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Compound

Phosphatidylserine (PS)

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Phosphatidylserine (PS). Phospholipid that supports cognition and may blunt cortisol response to stress.

How it works. Membrane phospholipid; modulates HPA axis cortisol response.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Improves cognition in age-related decline (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 100–300 mg/d.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), Alpha-GPC or CDP-choline, Ashwagandha.

Common forms. Available as Soy PS, Sunflower PS.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Phosphatidylserine (PS). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Phosphatidylserine (PS). Phospholipid that supports cognition and may blunt cortisol response to stress.

Molecular structureC42H82NO10P · 792.1 g/mol

What it is

Phospholipid that supports cognition and may blunt cortisol response to stress.

Food sources

Soy lecithin (modern)Bovine brain (historical)

Goals

Brain & CognitiveCortisol Management

How it works

Membrane phospholipid; modulates HPA axis cortisol response.

Pathways

  • Membrane phospholipid
  • HPA modulation

Effects

  • +Cognition (elderly) supports
  • ↓Exercise-induced cortisol decreases

What the research supports

Improves cognition in age-related declinemoderate
Blunts cortisol response to acute stressmoderate

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
100–300 mg/d
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 soy ps form.
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Side effects & interactions

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Phosphatidylserine (PS) 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

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.
  • Alpha-GPC or CDP-cholineProvides choline substrate for acetylcholine synthesis.
  • AshwagandhaAdaptogenic HPA-axis modulation.

Common forms

  • Soy PS
  • Sunflower PS

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Phosphatidylserine (PS) — Improves cognition in age-related decline ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Phosphatidylserine (PS) and "Improves cognition in age-related decline". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Phosphatidylserine (PS) — Blunts cortisol response to acute stress ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Phosphatidylserine (PS) and "Blunts cortisol response to acute stress". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Phosphatidylserine (PS) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

Discussion

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