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โ† Encyclopedia

Phosphatidylserine (PS)

Nootropic

Also known as: PS, Serine phospholipid, Phosphatidylserine, Soy/sunflower phosphatidylserine, Phosphatidyl serine

A
Grade A
๐Ÿ’Š 100-300 mg daily๐ŸŽฏ 9 primary uses๐Ÿ”— 3 synergiesโš ๏ธ Review warnings
Compare Check interactions
Levels upCognition+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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” what the study shows, what its limitations are, and how to read around them.

  • Effect of phosphatidylserine in age-associated memory impairment
    Crook TH, Tinklenberg J, Yesavage J, et al. ยท 1991 ยท NeurologyRCTPubMed โ†—

    12-week double-blind RCT (n=149) in age-associated memory impairment found 300mg/day bovine-source phosphatidylserine improved learning and memory vs placebo โ€” one of the landmark early cognition trials.

  • Phosphatidylserine and the human brain
    Glade MJ, Smith K ยท 2015 ยท NutritionReviewPubMed โ†—

    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 โ†’

Mechanism of Action

  • โ€ข Critical membrane component
  • โ€ข Supports neurotransmitter release
  • โ€ข May blunt cortisol response

Evidence Quality

Evidence Grade A

FDA-qualified health claim for cognitive function

Safety & Contraindications

Serious Warnings
  • โ€ข None
Contraindications
  • โ€ข None
Common Side Effects
  • โ€ข Mild GI upset
  • โ€ข Insomnia
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Consult healthcare provider

Liver & Kidney Notes

Safe

Interactions

๐Ÿ’Š Medications
  • โ€ข Blood thinners (minor)
  • โ€ข Anticholinergics
๐Ÿงช Supplements
  • โ€ข Works with omega-3s, Ginkgo
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Food & Alcohol
  • โ€ข No interactions

Stacking & Synergies

Avoid Combining With
None
Best Goal Synergies
MemoryCortisol management

Buying Guide

What to Look For
  • โ€ข Sharp-PS or quality brand
Standardization Markers
PS contentSource specified
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
  • โ€ข FDA allows qualified health claim
  • โ€ข Sunflower-derived for soy allergies
  • โ€ข Sunflower-derived for soy allergy
  • โ€ข Pre-workout for exercise cortisol
  • โ€ข Higher doses (400-800mg) for cortisol
  • โ€ข Before training or evening
  • โ€ข 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 โ†’

Related Guides

In-depth guides covering Phosphatidylserine (PS) โ€” protocols, comparisons, and use cases.

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Last reviewed: June 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, June). Phosphatidylserine (PS) โ€” 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 โ€” consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.