# Phospho2 (Phosphatidylserine) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/phospho2 **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-29 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Other **Also Known As:** PS, Soy-PS, Phosphatidyl-L-serine, Soy lecithin phosphatidylserine, Bovine cortex PS, Lecithin phosphatidylserine, PtdSer, 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine ## Overview Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid that maintains neuronal membrane fluidity and supports neurotransmitter function. It enhances [cognitive performance](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) by facilitating cellular communication in brain tissue and modulating [cortisol](/ingredients/condition/stress) responses to stress. ## Health Benefits • Improves ADHD symptoms in children - RCT (n=36) showed significant improvement in symptoms, short-term auditory memory, and inattention/impulsivity with 200mg/day (Strong evidence, PMID: 23495677) • Enhances memory in elderly with complaints - Multiple RCTs demonstrate improved delayed recall and recognition memory with 300mg/day soy-PS (Strong evidence, PMID: 11842880) • Supports [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) in mild cognitive impairment - RCT (n=190) showed improved short-term memory and arithmetic performance over 12 months (Strong evidence, PMID: 39317299) • Modulates [stress response](/ingredients/condition/stress) during exercise - 800mg/day BC-PS reduced cortisol response in untrained adults (Moderate evidence, PMID: 16869708) • Enhances memory when combined with omega-3s - RCT (n=157) showed PS-DHA improved verbal learning test scores in non-demented elderly (Strong evidence, PMID: 20523044) ## Mechanism of Action Phosphatidylserine integrates into neuronal membranes where it maintains membrane fluidity and supports [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) synthesis. It modulates protein kinase C activity and enhances [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) in brain cells. The compound also regulates the [hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal](/ingredients/condition/stress) axis by blunting cortisol release during stress responses. ## Clinical Summary Randomized controlled trials show phosphatidylserine improves ADHD symptoms in children at 200mg daily (n=36 study). Multiple RCTs in elderly adults demonstrate enhanced delayed recall and memory performance with 100-300mg doses. Evidence is strongest for [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) benefits in both pediatric ADHD populations and age-related memory decline. Most studies range from 6-12 weeks duration with consistent positive outcomes. ## Nutritional Profile Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid compound, not a traditional macronutrient or micronutrient source. As a purified supplement (Phospho2/Sharp-PS), it provides negligible caloric value at typical doses. Key compositional data: Active compound: Phosphatidylserine at standardized concentrations of 20-50mg per softgel/capsule (typical commercial preparations), with therapeutic doses of 100-300mg/day used in clinical trials. Molecular structure consists of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid chains (in soy-derived PS: predominantly polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic acid ~38% and oleic acid ~20%), and a serine head group linked via phosphodiester bond. Soy-derived PS (most common supplement form, as bovine-derived PS was discontinued due to BSE concerns) contains predominantly vegetable-origin fatty acid chains, differing from brain PS which is enriched with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and stearic acid. Phosphorus content: approximately 4% by molecular weight (~40mg phosphorus per 1g PS). Serine content: L-serine constitutes approximately 8-9% of molecular weight. Bioavailability: PS is well-absorbed orally, with peak plasma levels occurring 1-3 hours post-ingestion; absorption is enhanced when taken with food containing dietary fats. Lymphatic transport is the primary absorption route. No significant vitamin, mineral, or fiber content at therapeutic doses. Caloric contribution is minimal (<5 kcal per 100mg dose). ## Dosage & Preparation Clinically studied doses range from 100-800mg/day orally, often divided. For ADHD in children: 200mg/day; for elderly [memory](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) support: 300mg/day; for exercise [stress response](/ingredients/condition/stress): 800mg/day. Commercial supplements typically recommend 100-500mg/day of soy-derived PS standardized to 50-100% purity. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Phosphatidylserine is generally well-tolerated with mild side effects including [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep) and stomach upset at higher doses. It may enhance the effects of anticoagulant medications due to potential blood-thinning properties. No significant drug interactions have been documented in clinical studies. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so use should be avoided in these populations. ## Scientific Research Multiple double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTs support PS efficacy, including a pediatric ADHD trial (n=36, PMID: 23495677) showing significant symptom improvement with 200mg/day, and elderly memory studies (n=120, PMID: 11842880; n=190, PMID: 39317299) demonstrating enhanced recall with 300mg/day. A 15-week trial (n=157, PMID: 20523044) found PS-DHA combination improved [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) batteries in non-demented elderly with memory complaints. ## Historical & Cultural Context No evidence of traditional medicinal use was found in the research. PS research and supplementation represents a modern nutritional approach to [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) support, emerging from scientific understanding of phospholipid biology rather than historical herbal medicine systems. ## Synergistic Combinations DHA, EPA, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Ginkgo Biloba, B-Complex Vitamins ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the best dosage of phosphatidylserine for memory? Clinical studies typically use 100-300mg daily for memory enhancement in adults. The most common effective dose is 100mg taken three times daily with meals for optimal absorption and cognitive benefits. ### How long does phosphatidylserine take to work? Initial cognitive improvements may appear within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Maximum benefits for memory and attention typically develop after 6-12 weeks of supplementation at therapeutic doses. ### Can phosphatidylserine help with ADHD in children? Yes, a randomized controlled trial showed 200mg daily significantly improved ADHD symptoms, short-term auditory memory, and reduced inattention/impulsivity in 36 children. Effects were observed after 2 months of treatment. ### Is soy-derived phosphatidylserine as effective as bovine-derived? Soy-derived phosphatidylserine shows similar cognitive benefits to original bovine sources in clinical studies. The molecular structure and bioavailability are equivalent, making plant-based forms both effective and safer. ### Does phosphatidylserine reduce cortisol levels? Research shows phosphatidylserine can blunt exercise-induced cortisol increases by up to 30% when taken at 400-800mg daily. This stress-buffering effect may contribute to its cognitive and mood benefits during high-stress periods. ### Is Phospho2 phosphatidylserine safe for elderly adults? Yes, Phospho2 phosphatidylserine is well-tolerated in elderly populations and has been specifically studied in aging adults with memory complaints. Clinical trials in elderly subjects using 300mg daily doses demonstrated safety with minimal adverse effects, making it a suitable option for age-related cognitive support. ### Does Phospho2 interact with blood pressure medications or antidepressants? Phospho2 phosphatidylserine has no known direct interactions with common blood pressure medications or antidepressants based on available clinical evidence. However, since phosphatidylserine may have mild cortisol-modulating effects, individuals on psychiatric medications should consult their healthcare provider before use. ### What is the difference between Phospho2 and standard phosphatidylserine supplements? Phospho2 is a branded form of phosphatidylserine with documented clinical efficacy in ADHD and age-related memory decline. The specific formulation and manufacturing process of branded ingredients like Phospho2 may offer standardization and quality assurance benefits compared to generic phosphatidylserine products, though efficacy depends on dosage and duration of use. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*