Home Ingredients BioPS® (Soy Phosphatidylserine — ECA Healthcare)
Cognitive

BioPS® (Soy Phosphatidylserine — ECA Healthcare)

Evidence Level
Moderate
0 Clinical Trials
3 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

BioPS® is a soy-derived phosphatidylserine (PS) from ECA Healthcare, a phospholipid that is a key building block of brain-cell membranes. Phosphatidylserine has been studied for cognitive function and carries an FDA qualified health claim for reducing the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly, though the FDA notes only very limited and preliminary scientific research supports this. Much of the strongest cognitive research used bovine-cortex PS; evidence specific to soy-derived PS is more limited.

Studied Dose Commonly 100 to 300 mg per day.
Active Compound Phosphatidylserine (PS), a phospholipid, derived from non-GMO soy lecithin.

Benefits

Memory and cognition

Phosphatidylserine is studied for supporting memory and cognitive function, and carries an FDA qualified health claim regarding cognitive dysfunction in the elderly, though the FDA states this is supported by only very limited and preliminary scientific research.

Brain-cell membrane support

As a major phospholipid in brain-cell membranes, PS supports the structure and signaling of neurons.

Stress and focus

Phosphatidylserine has also been studied for supporting a calmer stress response and mental focus.

Mechanism of action

1

Membrane phospholipid

Phosphatidylserine is a core component of neuronal membranes, supporting fluidity, receptor function, and cell-to-cell signaling.

2

Neurotransmission support

PS supports the release and activity of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine that are involved in memory.

Clinical trials

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated.
Mild digestive upset or insomnia is occasionally reported at higher doses.
Contains soy; avoid if you have a soy allergy.

Important Drug interactions

Blood thinners — PS may have a mild additive effect; monitor.
Alzheimer's or cholinergic medications — consult a doctor.
Tell your doctor about all supplements if you take medication.

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Frequently asked questions about BioPS® (Soy Phosphatidylserine — ECA Healthcare)

What is BioPS?

BioPS® is a soy-derived phosphatidylserine (PS) from ECA Healthcare, a phospholipid that is a key building block of brain-cell membranes. Phosphatidylserine has been studied for cognitive function and carries an FDA qualified health claim for reducing the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly, though the FDA not…

What is BioPS used for?

BioPS is researched primarily for Cognitive. Phosphatidylserine is studied for supporting memory and cognitive function, and carries an FDA qualified health claim regarding cognitive dysfunction in the elderly, though the FDA states this is supported by only very limited and prelimina…

What is the recommended dosage of BioPS?

The clinically studied dose is Commonly 100 to 300 mg per day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is BioPS safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, BioPS is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated. Mild digestive upset or insomnia is occasionally reported at higher doses. It may also interact with some medications. BioPS is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does BioPS interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Blood thinners — PS may have a mild additive effect; monitor. Alzheimer's or cholinergic medications — consult a doctor. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for BioPS?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for BioPS as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 3 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(3 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Cenacchi T, Bertoldin T, Farina C, et al. Cognitive decline in the elderly: a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study on efficacy of phosphatidylserine administration Aging (Milano). 1993;5(2):123-33. doi: 10.1007/BF03324139.PubMedUsed to support: Multicenter double-blind RCT (300 mg/day BC-PS vs placebo, 6 months, elderly patients with cognitive impairment across 23 Italian centers) showing significant improvements in behavioral and cognitive parameters. Supports memory and cognition benefit claim; This trial used bovine-cortex PS (BC-PS), not soy-PS; it is PS compound-level evidence from a different source than BioPS — not a soy-PS or BioPS-branded trial.
  2. Moré MI, Freitas U, Rutenberg D Positive effects of soy lecithin-derived phosphatidylserine plus phosphatidic acid on memory, cognition, daily functioning, and mood in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease and dementia Advances in Therapy. 2014;31(12):1247-62. doi: 10.1007/s12325-014-0165-1.PubMedUsed to support: Study of soy lecithin-derived phosphatidylserine plus phosphatidic acid (a PS+PA combination, not PS alone) reporting improvements in memory, mood, and daily functioning in elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This is combination compound-level evidence in a disease population; results cannot be attributed to soy-PS alone or to BioPS specifically.
  3. Starks MA, Starks SL, Kingsley M, et al. The effects of phosphatidylserine on endocrine response to moderate intensity exercise Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2008;5:11. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-5-11.PubMedUsed to support: Double-blind crossover RCT (soy-PS 600 mg/day for 10 days in trained men) showing blunted cortisol and ACTH response to exercise stress vs placebo. Supports stress and focus benefit claims via HPA-axis modulation; compound-level evidence, not BioPS-branded trial.