The soy-free one
Sunflower-derived phosphatidylserine
No soy, and easy on most people. A good pick if you avoid soy.
Good for: Focus & memory · Plant-based
What variations of phosphatidylserine exist?
A fat-like nutrient that is part of every cell membrane, especially in the brain. It's studied for memory with aging and for keeping stress hormones in check. It comes in 4 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
Medical Disclaimer
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The soy-free one
Sunflower-derived phosphatidylserine
No soy, and easy on most people. A good pick if you avoid soy.
Good for: Focus & memory · Plant-based
The common one
Soy-derived phosphatidylserine
The most common plant source and well studied. Not for you if you're allergic to soy.
Good for: Focus & memory
The omega-3 one
PS bound to omega-3s (PS-DHA)
PS teamed with the omega-3 DHA. Often found in focus formulas.
Good for: Focus & memory
Usually skip
- The old one (Bovine (cow brain) phosphatidylserine)Used in older studies, but rarely sold now because of animal disease concerns.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Sunflower-derived phosphatidylserine' on the label (the soy-free one)
Watch out for
- The label doesn't say if it comes from sunflower, soy, or animals
- Blends that list 'phospholipids' but not how much PS
Check with your provider first if…
- You take a blood thinner (not well studied together)
- You take a memory medicine like donepezil, or a drug that blocks acetylcholine (such as some bladder or allergy medicines)
- You're allergic to soy and the product is made from soy
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (not well studied)
- Trouble sleeping or an upset stomach at higher amounts
In the Lesher Wellness store
3 products in the store have phosphatidylserine. Here's which form, where the label says.
Medical Disclaimer
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Integrative Therapeutics
Cortisol Manager® Allergen Free
100 mg per serving
Designs for Health
CatecholaCalm™
50 mg per serving
Vitanica
Cortisol Relief
50 mg per serving
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.