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Dietary supplement

Phosphatidylserine Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by The Vitamin Shoppe

Phosphatidylserine Complex label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
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 Phosphatidylserine Complex 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

Phosphatidylserine Complex is a dietary supplement by The Vitamin Shoppe with 1 active ingredient. 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 Phosphatidylserine Complex. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Phosphatidylserine Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Phosphatidylserine Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Phosphatidylserine Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe

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 Sep 3, 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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • “Phosphatidylserine Complex” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (500 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains four active ingredients, all phospholipids — a type of fat molecule that makes up cell membranes and nerve tissue. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine are the two we have the most information on; phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine round out the blend.

The inactive ingredients are gelatin (the capsule material), glycerin, and purified water.

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: Brain memory focus.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cognitive function, Dementia, Memory — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Alzheimer disease.
  • Also on file: Phosphatidylcholine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Alzheimer disease, Memory, Dementia.

Phosphatidylserine has the strongest evidence for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease, where it's rated Possibly Effective — meaning there's some promising data, but more research is needed. Phosphatidylcholine shows Possibly Effective evidence for ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel condition.

For other uses in this product — athletic performance, ADHD, general cognitive function, and other liver or brain conditions — the evidence we hold is either insufficient or not yet established.

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.

Phosphatidylcholine is generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses, though high amounts (30 grams per day or more) may cause digestive upset and diarrhea. Smaller doses can occasionally trigger bloating, altered taste, nausea, or vomiting.

Phosphatidylserine is also generally well tolerated but may cause flatulence, nausea, headache, or insomnia, especially at higher doses around 600 mg. Long-term safety of phosphatidylserine isn't fully established.

For pregnancy: phosphatidylcholine contains choline, which the body needs during pregnancy, but safety data on supplements beyond food sources is limited — talk with your doctor before use. Phosphatidylserine should be avoided in pregnancy because there isn't enough safety information.

For breastfeeding, data on both ingredients is insufficient, so check with your healthcare provider first.

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 your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you use anticholinergic drugs (medications that slow nerve signals, often prescribed for overactive bladder or muscle spasms) or cholinergic drugs (medications that boost nerve signals, sometimes used for Alzheimer disease or myasthenia gravis). Phosphatidylserine may theoretically interfere with both types.

No interactions are documented for the two other ingredients in this product.

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 product may help with age-related memory changes or early Alzheimer disease based on phosphatidylserine, though the evidence is still building. If you take anticholinergic or cholinergic medications, you'll need to check those specific drugs against the interaction tool before starting, since phosphatidylserine could theoretically affect how they work.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before combining this supplement with any prescription medications, and especially before using it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2016.

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 Phosphatidylserine Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand The Vitamin Shoppe
Barcode (UPC) 766536013616
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2016
DSLD ID 60110
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Phosphatidylserine Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe, 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:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
766536013616
IngredientAmount% DV
Phosphatidylinositol1.5 mg--
Phosphatidylcholine25 mg--
Phosphatidylserine100 mg--
Phosphatidylethanolamine2.5 mg--
Phosphatidylserine Complex500 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, purified Water

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.
General Statements

Visit www.vitaminshoppe.com or call 1-800-223-1216 for more information and to reorder.

Brain Memory Focus

Specialty

Actual size

Naturally occurring, amounts may vary.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Dairy free Nut free

Does not contain: Yeast, Corn, Wheat, Sugar, Salt, Starch, Dairy, Citrus, Fish, Preservatives, Artificial Colors or Flavors.

Formula

Contains: Soy.

Precautions

Contains: Soy.

WARNING: Consult your healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have any medical conditions.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper evident Do not use if outer seal is broken or missing.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Sharp-PS is a trademark of Enzymotec Corporation.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: As a dietary supplement, take one (1) softgel up to three (3) times daily, preferably between meals.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General

Item No. VS-1361 1046036 BQ 52

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

See for yourself

Phosphatidylserine Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe label

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

Phosphatidylserine Complex 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 Phosphatidylserine Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Phosphatidylserine Complex

Interacts with
219 drugs
500 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...

Phosphatidylserine Complex monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Purified Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Phosphatidylserine Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Phosphatidylserine Complex?

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

Phosphatidylserine Complex 219

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Phosphatidylserine Complex interact with 219 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Phosphatidylserine Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Phosphatidylserine Complex

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Phosphatidylserine Complex 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.

Phosphatidylserine Complex2 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
Phosphatidylserine Complex full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Phosphatidylserine Complex, from the product label.

The Vitamin Shoppe

See all The Vitamin Shoppe products
Name
Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
City
Secaucus
State
NJ
ZipCode
07094
Phone Number
1-800-223-1216
Web Address
www.vitaminshoppe.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Phosphatidylserine Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe: Common Questions

Does Phosphatidylserine Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Phosphatidylserine Complex 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?
Phosphatidylserine Complex contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
What does phosphatidylserine actually do in the body?
Phosphatidylserine is a fat that makes up cell membranes, especially in nerve and brain tissue. It's thought to support brain function and may help with memory and thinking as you age. It's rated Possibly Effective for age-related memory decline and Alzheimer disease, meaning there's some good evidence but we need more research.
Will this help my memory or focus?
Phosphatidylserine shows Possibly Effective evidence for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease. For other uses like general focus, ADHD, or athletic performance, we don't have enough reliable evidence yet to say whether it works.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Phosphatidylserine should be avoided during pregnancy because there isn't enough safety data. Phosphatidylcholine contains choline, which your body needs in pregnancy, but supplement safety beyond food sources hasn't been well studied — talk with your doctor before use.
What side effects should I watch for?
The most common are digestive: bloating, nausea, diarrhea, or flatulence. Headache and insomnia can occur, especially at higher doses. Most people tolerate it well at normal supplement doses, but high amounts may cause more stomach upset.
Is there anything else in this capsule besides the active ingredients?
Yes, the capsule itself is made of gelatin, and there's glycerin and purified water in the softgel. Those are inactive ingredients used to make the capsule work — they're not the active part of the product.
Can I take this with my blood pressure medication?
That depends on exactly what you're taking. Use the medication checker on this page to look up your specific drug, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you right away whether it's safe to combine with 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.

Phosphatidylserine Complex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Phosphatidylserine Complex’s Ingredients

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

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 → Herb & supplement monograph

Phosphatidylcholine

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, but solid human evidence is limited for mo...

Read the full Phosphatidylcholine monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Phosphatidylserine Complex'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.

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 →

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 →

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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