Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Key brain membrane phospholipid that facilitates neurotransmitter release, memory formation, and post-exercise cortisol reduction.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid that makes up a significant portion of brain cell membranes. It plays crucial roles in cell signaling, neurotransmitter release, and memory formation. Research shows benefits for cognitive function and cortisol reduction after exercise.
Key structural component of brain cell membranes
Reduces excessive cortisol response to stress
Facilitates acetylcholine and dopamine release
How Phosphatidylserine works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
100-300mg daily
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Soy or sunflower-derived phosphatidylserine | Recommended |
| 💊Sharp-PS® branded | Alternative |
| 💊Bovine-derived (rare now) | Alternative |
Soy and sunflower sources are equivalent to original bovine-derived PS. Sunflower preferred for those avoiding soy.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Better absorbed with fat. Evening dosing may support cortisol reduction. Post-workout for athletes to blunt exercise-induced cortisol.
Better recall and memory formation
Reduced stress hormone after exercise
Clearer thinking and focus
Limited data; consult healthcare provider
May be particularly beneficial for age-related cognitive decline
May help manage exercise-induced cortisol
Theoretical interaction; monitor — may affect platelet aggregation or vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, altering anticoagulant efficacy
May counteract effects
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Take earlier in day; reduce dose
Both support brain cell membrane health
Comprehensive phospholipid and fatty acid support
Both reduce cortisol through different mechanisms
Enhanced stress and cortisol management
L-serine is precursor to PS
Comprehensive cognitive support
Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers
Zhou P et al. • PloS one (2024)
“The rankings of safety and efficacy of the 12 antioxidants vary.”
Zhu R et al. • Thrombosis research (2022)
“These data show a high rate of aPS/PT positivity in patients with APS (especially in those positive for LAC) but further studies are needed to ascertain whether this test might be useful in the laboratory classification criteria of APS.”
Higgins SJ et al. • The Journal of clinical investigation (2018)
“Finally, interventions targeting Tie2 may normalize coagulation in inflammatory states while averting the bleeding risks of current DIC therapies.”
Duan H et al. • Journal of affective disorders (2025)
“This food supplement containing phosphatidylserine could improve different cognitive functions of MCI patients, especially short-term memory, and increase serum n-3 PUFAs and neurotransmitters levels.”
Youngblood MW et al. • Nature communications (2025)
“This rct examined the effects of Phosphatidylserine.”
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