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Phosphatidylserine

Strengthens your brain cells from the inside out — sharper memory as you age

NootropicsNootropicRoute · oralReviewed Apr 2026
01 — OVERVIEW
SYSTEMSHow Phosphatidylserine affects you

Calms stress hormones in the brain.

A phospholipid found at high concentrations in neuronal membranes. Supplementation blunts the cortisol response to exercise and cognitive stress.

  • Studied in age-related memory decline and ADHD in children.
  • Most convincing effect is on reducing stress-driven cortisol spikes.
  • Well-tolerated and low side-effect profile long-term.

Your brain cells are wrapped in a protective wall called a membrane. Phosphatidylserine (PS for short) is one of the main building blocks of that wall. When your brain cell walls are strong and healthy, signals travel between them faster and more accurately — like having a crystal-clear phone connection instead of a staticky one. PS also helps lower stress hormones after exercise and is one of the best-studied supplements for keeping your memory sharp as you get older.

02 — PHARMACOKINETICS

How long it stays, how it leaves.

Half-life
Default concentration
0 mg
Common vial sizes
mg

Fixed dosing — not weight-adjusted. The calculator handles reconstitution math for common vial sizes so you inject the right volume every time.

03 — DOSING PROTOCOL

Three tiers, three goals.

beginnerOngoing cycle
Dose
100100 mg
Frequency
Once daily
Cycle
Ongoing
intermediateOngoing cycle
Dose
100200 mg
Frequency
Once or twice daily
Cycle
Ongoing
advancedOngoing cycle
Dose
200300 mg
Frequency
Split into 2-3 doses
Cycle
Ongoing

300mg is the dose used in most studies

04 — SIDE EFFECTS

What people actually report.

  • Mild sleep issues at high doses
  • Rare stomach upset
  • Overall very well tolerated
05 — WARNINGS

Before you start.

  • The FDA actually allows health claims about PS and brain function — that's rare
  • One of the most researched brain supplements out there
  • If you're allergic to soy, look for sunflower-derived PS instead
  • Also helps lower the stress hormone cortisol — nice bonus
06 — STACKING & INTERACTIONS

Combinations worth knowing.

Memory Stack

PS strengthens your brain's hardware (cell walls) while Bacopa upgrades the software (connections between cells). The ultimate memory combo.

07 — CITATIONS & Q&A

Research behind the claims.

Crook TH, Tinklenberg J, Yesavage J, et al. · Neurology · 1991
PS supplementation (100 mg TID for 12 weeks) improved verbal memory and learning in older adults with age-associated memory impairment.
Monteleone P, Maj M, Beinat L, et al. · European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology · 1992
800 mg/day PS for 10 days blunted cortisol and ACTH response to physical stress by approximately 30% vs. placebo.
Starks MA, Starks SL, Kingsley M, Purpura M, Jäger R. · Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition · 2008
PS supplementation attenuated post-exercise cortisol elevation and improved perceived well-being in trained cyclists.

Ask anything, get cited answers.