Nootropic
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Also known as: PS, Serine phospholipid, Phosphatidylserine, Soy/sunflower phosphatidylserine
Phospholipid that may blunt excessive cortisol response, particularly useful for overtraining.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Phosphatidylserine (PS) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne Phosphatidylserine | 95 A | $1.13 |
| 2 | Pure Encapsulations PS Plus | 92 A | $1.62 |
| 3 | Pure Encapsulations PS 100 (phosphatidylserine) | 91 A | $1.20 |
| 4 | Jarrow Formulas PS 100 - 100mg Softgels | 91 A | $3.13 |
| 5 | Double Wood Phosphatidylserine Supplement | 91 A | $0.38 |
| 6 | BulkSupplements Phosphatidylserine Capsules | 90 A | $0.22 |
| 7 | Jarrow Formulas Neuro Optimizer | 87 A | $1.67 |
| 8 | NOW Foods Phosphatidyl Serine | 87 A | $0.37 |
| 9 | Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro | 85 A- | $2.23 |
| 10 | Integrative Therapeutics Phosphatidylserine | 84 A- | $0.82 |
| 11 | Nature's Way Phosphatidylserine | 84 A- | $0.96 |
| 12 | Vital Nutrients Phosphatidylserine 150mg | 84 A- | $1.80 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Phosphatidylserine (PS) should I take?
The typical range is 100-300 mg daily. Benefits develop over weeks
When should I take Phosphatidylserine (PS)?
With meals. Yes.
Which form of Phosphatidylserine (PS) is best?
Soy-derived — Common. Other forms in the catalog: Sunflower-derived, Capsule, Softgel, Softgels.
Is Phosphatidylserine (PS) safe?
Commonly reported: Mild GI upset, Insomnia. Serious warnings: None. Safe
Which Phosphatidylserine (PS) supplement scores highest?
Thorne Phosphatidylserine, at 95/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Memory
- Focus
- Stress/cortisol
- Brain cell health
- Cortisol reduction
- Cognitive support
- Exercise recovery
- Stress
- Overtraining
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Phosphatidylserine (PS) reached a verdict on: 2 with no effect. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found no effect (2)
“current evidence does not support citicoline or PS-containing compounds as effective cognitive enhancers in mental disorders” PMID 42538853
“The effects of phosphatidylserine on overall symptoms of ADHD (ES 0.76; 95% CI: -0.07 to 1.60; p = 0.07) and hyperactivity-impulsivity (ES 0.24; 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.53; p = 0.09) were not statistically significant.” PMID 33539192
1 finding from reviews in specific patient groups (such as cancer, pregnancy or surgery) is not shown here.
How it works
- Critical membrane component
- Supports neurotransmitter release
- May blunt cortisol response
Dosage
- Typical range
- 100-300 mg daily
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Benefits develop over weeks
- Special populations
- Cognitive decline, athletes
Forms
- Soy-derived
- Sunflower-derived
- Capsule
- Softgel
- Softgels
Safety
Common side effects
- Mild GI upset
- Insomnia
Contraindications
- None
Products containing Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Phosphatidylserine (PS) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
FDA-qualified health claim for cognitive function
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Cited research for Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention phosphatidylserine (ps). Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
Related in Nootropic
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.