L-Serine is a naturally occurring amino acid that plays an important role in the folding of proteins.

L-serine, a naturally occurring amino acid, is manufactured within the human body and also present in the foods we eat. It was first scientifically examined in 1865 when German chemist Emil Cramer extracted L-serine from silk protein. Silk protein is a particularly rich source of L-Serine; it actually gets its name from the Latin word for silk — sericum.

L-serine is an intriguing, naturally occurring amino acid that has a variety of beautiful applications for a healthy body and beyond.

Serine exists in two forms — L-serine and D-serine. Each have unique properties and a different structure:

The body utilizes L-serine in several ways. It is also useful as a supplement for various conditions.
D-serine works as a neurotransmitter within the body, but is poorly absorbed as an oral supplement.

L-serine is a hardworking amino acid and an important factor in body operations. It is highly important because it processes other amino acids and metabolizes fats and fatty acids. It also has a role in muscle growth, immune system health and is necessary for the body’s manufacture of phosphatidylserine.

Beyond this, L-serine is a major topic of study in the scientific world. In fact, it is capable of improving symptoms in chronically ill patients. And there may be more good news to come as clinical studies continue. L-serine is being employed to diminish annoying symptoms and reduce destructive proteins. It is also providing benefits to sleep, blood flow, mood and skin. L-serine is a product of the simplest amino acid in the body, glycine, as well as the amino acid threonine.

Glycine and Threonine

L-serine is basically generated from two other amino acids — glycine and threonine.

Glycine

Like any other amino acid, glycine is a protein building block. The body can manufacture glycine on its own, and we can ingest glycine within the limits of a normal, healthy diet. The main sources of glycine are present in protein-rich fare such as meat, dairy products, legumes and fish.

Besides being a source for L-serine, glycine is useful on its own. Glycine is a common use in different health applications, including treatment for sleep problems, schizophrenia and certain metabolic disorders. Glycine also protects the kidneys from the harsh effects of some drugs used after organ transplants. It can reduce the harmful effects of alcohol on the liver and may even prevent cancer and enhance memory. This versatile, natural chemical is also an effective balm to heal skin ulcers and various wounds.

Glycine partners well with serine and other amino acids to treat seizures. In this application, each amino acid seems to be enhanced by the interaction of the others; treatment becomes more effective when the amino acids work in combination with one another (x).

Threonine

This is an essential amino acid, meaning the body cannot generate it itself. Threonine is largely present in dairy, eggs and most meats. Plant-based sources aren’t as rich in threonine, but it can also be gained from eating nuts, beans, vegetables and wheat germ.

Threonine lurks mostly around the central nervous system and offers many body benefits. Among other functions, threonine supports the nervous system and immune system, as well as the liver and cardiovascular system while aiding the synthesis of glycine and serine. Its role with the immune system makes it an important part of wound healing and bone building. Threonine also plays a major role in collagen production and proper fat metabolism in the liver (x).

What the Latest Research on L-Serine Says

Emerging research on L-serine suggests that there are potential new and exciting applications for L-serine. A recent article in Fortune profiled research led by ethnobotanist Paul Cox, who studies the way indigenous people use plants in their customs and diet. With his researchers at his nonprofit Brain Chemistry Labs, Cox is studying how the amino acid L-serine may be neuroprotective and play an important role in nervous system health.²

Research is still ongoing, and recent findings are showing a need for more studies on the effect L-serine in the diet may have for the body and nervous system function.

Other Benefits of L-Serine

L-serine is crucial at proper levels in a healthy body, but it also holds benefits for those who struggle with various chronic ailments and medical issues. Studies have been positive and are ongoing, and some of the targeted groups that may benefit from L-serine include:

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

L-serine is being studied as a help to patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive and degenerative disease that affects the brain’s nerve cells and the spinal cord. Amyotrophic is a word with Greek roots, literally meaning “no muscle nourishment.”

The FDA is conducting clinical studies to determine how L-serine can effectively help ALS patients. One double-blind trial was conducted for six months and it was determined that L-serine is safe and may be effective for ALS patients (x, x, x).

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated condition that can’t be explained by a root medical problem. Physical or mental exertion often exaggerates the symptoms of CFS, but simply resting does not improve the fatigue. Some also refer to CFS as myalgic encephalomyelitis (often ME/CFS for short). The cause of this chronic condition is unknown, though there are several theories. Viral infections or psychological stress often seem to be factors, but there’s no single test to confirm CFS. Treatment usually focuses on the relief of symptoms. Those who suffer from CFS seem to share a noticeable deficiency in L-serine, and using L-serine supplements for these patients shows promise (x).

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition in which symptoms of dementia worsen over time. Memory loss exists, but is milder in the early stages of the disease. In advanced Alzheimer’s disease, individuals lose the ability to converse or respond to their surroundings.

L-serine can reduce the protein buildup (sometimes called tangles) in the brain that are typical in Alzheimer’s patients. In animals with neurofibrillary tangles, a supplement of L-serine showed great reduction in the protein buildup related to Alzheimer’s disease (x, x).

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that includes widespread pain in the bones and muscles. Other symptoms include areas of tenderness and a general sense of fatigue. Symptoms are seemingly subjective, and their isn’t a clear root medical cause. Individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia can often be misdiagnosed, since symptoms mirror other conditions.

Patients with fibromyalgia can have typically low plasma levels of amino acids, including L-serine. Since L-serine contributes to the formation of tryptophan, scientists have used this connection to supplement fibromyalgia patients. Results show that symptoms improve with the supplementation (x).

Sleep

Supplementing with small amounts of L-serine before sleep is being studied. In a clinical study of 53 people who struggled with sleep issues, taking L-serine improved their ability to fall asleep, as well as sleep quality (x).

Skin

Clinical studies found that L-serine may be able to decrease pre-existing wrinkles and slow the appearance of future wrinkles (x).

Blood Flow to Brain

Ischemia occurs when any organ in the body encounters a shortage of blood supply. Ischemia causes an organ to function improperly. Left in that state, more severe symptoms can occur. L-serine, however, may combat ischemia, specifically to promote blood flow to the brain (x).

Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is a hereditary disease resulting in progressive dementia. It accelerates the degeneration of brain cells — and that’s where L-serine comes in. The addition of L-serine in patients may actually improve symptoms and nerve function (x).

Seizures

A deficiency in L-serine may lead to seizures. In one study, a week of treatment with L-serine showed a reduction in seizures. It also reduced muscle spasms and involuntary movements (x, x).

L-Serine in Food

Foods that contain a high amount of L-serine include eggs, soy products, gelatin, fish, bacon and turkey. Plant-based foods don’t contain as much, but sources include peanuts, lentils, pistachios, sweet potatoes, asparagus, sesame seeds, cauliflower, kelp, spinach and cabbage.

L-Serine Supplement & Dosage

Dosage of L-serine can vary depending on the condition and use required. Supplementation for specific medical conditions is best to take the advice of a health practitioner in this regard.
L-serine is available in powder and capsule form, and is also a common topical treatment.
Many supplements come in the form of 500 mg capsules. Take dosage as directed on the label.

L-Serine Side Effects

L-serine is a naturally occurring amino acid and is generally safe for use in suggested amounts. However, some uncommon symptoms can occur when using L-serine. These include diarrhea, constipation, frequent urination and stomach discomfort (x, x).

The Bottom Line

L-serine, produced naturally from glycine and threonine in the human body, is necessary for good health — even survival. Its use in the system is widespread and indispensable. We naturally ingest fair amounts of it in our normal diets. Deficient levels of L-serine appear to have a link to various medical conditions, and these patients may benefit from an added supplement containing L-serine.

Found in a variety of places from silk to sweet potatoes, L-serine is one example of a beautifully busy compound that has been highly underrated for its benefits over the years (x).

1 Tom J. de Koning, et al. L-Serine in Disease and Development. Biochem. J. (2003) 371, 653–661: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1223326/pdf/12534373.pdf (Accessed 1/30/19).

2 Rick Tetzeli. Could This Radical New Approach to Alzheimer’s Lead to a Breakthrough? Fortune. (2019). http://fortune.com/longform/alzheimers-disease-cure-breakthrough/ (Accessed 1/30/19)

L-Serine Additional Information
L-serine is a nonessential amino acid that is synthesized from other amino acids. L-serine plays an important role in cell proliferation and the production of proteins, DNA, and cell membranes. L-serine is the predominant source of one-carbon groups for the synthesis of purines, and the amino acids L-Tryptophan, L-Cystine, and Serotonin. (1,2,3,4,5) Although termed as “nonessential”, L-serine has long been recognized as a conditional essential amino acid as it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities to meet cellular demands. (1,2)

L-serine is currently classified as a Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) compound by the FDA. This is following trials on animals and clinical trials on humans that have investigated the therapeutic effects of L-serine. (1)

L-Serine vs. D-Serine

Serine exists as two isomers, L-serine or D-serine. Whereas L-serine is synthesized from other amino acids (such as glycine), D-serine is synthesized in the body from L-serine. This occurs in the glial cells which are support cells of the central nervous system and acts as one of L-serine’s mechanisms of action.

While L-serine plays a role in cell proliferation and the production of proteins, D-serine is a neurotransmitter that plays a central role in information processing and modulates synaptic plasticity and memory. D-serine is not commonly found as a supplement as it has poor absorption.

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L-Serine FAQ

What foods are high in L-serine?

While traditionally known as being a non-essential amino acid, L-serine is more commonly thought of as a conditionally essential as the body produces some, but not enough. Although L-serine is found in food sources, its normally in trace amounts which is why supplementation is recommended. Food sources that do contain the highest levels of L-serine are; eggs, milk, cheese, seeds, pork, beef, or chicken.

Is L-Serine safe?

Even though it is not regulated by the FDA, it is labeled as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) and has shown to be very well tolerated even at extremely high doses.

What is L-serine made from?

L-serine is synthesized from amino acids, primarily glycine.

Is L-serine the same as phosphatidylserine?

L-serine is not the same as phosphatidylserine, but it is used to synthesize phosphatidylserine.

Does L-serine need to be taken with food?

L-serine is water soluble and therefore does not need to be taken with food.

Can I take L-serine if pregnant?

Like all dietary supplements, you should consult with a physician prior to supplementation of L-serine. However, it is not recommended to take if pregnant.

Cited Sources

* These reviews are the experiences of the individual customers that submitted them, results may differ from person to person.

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