750 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 60 caps
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Phosphatidic acid (PA) is a phospholipid that acts as a direct intracellular messenger. It binds to and activates the mTOR complex, the master regulator of muscle protein synthesis, providing an anabolic signal that is independent of amino acid availability.
PA binds directly to the FKBP12-rapamycin binding domain of mTOR, activating the kinase and downstream p70S6K signalling. This stimulates muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy. Soy-derived PA has shown superior mTOR activation (+636%) compared to egg-derived PA (+221%) in cell culture.
Resistance-trained individuals seeking enhanced hypertrophy and strength gains; athletes who want an anabolic signal beyond protein and leucine; those in muscle-building phases.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women; people with severe liver or kidney disease; those on anticoagulants without supervision. Side effects: Very well tolerated; no significant adverse effects reported in human trials. Mild GI upset possible at high doses.
A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.
Key citations: PMC4066292 (PA enhances mTOR signalling and RT-induced hypertrophy — +636% mTOR activation, +2.4 kg LBM, +51.9 kg leg press), PMC4044072 (PA supplementation increases skeletal muscle hypertrophy and strength — 8-week RCT in resistance-trained men)
SacredBod's longer take on Phosphatidic Acid — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
Phosphatidic acid (PA) is a simple phospholipid — a glycerol backbone with two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group. It is a natural constituent of all cell membranes and is produced endogenously during resistance exercise when the enzyme phospholipase D hydrolyses phosphatidylcholine. As a lipid messenger, PA binds directly to the mTOR complex to trigger muscle protein synthesis. Supplemental PA (typically soy-derived, branded as Mediator®) provides an exogenous anabolic signal that complements — rather than replaces — protein intake.
PA activates mTOR through a unique mechanism: it binds to the FKBP12-rapamycin binding (FRB) domain of mTOR, allosterically activating the kinase. This is distinct from leucine/amino acid signalling, which activates mTOR via Rag GTPases. In cell culture studies, soy-derived PA stimulated mTOR signalling by +636%, significantly outperforming egg-derived PA (+221%). In a human RCT, 28 resistance-trained men consumed 750 mg soy-PA daily during an 8-week periodised programme. The PA group gained +2.4 kg lean body mass versus placebo, increased rectus femoris cross-sectional area by +1.0 cm², and improved leg press 1RM by +51.9 kg versus +32.4 kg in placebo.
Resistance-trained individuals who have plateaued in hypertrophy or strength despite adequate protein intake. PA is particularly useful for those who want an anabolic signal independent of leucine — for example, athletes training fasted or those with lower protein tolerance. Not a substitute for protein, but a powerful adjunct.
Extremely safe. PA is a natural cell membrane component. No adverse effects on liver, kidney, lipid or hematologic markers in 8-week trials. Theoretical caution with anticoagulants due to phospholipid content. Rapamycin (sirolimus) directly antagonises mTOR and would counteract PA’s mechanism.
PA is a niche, premium import on Amazon.in. PA(7) by HPN is available at ₹10,000+ for 60 capsules (imported). Wellsports offers a blended product with PA, epicatechin and arachidonic acid at a lower price point. Standalone domestic PA products are virtually non-existent — the Indian market is still focused on basic protein, creatine and BCAAs. It is not a scheduled drug. There is no Ayurvedic equivalent for mTOR-activating phospholipids; the closest conceptual parallel is Ashwagandha’s anabolic effects, though the mechanism is entirely different (cortisol modulation vs direct mTOR binding).
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