Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

CogniPhos Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pure Encapsulations

CogniPhos label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking CogniPhos against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

CogniPhos is a dietary supplement by Pure Encapsulations with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for zinc deficiency, immune support, cold symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 618 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Sharp-PS Green, Vitamin B6, Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against CogniPhos by Pure Encapsulations

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with CogniPhos by Pure Encapsulations — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of CogniPhos by Pure Encapsulations

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

CogniPhos contains five active ingredients. Zinc supports immune function and is effective for zinc deficiency and likely effective for Wilson disease.

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a form of carnitine, an amino acid compound, with possibly effective evidence for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a B vitamin effective for certain types of anemia and deficiency, and possibly effective for pregnancy-related nausea.

Cognizin is a branded form of citicoline, a compound that may help with age-related cognitive decline. Sharp-PS Green is phosphatidylserine, a phospholipid possibly effective for cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients: cellulose, water, and plant fiber.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Memory and cognitive support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cognitive function, Dementia, Alzheimer disease, Mental clarity — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Acetyl-l-carnitine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Acetyl-l-carnitine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Alzheimer disease.
  • Also on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease.

The evidence is mixed across ingredients. Zinc is effective for deficiency and likely effective for Wilson disease, and possibly effective for acne and diabetes.

Acetyl-L-carnitine is possibly effective for Alzheimer disease and age-related cognitive decline. Vitamin B6 is effective for certain anemias and deficiency.

Cognizin shows possibly effective evidence for age-related cognitive decline and glaucoma but insufficient evidence for Alzheimer disease, traumatic brain injury, and cardiac arrest. Phosphatidylserine is possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease but has insufficient evidence for ADHD and other cognitive conditions.

The product as a whole aims at cognitive support, but the strength of evidence varies by ingredient.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Zinc Acetyl-l-carnitine Vitamin B6 Citicoline Phosphatidylserine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Zinc is generally well tolerated in recommended amounts but can cause nausea, diarrhea, metallic taste, and abdominal cramps at higher doses. The tolerable upper limit for adults is 40 mg daily; high-dose zinc long-term may increase the risk of copper deficiency.

Acetyl-L-carnitine is generally well tolerated short-term but causes agitation, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, reduced appetite, and a possible fishy odor in urine or breath; long-term safety is not fully established. Vitamin B6 is safe at normal dietary and recommended doses but high doses over time can cause sensory nerve damage; doses above 1,000 mg daily carry the most risk.

Cognizin is generally well tolerated; common side effects include headache, insomnia, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. Phosphatidylserine is well tolerated; possible side effects are insomnia (especially at higher doses), headache, nausea, and flatulence.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Zinc Acetyl-l-carnitine Vitamin B6 Citicoline Phosphatidylserine

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Acetyl-l-carnitine, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Phosphatidylserine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 618 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking CogniPhos, check with your pharmacist if you take quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, cephalexin, penicillamine, blood thinners (warfarin or acenocoumarol), HIV medications (ritonavir or integrase inhibitors), serotonergic drugs like antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs, thyroid hormone replacement, seizure medications (phenobarbital or phenytoin), amiodarone, anticholinergic drugs, or cholinergic drugs. These interactions range from Moderate to Minor severity and can reduce how well your medication works or raise side effect risks.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

CogniPhos may be worth considering if you're looking to support cognitive function and have no relevant prescription medications. If you take blood thinners, antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs, seizure medications, thyroid replacement, or any antibiotics or HIV drugs, talk to your pharmacist before starting — this product has multiple documented interactions.

Anyone on regular medications should check their specific drugs with the tool on this page.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 23, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about CogniPhos, straight from the product label.

Brand Pure Encapsulations
Barcode (UPC) 766298019802
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 23, 2024
DSLD ID 309486
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for CogniPhos by Pure Encapsulations, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
766298019802
IngredientAmount% DV
Zinc5 mg45%
Acetyl-L-Carnitine500 mg--
Vitamin B610 mg588%
Cognizin125 mg--
Sharp-PS Green100 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Water, Plant Fiber

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendations: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules, 1-2 times daily, with meals, or as directed by a health professional.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant or lactating, have any health condition or are taking any medication, consult your health professional before use.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Use only if safety seal is intact.

General Statements

Contents may not fill package in order to accommodate required labeling. Please rely on stated quantity. Scan to learn about our hypoallergenic supplements

Formulation

Certified Gluten-Free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, www.gluten.org

Support for cognitive performance and behavior Gluten-free, Non-GMO & hypoallergenic

Gluten-free, Non-GMO & hypoallergenic

Seals/Symbols

GFCO.org (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Cognizin is a registered trademark of KYOWA HAKKO BIO., LTD. Sharp-PS is a registered trademark of Enzymotec Ltd.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

CogniPhos by Pure Encapsulations label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

CogniPhos label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in CogniPhos by Pure Encapsulations

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Zinc

Interacts with
67 drugs
5 mg per serving Form: Zinc Citrate

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...

Zinc monograph & interactions

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Interacts with
203 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a form of the amino acid carnitine that the body uses to help produce energy in cells. It is most studied for nerve pain and mem...

Acetyl-L-Carnitine monograph & interactions

Vitamin B6

Interacts with
210 drugs
10 mg per serving Form: Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is b...

Vitamin B6 monograph & interactions

Cognizin

No known
interactions
125 mg per serving Form: Citicoline

Citicoline is a naturally occurring compound involved in making brain cell membranes and the messenger chemical acetylcholine. It is popularly taken f...

Cognizin monograph & interactions

Sharp-PS Green

Interacts with
219 drugs
100 mg per serving Form: Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is a natural fat-like compound found in cell membranes, especially in the brain, and it is sold mainly to support memory and thinki...

Sharp-PS Green monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Water, Plant Fiber. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

CogniPhos by Pure Encapsulations Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against CogniPhos?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
618Drugs
611 Moderate 7 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Sharp-PS Green 219
Vitamin B6 210
Acetyl-L-Carnitine 203
Zinc 67

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in CogniPhos interact with 618 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 5 ingredients in CogniPhos interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Sharp-PS Green Vitamin B6 Acetyl-L-Carnitine Zinc

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in CogniPhos with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Sharp-PS Green2 drug types · 219 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might decrease the effectiveness anticholinergic drugs.
Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels, which could theoretically interfere with the activity of anticholinergic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might have additive effects with cholinergic drugs.
Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels, which could theoretically lead to additive cholinergic effects when used with cholinergic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sharp-PS Green full monograph & interactions

Vitamin B65 drug types · 210 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
Despite initial case reports suggesting that pyridoxine may have a protective effect against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity, preliminary clinical research suggests that pyridoxine may actually exacerbate this adverse effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that vitamin B6 can decrease systolic blood pressure. Similarly, clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking high doses of vitamin B6 may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly by reducing plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenobarbital, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenobarbital to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenytoin, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenytoin to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Vitamin B6 may increase the metabolism of levodopa when taken alone, but not when taken in conjunction with carbidopa.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) enhances the metabolism of levodopa, reducing its clinical effects. However, this interaction does not occur when carbidopa is used concurrently with levodopa (Sinemet). Therefore, it is not likely to be a problem in most people.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Vitamin B6 full monograph & interactions

Acetyl-L-Carnitine4 drug types · 203 drugs

Acenocoumarol (Sintrom)

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol.
L-carnitine, the parent compound of acetyl-L-carnitine, might enhance the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, an oral anticoagulant that is similar to warfarin, but shorter-acting. There are at least two case reports of INR elevation when L-carnitine was taken with acenocoumarol. In one case, a 33-year-old male with a previously stable INR had an elevated INR of 4.65 after L-carnitine was started and continued for 10 weeks. INR normalized after discontinuation of the L-carnitine-containing product. It is unclear if such an interaction would also occur with acetyl-L-carnitine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders, when taken with serotonergic drugs.
Animal research shows that acetyl-L-carnitine can increase levels of serotonin in the brain.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might decrease the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement.
L-carnitine appears to act as a peripheral thyroid hormone antagonist by inhibiting entry of thyroid hormone into the nucleus of cells. Taking L-carnitine also seems to diminish some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It is unclear if such an interaction would occur with acetyl-L-carnitine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
L-carnitine, the parent compound of acetyl-L-carnitine, might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, a shorter-acting oral anticoagulant similar to warfarin. There is not enough information to know whether this interaction occurs with acetyl-L-carnitine and warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetyl-L-Carnitine full monograph & interactions

Zinc10 drug types · 67 drugs

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cephalexin (Keflex)

Zinc might decrease cephalexin levels by chelating with cephalexin in the gut and preventing its absorption.
A pharmacokinetic study shows that zinc sulfate 250 mg taken concomitantly with cephalexin 500 mg decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 31% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 27%. Also, taking zinc sulfate 3 hours before cephalexin decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 11% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 18%. By decreasing cephalexin levels, zinc might increase the risk of treatment failure. This effect does not occur when zinc is taken 3 hours after the cephalexin dose. To avoid an interaction, advise patients take zinc sulfate 3 hours after taking cephalexin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, zinc might interfere with the therapeutic effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that zinc stimulates tumor cell production of the protein metallothionein, which binds and inactivates cisplatin. It is not known whether zinc supplements or high dietary zinc intake can cause clinically significant interference with cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin might also increase zinc excretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Integrase Inhibitors

Theoretically, taking zinc along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Zinc is a divalent cation. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that other divalent cations such as calcium and iron can decrease blood levels of the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Zinc might reduce the levels and clinical effects of penicillamine.
By forming an insoluble complex with penicillamine, zinc interferes with penicillamine absorption and activity. Zinc supplements reduce the efficacy of low-dose penicillamine (0.5-1 gram/day), but do not seem to affect higher doses (1-2.75 gram/day), provided dosing times are separated. Advise patients to take zinc and penicillamine at least 2 hours apart.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Quinolones form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption of both the quinolone and zinc if taken at the same time. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Ritonavir (Norvir)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Clinical research shows that zinc might reduce serum ritonavir levels by chelating with ritonavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. In patients with HIV, ritonavir is taken with atazanavir to prevent the metabolism and increase the effects of atazanavir. A pharmacokinetic study shows that, in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg as a single dose or as multiple daily doses for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of ritonavir by about 16%. However, atazanavir levels still remains high enough to prevent HIV virus replication. Therefore, the decrease in ritonavir levels is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Tetracyclines form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce absorption of both the tetracycline and zinc when taken at the same time. Taking zinc sulfate 200 mg with tetracycline reduces absorption of the antibiotic by 30% to 40%. Demeclocycline and minocycline cause a similar interaction. However, doxycycline does not seem to interact significantly with zinc. Advise patients to take tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements to avoid any interactions.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Amiloride (Midamor)

Amiloride can modestly reduce zinc excretion and increase zinc levels.
Clinical research shows that amiloride can reduce urinary zinc excretion, especially at doses of 10 mg per day or more. This zinc-sparing effect can help to counteract zinc losses caused by thiazide diuretics, but it is unlikely to cause zinc toxicity at usual amiloride doses. The other potassium-sparing diuretics, spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium), do not seem to have a zinc-sparing effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of atazanavir, although this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
Clinical research shows that zinc might decrease serum atazanavir levels by chelating with atazanavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. Although a single dose of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg orally does not affect atazanavir concentrations in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate 125 mg daily for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of atazanavir by about 22% in these patients. However, despite this decrease, atazanavir levels still remain at high enough concentrations for the prevention of HIV virus replication.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Zinc full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for CogniPhos, from the product label.

Pure Encapsulations

See all Pure Encapsulations products
Name
Pure Encapsulations
Street Address
490 Boston Post Road
City
Sudbury
State
MA
Phone Number
1-800-753-2277
Web Address
www.PureEncapsulations.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

CogniPhos by Pure Encapsulations: Common Questions

Does CogniPhos by Pure Encapsulations interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, CogniPhos has a known interaction with 618 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
CogniPhos contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take CogniPhos if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Zinc is likely safe in pregnancy but has mixed data on lactation. Acetyl-L-carnitine has insufficient safety information during pregnancy and lactation — the facts recommend avoiding it while breastfeeding. Vitamin B6 is likely safe in pregnancy but possibly unsafe at high doses; it's likely safe while breastfeeding. Cognizin and phosphatidylserine both lack enough safety data for pregnancy and breastfeeding, so the facts advise avoiding them. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to weigh the risks and benefits for your situation.
What are the most common side effects?
Zinc may cause nausea, diarrhea, metallic taste, and abdominal cramps. Acetyl-L-carnitine can cause agitation, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, and reduced appetite. Vitamin B6 may cause headache, nausea, and vomiting. Cognizin and phosphatidylserine commonly cause headache, insomnia, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset. Most side effects are mild and dose-related.
Does this product work for memory and brain health?
The evidence varies. Acetyl-L-carnitine, Cognizin (citicoline), and phosphatidylserine are all possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease, though the data isn't conclusive. For other cognitive concerns like ADHD or traumatic brain injury, the evidence is insufficient. Zinc and vitamin B6 aren't specifically rated for brain health in our data.
Is zinc safe to take long-term at the dose in this product?
Zinc is generally well tolerated when used as recommended, but the facts note that high doses above 40 mg daily taken long-term may increase the risk of copper deficiency. You'd need to know the exact zinc amount in your capsule to assess this; check the label or ask your pharmacist.
Why do I need to separate zinc from my antibiotics?
Zinc forms an insoluble complex with certain antibiotics in your stomach, which blocks your body from absorbing the antibiotic. This makes the antibiotic less effective and also reduces how much zinc you absorb. Taking them at least 2 hours apart (or 4–6 hours after zinc, depending on the antibiotic) prevents this interference.
Can this product affect how my blood thinner works?
Yes — acetyl-L-carnitine in CogniPhos may theoretically increase the blood-thinning effect of warfarin or acenocoumarol. If you take either of these medications, check with your pharmacist before adding this product.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

CogniPhos label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind CogniPhos’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Zinc

Interacts with 67 drugs

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but supplements can help correct or prevent a defici...

Read the full Zinc monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Acetyl-l-carnitine

Interacts with 203 drugs

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a form of the amino acid carnitine that the body uses to help produce energy in cells. It is most studied for nerve pain and memory-related conditions, though the evide...

Read the full Acetyl-l-carnitine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin B6

Interacts with 210 drugs

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is best known for helping with pregnancy-rel...

Read the full Vitamin B6 monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Citicoline

Citicoline is a naturally occurring compound involved in making brain cell membranes and the messenger chemical acetylcholine. It is popularly taken for memory, focus, and brain aging, and s...

Read the full Citicoline monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Phosphatidylserine

Interacts with 219 drugs

Phosphatidylserine is a natural fat-like compound found in cell membranes, especially in the brain, and it is sold mainly to support memory and thinking. Some research suggests possible bene...

Read the full Phosphatidylserine monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

CogniPhos's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 162 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Zinc 88 references
  1. Barceloux DG. Zinc. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1999;37:279-92.
  2. Eby GA, Davis DR, Halcomb WW. Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1984;25:20-4. DOI
  3. Smith DS, Helzner EC, Nuttall CE Jr, et al. Failure of zinc gluconate in treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1989;33:646-8. PubMed
  4. Blondeau JM. Expanded activity and utility of the new fluoroquinolones: a review. Clin Ther 1999;21:3-40. PubMed
  5. Reyes AJ, Olhaberry JV, Leary WP, et al. Urinary zinc excretion, diuretics, zinc deficiency and some side-effects of diuretics. S Afr Med J 1983;64:936-41.
  6. Kugelmas M. Preliminary observation: oral zinc sulfate replacement is effective in treating muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:13-5. PubMed
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  6. Dinsdale, J. R., Griffiths, G. K., Castello, J., Maddock, J., Ortiz, J. A., and Aylward, M. CDP-choline: repeated oral dose tolerance studies in adult healthy volunteers. Arzneimittelforschung. 1983;33(7A):1061-1065.
  7. Clark BC, Georgekutty J, Berul CI. Myocardial ischemia secondary to synthetic cannabinoid (K2) use in pediatric patients. J Pediatr 2015;167(3):757-61.e1. PubMed
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  9. Castagna A, Manzo C, Fabbo A, Lacava R, Ruberto C, Ruotolo G. The CITIMERIVA Study: CITIcoline plus MEmantina plus RIVAstigmine in Older Patients Affected with Alzheimer's Disease. Clin Drug Investig. 2021 Feb;41(2):177-182. PubMed
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See these in context on the Citicoline monograph →

Phosphatidylserine 9 references
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See these in context on the Phosphatidylserine monograph →

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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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