Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Memory Formula Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC 50 Plus

Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Memory Formula is a dietary supplement by GNC 50 Plus with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for memory and cognitive support, age-related cognitive decline, attention and focus (adhd).Based on those ingredients, 219 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Phosphatidyl Serine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Memory Formula by GNC 50 Plus

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

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Memory Formula has three active ingredients. Docosahexaenoic Acid is an omega-3 fatty acid (a type of fat your brain uses).

Phosphatidyl Serine and Phosphatidyl Choline are both phospholipids — fats that make up cell membranes in your brain and body. The softgel capsule also contains inactive ingredients like gelatin, glycerin, soy lecithin, caramel color, and titanium dioxide.

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, Memory, Brain health, Mental performance — and 1 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Phosphatidylcholine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Memory.
  • Also on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cognitive function.

Phosphatidyl Serine is possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease. For other uses listed — ADHD, general cognitive function, and dementia — the evidence isn't established in the data we hold.

Phosphatidyl Choline is possibly effective for ulcerative colitis, but for Alzheimer disease and anxiety, the evidence is insufficient. We don't have effectiveness ratings for Docosahexaenoic Acid in this product.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Phosphatidylserine Phosphatidylcholine

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Phosphatidyl Serine is generally well tolerated but has some common side effects: flatulence, gastrointestinal upset, headache, insomnia (especially at higher doses), and nausea. Phosphatidyl Choline is also generally well tolerated; side effects from oral use include altered taste, bloating, diarrhea, itching, nausea, sweating, and vomiting — mostly at very high doses.

The safety data advises against Phosphatidyl Serine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For Phosphatidyl Choline, there isn't enough data on supplement use during breastfeeding — speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Choline is needed in pregnancy, but supplement safety beyond food sources is not well studied, so check with your doctor if you're pregnant.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Phosphatidylserine Phosphatidylcholine

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?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Phosphatidylserine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 219 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.

Check with us before taking this if you're on anticholinergic drugs (like some antihistamines or bladder medications) or cholinergic drugs (like some medications for Alzheimer disease or myasthenia gravis). Both are Moderate severity concerns.

We couldn't check one ingredient, Docosahexaenoic Acid, so run your full medication list through the checker to be sure.

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.

This formula may help with age-related memory decline, but it's most relevant if you have anticholinergic or cholinergic medications on your list — those need to be checked first. It's generally well tolerated, though some people notice digestive upset or insomnia.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your pharmacist before starting.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 26, 2011.

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 Memory Formula, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC 50 Plus
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 26, 2011
DSLD ID 1637
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Memory Formula by GNC 50 Plus, 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 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Docosahexaenoic Acid100 mg--
Phosphatidyl Serine100 mg--
Phosphatidyl Choline100 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Caramel color, Titanium Dioxide

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.
Formulation

No sugar, No Starch, No Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, No Preservatives, No Sodium, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Corn, No Dairy, Yeast Free.

Precautions

CONTAINS: Soybeans and Fish (Anchovies).

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

ACTUAL SIZE

CODE 517466 KJG

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

Easy-to-Swallow

GNC GUARANTEE Use any GNC supplement for as little as 10 days. If you are not 100% completely satisfied, return the unused portion of the product with proof of purchase to your GNC store for a complete refund of your purchase price. No questions asked!

GNC QUALITY COMMITMENT GNC, the leader in the development and manufacture of dietary supplements, is committed to producing the highest quality products available. This commitment begins with quality designed supplement formulations. Every raw material that goes into a GNC supplement is guaranteed as to quality and potency. Each product is dated and then shipped immediately to our stores, so you can be sure you are purchasing the freshest supplements available. At GNC, we extend our quality commitment to you by offering our money-back guarantee.

Made in the USA

Scientifically Formulated

WHY GNC 50 PLUS? GNC 50 PLUS products are scientifically designed to address your changing nutritional needs and specific health concerns. -Unique formulations designed to put you in control of your nutritional regimen. -Carefully formulated supplements that may be used together, and with a GNC 50 PLUS multivitamin. -Designed and quality tested to facilitate optimum utilization by the body. -Easy-to-swallow, convenient once daily dosing.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take two softgels daily.

See for yourself

Memory Formula by GNC 50 Plus label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Memory Formula by GNC 50 Plus

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container30 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.

Docosahexaenoic Acid

100 mg per serving

Phosphatidyl Serine

Interacts with
219 drugs
100 mg per serving

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...

Phosphatidyl Serine monograph & interactions

Phosphatidyl Choline

No known
interactions
100 mg per serving

Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid that is part of every cell membrane and a source of choline. People take it for liver, brain, and gut health, bu...

Phosphatidyl Choline monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Caramel color, Titanium Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Memory Formula by GNC 50 Plus Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Memory Formula?

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
219Drugs
219 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Phosphatidyl Serine2 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Memory Formula, from the product label.

GNC 50 Plus

See all GNC 50 Plus products
Name
General Nutrition Corporation
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Memory Formula by GNC 50 Plus: Common Questions

Does Memory Formula by GNC 50 Plus interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Memory Formula has a known interaction with 219 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Memory Formula contains 3 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.
Does this help with Alzheimer disease?
Phosphatidyl Serine — one of the three active ingredients — is possibly effective for Alzheimer disease. The other two, Docosahexaenoic Acid and Phosphatidyl Choline, don't have enough evidence we can point to for that specific condition.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
The safety data advises against Phosphatidyl Serine during pregnancy. Phosphatidyl Choline — choline itself is needed in pregnancy — but there isn't enough research on supplement safety beyond food sources. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What are the side effects I should watch for?
Most common are digestive issues like flatulence, nausea, or bloating; headache and insomnia can also happen, especially with higher doses. These tend to be mild and aren't serious, but let us know if they bother you.
Is Docosahexaenoic Acid the same as fish oil?
Docosahexaenoic Acid, or DHA, is one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and fatty fish. It's a fat your brain uses, but we don't have specific effectiveness ratings for it in this product.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Safety while breastfeeding is unknown for Phosphatidyl Serine, so avoidance is recommended. For Phosphatidyl Choline, there isn't enough reliable data — speak with your healthcare provider first.

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

Not sure if Memory Formula is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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.

Memory Formula label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Memory Formula'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 24 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.

Phosphatidylserine 9 references
  1. Crook T, Petrie W, Wells C, Massari DC. Effects of phosphatidylserine in Alzheimer's disease. Psychopharmacol Bull 1992;28:61-6.
  2. Pepping J. Phosphatidylserine. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 1999;56:2038,2043-4.
  3. Kidd PM. Phosphatidylserine; Membrane nutrient for memory. A clinical and mechanistic assessment. Altern Med Rev 1996;1:70-84.
  4. Kim HY, Akbar M, Lau A, et al. Inhibition of neuronal apoptosis by docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3). Role of phosphatidylserine in antiapoptotic effect. J Biol Chem 2000;275:35215-23.. PubMed
  5. Zanotti A, Valzelli L, Toffano G. Chronic phosphatidylserine treatment improves spatial memory and passive avoidance in aged rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1989;99:316-21.. PubMed
  6. Schreiber S, Kampf-Sherf O, Gorfine M, et al. An open trial of plant-source derived phosphatydilserine for treatment of age-related cognitive decline. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci 2000;37:302-7.
  7. Pepping, J. Phosphatidylserine. Am J Health Syst.Pharm. 10-15-1999;56(20):2038, 2043-2038, 2044.
  8. Monteverde, A., Gnemmi, P., Rossi, F., Monteverde, A., and Finali, G. C. Selegiline in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer-type dementia. Clin.Ther 1990;12(4):315-322.
  9. Vakhapova V, Cohen T, Richter Y, Herzog Y, Kam Y, Korczyn AD. Phosphatidylserine containing omega-3 Fatty acids may improve memory abilities in nondemented elderly individuals with memory complaints: results from an open-label extension study. Dement Geri PubMed

See these in context on the Phosphatidylserine monograph →

Phosphatidylcholine 15 references
  1. Domino EF, May WW, Demetriou S, et al. Lack of clinically significant improvement of patients with tardive dyskinesia following phosphatidylcholine therapy. Biol Psychiatry 1985;20:1189-96. PubMed
  2. Aronson PJ, Lorincz AL. Promotion of palmar sweating with oral phosphatidylcholine. Acta Derm Venereol 1985;65:19-24. DOI
  3. Hexsel DM, Serra M, de Oliveira Dal'Forno T, et al. Cosmetic uses of injectable phosphatidylcholine on the face. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2005;38:1119-29. PubMed
  4. Kopera D, Binder B, Toplak H, et al. Histopathologic changes after intralesional application of phosphatidylcholine for lipoma reduction: report of a case. Am J Dermatopathol 2006;28:331-3. PubMed
  5. Rittes PG. The use of phosphatidylcholine for correction of lower lid bulging due to prominent fat pads. Dermatol Surg 2001;27:391-2. PubMed
  6. Rotunda AM, Kolodney MS. Mesotherapy and phosphatidylcholine injections: historical clarification and review. Dermatol Surg 2006;32:465-80. PubMed
  7. Hexsel D, Serra M, Mazzuco R, et al. Phosphatidylcholine in the treatment of localized fat. J Drugs Dermatol 2003;2:511-8.
  8. Hasengschwandtner F. Phosphatidylcholine treatment to induce lipolysis. Cosmet Dermatol 2005;4:308-13. PubMed
  9. Rittes PG. The use of phosphatidylcholine for correction of localized fat deposits. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2003;27:315-8. PubMed
  10. Ablon G, Rotunda AM. Treatment of lower eyelid fat pads using phosphatidylcholine: clinical trial and review. Dermatol Surg 2004;30:422-7. PubMed
  11. Loguercio C, Andreone P, Brisc C, et al. Silybin combined with phosphatidylcholine and vitamin E in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial. Free Radic Biol Med 2012;52(9):1658-65. PubMed
  12. Panos, J. M., Palson, R., Johnson, R., Portmann, B., and Williams, R. Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine for acute alcoholic hepatitis: a double blind randomized placebo controlled trial. Eur.J.Gastroenterol 1990;2:351-355.
  13. Stremmel W, Braun A, Hanemann A, Ehehalt R, Autschbach F, Karner M. Delayed release phosphatidylcholine in chronic-active ulcerative colitis: a randomized, double-blinded, dose finding study. J Clin Gastroenterol 2010;44(5):e101-7. PubMed
  14. Stremmel W, Ehehalt R, Autschbach F, Karner M. Phosphatidylcholine for steroid-refractory chronic ulcerative colitis: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147(9):603-10. PubMed
  15. Stremmel W, Vural H, Evliyaoglu O, Weiskirchen R. Delayed Release Phosphatidylcholine is Effective for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Meta-Analysis. Dig Dis 2021;39(5):508-515. PubMed

See these in context on the Phosphatidylcholine monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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