Published On By Rachel Nall

Phosphatidylserine is a compound that helps maintain your cells’ structure and supports communication between your brain cells. As you age or go through periods of stress or mental fatigue, your phosphatidylserine levels might decrease, which could affect your memory, focus, or mental clarity.

Taking a phosphatidylserine supplement might help support cognitive function in these situations. They may help promote sharper thinking, reduce mental fog, and support your brain’s memory retention ability.

However, differences in dosage, ingredient sourcing (such as soy-based vs. sunflower-derived), added nootropics, and manufacturing quality could influence both the safety and effectiveness of these supplements.

In this guide, you’ll find a detailed list of 10 phosphatidylserine supplements selected based on their ingredient profiles, sourcing practices, and manufacturer transparency. Please keep reading to explore their possible benefits, limitations, and key considerations.

What are Phosphatidylserine Supplements?

Phosphatidylserine supplements contain a naturally occurring phospholipid that is an important component of the cell membranes, especially in the brain. This fatty substance helps protect nerve cells and supports their ability to communicate, playing a key role in processes such as neurotransmitter release, synaptic activity, and receptor function. These supplements could help support cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity, particularly in older adults experiencing age-related decline or conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

10 Best Phosphatidylserine Supplements

  1. Doctor’s Best Phosphatidylserine

    Doctor's Best Phosphatidylserine

    Doctor’s Best Phosphatidylserine could support cognitive health, memory, and mental focus, helping maintain a sharp and resilient mind. It comes in a vegetarian capsule form and contains 100 mg of phosphatidylserine derived from SerinAid, which may support your brain function.

    As per the official website, Doctor’s Best Phosphatidylserine may also help your brain and body cope with stress, promoting mental resilience during demanding situations. The formula could support learning while helping nerve cells stay connected and communicate effectively. The makers advise taking one Doctor’s Best Phosphatidylserine capsule three times daily with food, ensuring consistent support throughout the day.

    Pros

    • Might support your mental ability and memory retention.
    • Could enhance focus and mental clarity.
    • May help reduce age-related decline.

    Cons

    • Must be taken with food to avoid discomfort, which may be inconvenient.
    • Some may experience an unpleasant aftertaste and burping.
  2. Natural Factors PS Phosphatidylserine

    Natural Factors PS Phosphatidylserine

    Natural Factors PS Phosphatidylserine is formulated to support your brain health, particularly enhancing your concentration, focus, and emotional balance. It provides 100 mg of phosphatidylserine per softgel, a compound classified as a healthy fat (phospholipid) that is naturally found in high concentrations in brain cell membranes.

    According to the official website, Natural Factors PS Phosphatidylserine may enhance neural communication and support faster mental processing, especially in aging adults or those dealing with mental fatigue. It could also promote a balanced mood and help your body respond more effectively to occasional stress, likely through its role in modulating cortisol levels.

    The makers state that Natural Factors PS Phosphatidylserine comes in easy-to-swallow softgels, with a recommended dose of one softgel up to three times daily, allowing for flexible integration into your daily wellness routine.

    Pros

    • Might support better learning and information processing.
    • May improve attention span.
    • Could alleviate symptoms of ADHD in some individuals.

    Cons

    • Some may find the price high relative to the quantity provided, making it less cost-effective.
    • You could experience prolonged drowsiness after taking it.
  3. Intelligent Labs Pure Phosphatidylserine

    Intelligent Labs Pure Phosphatidylserine

    Intelligent Labs Pure Phosphatidylserine focuses on supporting healthy brain function and performance. It contains 100 mg of phosphatidylserine derived from 100% soy-free sunflower lecithin, making it a clean and allergen-friendly option.

    According to the manufacturer, Intelligent Labs Pure Phosphatidylserine might help improve communication between brain cells, which may enhance your recall ability, learning capacity, and concentration.

    Intelligent Labs Pure Phosphatidylserine might also help resensitize the hypothalamus, promoting a healthier stress response and improved mental resilience. It could help prevent some age-related cognitive impairments by providing additional support for maintaining phospholipid levels.

    Pros

    • Might help maintain healthy neuron communication.
    • May support brain cell membrane structure and fluidity.
    • Might reduce mental fatigue during extended tasks.

    Cons

    • Might induce nausea in the initial days of consumption.
    • Some may require multiple doses per day for effects such as sleep support, which can complicate their routine.
  4. Deal Supplement Phosphatidylserine

    Deal Supplement Phosphatidylserine

    Deal Supplement Phosphatidylserine may support brain health, mental performance, and stress balance. It contains phosphatidylserine powder derived from premium, soy-free sunflower lecithin, ensuring a clean and allergen-conscious option.

    According to the official website, Deal Supplement Phosphatidylserine is encapsulated in California and standardized to retain 20% active phosphatidylserine. It provides 400 mg of phosphatidylserine per two capsules, which may help restore natural stores and promote mental clarity, sharper focus, improved processing speed, and memory retention.

    Pros

    • Might help enhance mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
    • Could lower cortisol levels to help manage stress.
    • Might support recovery from intense physical or mental exertion.

    Cons

    • Taking the full recommended dose at once might cause overstimulation or restlessness for some people.
    • While generally easy to swallow, no additional formulation benefits (e.g., enhanced absorption) are highlighted.
  5. Toniiq Phosphatidylserine

    Toniiq Phosphatidylserine

    Toniiq claims that its Phosphatidylserine formula might support better mood and enhance physical stamina. It contains highly concentrated phosphatidylserine powder standardized to over 50% purity, providing 400mg of phosphatidylserine per two capsules, allowing for more effective absorption.

    As per the makers, Toniiq Phosphatidylserine could help promote a balanced mood and emotional resilience, making it beneficial during periods of stress or emotional fatigue. It might also contribute to enhanced mental clarity and function, helping to maintain focus and processing speed. Toniiq Phosphatidylserine may aid physical endurance and energy levels, which can help you lead an active life.

    Pros

    • May improve verbal recall and name recognition.
    • Could slow cognitive decline.
    • Might promote balanced levels of neurotransmitters.

    Cons

    • Some people might find the capsules hard to swallow.
    • Contains Magnesium Stearate filler, considered unpleasant by some.
  6. NatureBell Phosphatidylserine

    NatureBell Phosphatidylserine

    According to the official website, NatureBell Phosphatidylserine may help enhance your recalling ability and mental focus. It provides 500 mg of phosphatidylserine, sourced from highly bioavailable sunflower lecithin and standardized to contain 20% active ingredients. This natural sunflower-derived form offers an allergen-friendly alternative to soy-based supplements.

    NatureBell Phosphatidylserine could help restore natural levels of this vital compound, which gradually decrease as you age. It may support sharper thinking, quicker information processing, sustained attention, and overall mental performance by doing so.

    The makers highlight that each NatureBell Phosphatidylserine bottle has 240 capsules, with a recommended serving size of three capsules per day, providing a total of 500 mg per dose.

    Pros

    • May help regulate the body’s stress response.
    • Might improve sleep quality by modulating cortisol rhythms.
    • Could enhance processing speed and reaction time.

    Cons

    • Takes several months for noticeable results.
    • Requires consistent daily intake despite small capsule size.
  7. Life Extension PS Caps

    Life Extension PS Caps

    Life Extension PS Caps claims to provide 100 mg of phosphatidylserine per vegetarian capsule, with a total of 100 capsules per bottle. It is said to use non-GMO ingredients and is free from gluten and soy, with capsules made from vegetable cellulose.

    As per the official website, Life Extension PS Caps could support your mental performance, targeting functions such as memory and concentration. It might also help maintain healthy neuronal membrane function and improve neurotransmitter activity, which naturally may decline due to aging or chronic stress.

    Life Extension PS Caps might help enhance your mental strength by improving synaptic communication and supporting neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine and dopamine pathways. It could also enhance your stress resilience by helping to modulate cortisol levels, reducing mental fatigue, and promoting mental clarity under stressful conditions.

    Pros

    • Might support executive functioning in older adults.
    • May boost motivation and mental drive.
    • Could help reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness.

    Cons

    • Some might feel it requires an adjustment in dosage frequency (e.g., every other day) to avoid side effects.
    • May cause sleep trouble or insomnia.
  8. Integrative Therapeutics Phosphatidylserine

    Integrative Therapeutics Phosphatidylserine

    Integrative Therapeutics Phosphatidylserine might support your brain performance and stress resilience. It features 100 mg of phosphatidylserine per capsule derived from sunflower lecithin.

    Integrative Therapeutics Phosphatidylserine might support brain and nerve cell membranes, where it helps regulate communication between neurons and maintain the structural integrity of brain cells. It could also support a healthy endocrine response, helping your body manage the physiological effects of mental stress.

    The makers state that Integrative Therapeutics Phosphatidylserine might promote a balanced mood and support performance during both cognitive tasks and physical activity by influencing cortisol regulation. It might also assist in improving exercise capacity by supporting mental acuity and focus during training.

    Pros

    • Might support heart rate recovery after exercise.
    • May assist in maintaining long-term brain plasticity.
    • Might protect brain cells from oxidative stress.

    Cons

    • Some might notice difficulty staying asleep or disrupted sleep despite initial drowsiness.
    • Needs to be taken on an empty stomach or an hour before bedtime for best effect, adding to scheduling challenges.
  9. Double Wood Supplements Phosphatidylserine

    Double Wood Supplements Phosphatidylserine

    Double Wood Supplements Phosphatidylserine might help maintain clarity in day-to-day tasks, support how efficiently you process information, and reduce mental fatigue over time. It provides 300 mg of phosphatidylserine per two capsules, sourced from non-GMO soy and standardized to 20% active content per two capsules.

    According to the official website, Double Wood Supplements Phosphatidylserine could support cell signaling and may influence neuronal communication, which is vital for learning and memory. It might also support your attention span and clarity, helping you maintain better mental performance over time.

    Double Wood Supplements Phosphatidylserine claims to help promote a healthy response to daily mental demands by supporting your brain’s processing abilities and reducing cognitive fatigue.

    Pros

    • Could support visual memory and spatial awareness.
    • Might improve working memory in high-demand mental tasks.
    • May reduce symptoms of overtraining if you are an athlete.

    Cons

    • You could encounter occasional product quality concerns, such as discoloration or spotting on capsules.
    • Benefits typically require consistent use over a long period to become noticeable.
  10. Puritan’s Pride Neuro-PS

    Puritan's Pride Neuro-PS

    According to the official website, Puritan’s Pride Neuro-PS provides 100 mg of phosphatidylserine per softgel, which can help replenish levels that may decline naturally with age.

    It might help maintain cellular structure and promote efficient communication between neurons. Puritan’s Pride Neuro-PS could also support neurotransmitter activity and ion transport, which are essential for healthy brain signaling and function.

    The makers state that Neuro-PS in Puritan’s Pride Neuro-PS is a form of phosphatidylserine that might help support the way your mind processes information. It may contribute to keeping your thinking sharp and your mental responses smooth, especially during demanding tasks. This ingredient could help maintain clear communication between your brain cells, allowing you to stay alert and responsive throughout the day.

    Pros

    • Could support healthy glucose metabolism in the brain.
    • May help maintain balance in the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis.
    • Might enhance your mental alertness.

    Cons

    • Some may find difficulty in confirming actual phosphatidylserine content due to complex labeling.
    • Occasional issues with packaging, such as bottles arriving open or with broken seals, can occur.

Side Effects of Phosphatidylserine Supplements

  1. Might Cause Insomnia

    Phosphatidylserine supplements may occasionally cause insomnia, particularly when consumed in higher doses, typically above 300mg per day, which is considered the safe daily limit according to a 2011 study published in Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders (Vakhapova et al., 2011). Although phosphatidylserine is often associated with lowering cortisol levels, which theoretically supports relaxation and sleep quality, paradoxical sleep disturbances can still occur in some people. This may be due to its role in enhancing brain cell communication and supporting neurotransmitter activity, particularly acetylcholine and dopamine, which are linked to cognitive alertness.

    Phosphatidylserine products can inadvertently heighten evening alertness in sensitive people by increasing mental clarity and stimulating brain activity, leading to difficulty falling or staying asleep. This effect is more pronounced in those already prone to high arousal at night or with underlying anxiety.

  2. May Cause A Stomach upset

    Stomach upset is among the more commonly reported side effects of phosphatidylserine supplementation, particularly during initial use. Although phosphatidylserine is integral to cell membranes in the body, introducing it in concentrated supplement form can sometimes challenge the digestive system, especially when taken in higher doses or consumed on an empty stomach.

    These supplements are generally derived from soy lecithin or sunflower lecithin and are often encapsulated with oils, gelatin, or other excipients to stabilize the formulation. These additional components, combined with your body’s enzymatic requirements to break down fat-based molecules, can contribute to mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Reported symptoms may include bloating, abdominal cramping, nausea, flatulence, and general stomach unease, particularly in people sensitive to dietary fats or certain capsule ingredients.

  3. Could Trigger Headaches

    Although phosphatidylserine is crucial for maintaining the structure and function of neuronal membranes, supplementing with it can cause mild adverse effects, including headaches, in some people. These supplements could modulate neurotransmitter systems, particularly acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin pathways. Changes in neurotransmission and cerebral blood flow triggered by altered neuronal signaling could lead to headaches, especially in people with sensitivity to neurochemical fluctuations or vascular responses.

How Did We Evaluate The Best Phosphatidylserine Supplements?

  1. Brand Reputation

    A key part of our evaluation focused on brand reputation, using ratings from trusted platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot to assess reliability, customer satisfaction, and business integrity.

    While Life Extension currently holds a strong 4.4 rating on Trustpilot, it’s worth noting that the brand is not rated on BBB at this time. Natural Factors also holds an A+ BBB rating, demonstrating strong business ethics despite not having a Trustpilot profile.

    Double Wood Supplements combines an A+ BBB rating with a solid 3.6 Trustpilot score, indicating generally positive customer feedback alongside trustworthy business practices.

    Intelligent Labs has a high 4.4 Trustpilot rating, suggesting satisfied customers, but it currently does not have a BBB rating.

    Toniiq holds a 3.8 rating on Trustpilot but lacks a BBB rating, showing mostly positive customer experiences but limited verification of business standards.

    Other brands, including Doctor’s Best, Deal Supplement, NatureBell, and Integrative Therapeutics, are not found on BBB or Trustpilot, which limits available information on their reputation and customer feedback.

    Puritan’s Pride has a notably low 1.4 Trustpilot rating, signaling significant customer dissatisfaction and warranting caution when considering their products.

  2. Value For Money

    To assess value for money, we compared the cost per serving of each phosphatidylserine supplement relative to its dosage, ingredient quality, and third-party testing.

    We also factored in subscription discounts, bulk pricing options, and whether the formulation includes complementary nutrients that could enhance cognitive benefits.

    NatureBell offers the strongest overall value with 240 capsules for just $22.45, making it not only the cheapest per capsule (under $0.10) but also a practical long-term option without compromising basic quality. Deal Supplement follows closely, offering the same capsule count for $28.99, delivering an equally compelling bulk value. Double Wood stands out with 120 capsules for $22.95; it’s soy-free, third-party tested, and strikes an excellent balance between quality and affordability.

    Toniiq and Doctor’s Best both offer 90 and 120 capsules, respectively, priced around $26–$35. Toniiq provides high potency and a clean formula, while Doctor’s Best is a reliable, well-established brand, both delivering solid mid-range value.

    Intelligent Labs, though slightly higher at $28.99 for 90 capsules, justifies its price for those needing a soy-free, sunflower-sourced alternative. Puritan’s Pride, with its 2-for-$39.49 offer (120 capsules total), offers decent bulk value, though the soy-based formula may not suit everyone.

    Life Extension, Natural Factors, and Integrative Therapeutics deliver high-quality formulations, but their prices reduce their value appeal. Life Extension offers 100 capsules for $36, which is reasonable for a research-driven product but pricier than mid-range options. Natural Factors, at nearly $40 for just 60 capsules, and Integrative Therapeutics, at $48.25 for 60 capsules, offer limited overall value unless you’re specifically looking for clinical-grade or specialty sourcing.

  3. Refund Policy

    We evaluated the refund policies of Phosphatidylserine supplements based on their flexibility, customer-friendliness, and ease of return. Puritan’s Pride Neuro-PS and Life Extension PS Caps offer some of the most generous and hassle-free return options.

    Puritan’s Pride allows returns within 90 days for both opened and unopened products, while Life Extension provides an extended refund window of up to 365 days. These policies reduce restrictions and simplify the refund process, making it easier for you to try the products risk-free.

    Other brands like Toniiq, Deal Supplement, and NatureBell provide solid 60-day money-back guarantees. Toniiq stands out by letting you keep the product instead of returning it, which adds convenience and reduces waste. Deal Supplement and NatureBell offer unconditional refunds for quality or health concerns but require customers to cover return shipping costs, balancing customer satisfaction with practical limitations.

    Some brands have more restrictive or complex refund policies, including Integrative Therapeutics with a 45-day window, Intelligent Labs with 30 days, Natural Factors with 45 days, and Double Wood Supplements with 30 days. These companies often require unopened products, shorter refund periods, or impose procedural requirements such as return authorizations and restocking fees. While these policies still offer some level of protection, they may feel less accommodating or more complicated if you prefer a straightforward return experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is soy-derived phosphatidylserine better than sunflower-derived?
    Both forms are effective, but those with soy allergies prefer sunflower-derived phosphatidylserine, or those who want a non-GMO option. The bioavailability is comparable in most cases.
  2. Can phosphatidylserine products support athletic performance or recovery?
    Yes. Phosphatidylserine supplements could help reduce exercise-induced stress, speed up recovery, and maintain mental sharpness during intense physical activity.
  3. Can you combine phosphatidylserine with other brain-boosting supplements?
    Yes, Phosphatidylserine supplements are often paired with Ginkgo biloba, omega-3s, Bacopa, or Rhodiola for broader cognitive support. Make sure the combination doesn’t exceed the recommended daily dosages.

Conclusion

Phosphatidylserine supplements could help maintain healthy brain cell membranes and support communication between neurons, which are key to memory, focus, and stress regulation.

The supplements reviewed in this article are available in various options, including soy-based products as well as sunflower-derived alternatives for those with sensitivities.

Phosphatidylserine supplementation can improve memory and reduce cortisol levels in some people, but results vary, and long-term benefits require further study. Potential side effects of Phosphatidylserine products could include mild insomnia, digestive discomfort, and headaches, and those with allergies to soy or sunflower should exercise caution.

Before starting supplementation, consult a doctor, especially if you have underlying conditions or take other medications. Consider supporting your phosphatidylserine levels naturally through a balanced diet that includes fish, organ meats, soy products, and white beans. Maintaining better brain health also involves regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and mental engagement. Using phosphatidylserine supplements as part of a broader, balanced approach can help support cognitive function safely and effectively.

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Disclaimer: The content above is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any supplements. Statements are not evaluated by the FDA and do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use at your own risk.