodybuilding, sports nutrition

Phosphatidic acid is a relatively new ingredient popular among sports nutrition inner circles, and experts comment it “A Rising Star on the Supplement Stage”. A lot of companies are starting to use Phosphatidic acid in their formulas based on the studies showing its effects on LBM (lean body mass) and strength. Unlike DMAA or DMBA, PA doesn’t work on central nervous system (CNS).

According to Wikipedia, Phosphatidic acid, abbreviated as PA, consists of a glycerol backbone, with, in general, a saturated fatty acid bonded to carbon-1, an unsaturated fatty acid bonded to carbon-2, and a phosphate group bonded to carbon-3. A unique CAS number is not available.

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is an important constituent of cell membranes. It plays several roles in the functioning of cells; being utilized as a precursor in the biosynthesis of other lipids, facilitating vesicle fission/fusion via its biophysical properties and acting as a signaling lipid. The monoacyl derivative, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), acts as a potent signaling molecule through the activation of high-affinity G-protein coupled receptors (LPA1, LPA2 and LPA3, formerly, EDG2, EDG4 and EDG7; and recently identified LPA4, LPA5 and LPA6). LPA signaling stimulates cell proliferation, and therefore has been linked to cancer through aberrations in the LPA regulation pathway. Cyclic lysophosphatidic acid (cPA or cLPA), in contrast to LPA, exhibits antiproliferative activity and inhibits cancer cell invasion and metastasis.

Mechanism of action of phosphatidic acid

How does phosphatidic acid work? Phosphatidic acid has been shown to activate the mammalian target of rapamycin(MTOR) signaling pathway, meaning that it can enhance the anabolic effects of weight training. MTOR is a protein that regulates cell growth and proliferation (reproduction). So you need MTOR to get bigger and stronger. Phosphatidic acid upregulates MTOR. The theory is more PA = more MTOR activity = more muscle growth. Weight training produces muscle growth by activating mTOR, which is the master enzyme responsible for muscle cell protein synthesis resulting in hypertrophy. Absorption of Phosphatidic acid may yield glycerophosphate which is re-acylated with arachidonic acid.

Subjects taking a PA supplement achieved 50% greater increase in muscle cross-sectional area and lean body mass, 40% greater increase in total strength (upper and lower body), and 60% greater loss in body fat than the training-only group (Wilson et al 2014, in press).

phosphatidic acid mTOR mechanism of action

phosphatidic acid mTOR mechanism of action

Research has shown that PA plays a key role in activating mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling. mTOR signaling is said to be key in skeletal muscle growth and strength gain. PA acts as a lipid messenger to signal the mTOR mechanism, and an elevation in PA concentration has been shown to be sufficient for activating mTOR signaling. The proposed mechanism is that Phosphatidic acid binds and activates signaling pathways controlling protein synthesis involving phosphorylation of the target enzymes Akt/mTOR (rapamycin), a protein kinase and the sequential stimulation of p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (p70 S6K) through enhanced translation of specific mRNAs. The Akt/mTOR pathway in muscle is upregulated during the hypertrophy (increase in muscle size) phase.
Benefits of Phosphatidic Acid
Phosphatidic Acid PA is a very promising ingredient for increasing muscle strength and mass with resistance training.

In addition, MTOR is upregulated in cancer cells so people have spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to down regulate or turn off MTOR in cancer cells. Less MTOR would theoretically slow down cancer growth.

 Side effects of Phosphatidic acid

There are many studies and successful in vitro pilot experiments show that PA is effective and safe at the dose of 750mg to 1200mg per day, and one of the safety analysis in human titled “no differences at baseline in blood chemistry and hematology between the CON and EXP supplemented groups” and “no differences were observed in urinalysis values between the groups” In addition, FDA is about to approve phosphatidic acid’s GRAS status soon. Phosphatidic acid seems to be very well tolerated and no adverse events have been reported
Where to buy Phosphatidic acid
Bulk phosphatidic acid is on mass production in two weeks. If you have more questions regarding COA (certificate of analysis), solubility in water, pricing, MSDS, and even market trend for it, we are glad to offer. More bodybuilding ingredients for growing muscles, lean body mass are available except for phosphatidic acid.