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Compound

Phosphatidic Acid

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Phosphatidic Acid. Phospholipid activator of mTORC1 marketed for hypertrophy.

How it works. Direct allosteric activator of mTORC1; enhances translation of muscle proteins.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Modest hypertrophy benefit in trained men (limited).

How much to take. Typical dose: 750 mg pre-workout.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing.

Stacking. Pairs well with Creatine monohydrate, Whey or EAAs.

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Phosphatidic Acid. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Phosphatidic Acid. Phospholipid activator of mTORC1 marketed for hypertrophy.

Molecular structureC35H69O8P · 648.9 g/mol

What it is

Phospholipid activator of mTORC1 marketed for hypertrophy.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

How it works

Direct allosteric activator of mTORC1; enhances translation of muscle proteins.

Pathways

  • Direct allosteric activator of mTORC1
  • enhances translation of muscle proteins

Effects

  • +Modest hypertrophy benefit in trained men supports

What the research supports

Modest hypertrophy benefit in trained menlimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
750 mg pre-workout
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Phosphatidic Acid is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
  • Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
  • Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users

Serious

  • Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Phosphatidic Acid use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Creatine monohydrateFoundational support for strength, power, and lean mass.
  • Whey or EAAsProvides amino acid substrate for muscle protein synthesis.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Phosphatidic Acid — Modest hypertrophy benefit in trained men ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Phosphatidic Acid and "Modest hypertrophy benefit in trained men". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Phosphatidic Acid — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Phosphatidic Acid and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Phosphatidic Acid — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Phosphatidic Acid and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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