Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Nootropic
Also known as: PS, Serine phospholipid, Phosphatidylserine, Soy/sunflower phosphatidylserine, Phosphatidyl serine
A
Grade A💊 100-300 mg daily🎯 9 primary uses🔗 3 synergies⚠️ Review warnings
Levels upBrain & Focus+50 pts
Overview
Phospholipid that may blunt excessive cortisol response, particularly useful for overtraining.
Primary Uses
MemoryFocusStress/cortisolBrain cell healthCortisol reductionCognitive supportExercise recoveryStressOvertraining
Frequently Asked About Phosphatidylserine (PS)
How much Phosphatidylserine (PS) should I take?
The typical effective range is 300 mg/day. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Phosphatidylserine (PS)?
With meals. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Phosphatidylserine (PS) with food?
Yes.
Does Phosphatidylserine (PS) interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Blood thinners (minor) and Anticholinergics. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Phosphatidylserine (PS).
What does Phosphatidylserine (PS) pair well with?
Phosphatidylserine (PS) stacks well with Omega-3s, Ginkgo, and Alpha-GPC — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Phosphatidylserine (PS)?
Phosphatidylserine (PS) should be avoided or used with caution by people with None. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of Phosphatidylserine (PS)?
Most people tolerate Phosphatidylserine (PS) well. The most commonly reported side effects are Mild GI upset and Insomnia. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.
Dosage
Typical range
100-300 mg daily
Timing
With meals
With food
Yes
Dose Tiers
Moderate
100 mg three times daily
Optimal
300 mg/day
Therapeutic
300-800 mg/day
Upper Limit
Avoid with anticholinergics
Duration
Benefits develop over weeks
Special Populations
Cognitive decline, athletes
Research & Studies
Landmark clinical studies on Phosphatidylserine (PS). Each title links to a plain-English breakdown — what the study shows, what its limitations are, and how to read around them.
- Effect of phosphatidylserine in age-associated memory impairment
12-week double-blind RCT (n=149) in age-associated memory impairment found 300mg/day bovine-source phosphatidylserine improved learning and memory vs placebo — one of the landmark early cognition trials.
- Phosphatidylserine and the human brain
Reviews mechanisms (neuronal membrane integrity, acetylcholine release, HPA-axis modulation) and clinical evidence for PS in age-related cognitive decline and exercise-induced cortisol attenuation.
Browse all curated studies →
Mechanism of Action
- • Critical membrane component
- • Supports neurotransmitter release
- • May blunt cortisol response
Evidence Quality
Evidence Grade A
FDA-qualified health claim for cognitive function
Safety & Contraindications
Serious Warnings
- • None
Contraindications
- • None
Common Side Effects
- • Mild GI upset
- • Insomnia
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Consult healthcare provider
Liver & Kidney Notes
Safe
Interactions
💊 Medications
- • Blood thinners (minor)
- • Anticholinergics
🧪 Supplements
- • Works with omega-3s, Ginkgo
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
- • No interactions
Stacking & Synergies
Pairs Well With
Avoid Combining With
None
Best Goal Synergies
MemoryCortisol management
Buying Guide
What to Look For
- • Sharp-PS or quality brand
Standardization Markers
PS contentSource specified
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
- • FDA allows qualified health claim
- • Sunflower-derived for soy allergies
- • Sunflower-derived for soy allergy
- • Pre-workout for exercise cortisol
- • Higher doses (400-800mg) for cortisol
- • Before training or evening
- • Sunflower-derived for soy-free
Tags
nootropicphospholipidmemorycortisolstressrecoverycognitive
Top Products with Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Highest-scored catalog products containing Phosphatidylserine (PS), ranked by our scoring engine.
Browse all Phosphatidylserine (PS) products →
Related Guides
In-depth guides covering Phosphatidylserine (PS) — protocols, comparisons, and use cases.
More in Nootropic
Other ingredients in the Nootropic category.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Acetyl L-Carnitine is a form of carnitine that crosses the blood-brain barrier and supports mitochondrial energy production and acetylcholine synthesis. It has shown modest benefits for cognitive function and energy metabolism in some studies, with stronger evidence in elderly populations and carnitine-deficient states.
Adrafinil
Prodrug converting to modafinil in the liver. Unscheduled in many countries but requires liver monitoring.
Alpha-GPC
Highly bioavailable choline source crossing the blood-brain barrier. Supports acetylcholine and growth hormone.
American Ginseng
American ginseng is a traditional herbal adaptogen used to support energy, immune function, and stress resilience. Moderate evidence supports benefits for fatigue and immune support, though effects are generally modest and more research is needed.
Aniracetam
Fat-soluble racetam with anxiolytic properties. Enhances creativity, verbal fluency, and reduces anxiety.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb standardized for withanolides, with evidence supporting modest benefits for stress reduction, anxiety, and cortisol modulation. Multiple clinical trials demonstrate efficacy for stress-related symptoms, though effect sizes are generally moderate.
Last reviewed: September 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, September). Phosphatidylserine (PS) — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/phosphatidylserine
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.