L-serine
Synopsis of L-serine
L-Serine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can synthesize it, but it is still critical for numerous biological functions, especially those involving the nervous system, brain, muscles, and immune health. It serves as a building block for proteins and enzymes, a precursor to other amino acids (like glycine and cysteine), and a vital component in cellular membranes through the production of phosphatidylserine—a phospholipid essential for brain function.
Key physiological functions:
- Supports brain development and function by contributing to neuronal signaling and the synthesis of neurotransmitters and phospholipids
- Aids in the formation of DNA and RNA
- Acts as a precursor to glycine, cysteine, sphingolipids, and serine-derived lipids
- Plays a role in immune cell proliferation and muscle metabolism
- Contributes to the synthesis of glutathione, a key antioxidant
L-Serine is found naturally in:
- Eggs, soy products, meat, dairy, legumes, and nuts
- Protein-rich foods, where it exists as part of larger protein structures
Health benefits and uses:
- Supports cognitive function, memory, and neural development
- Used in therapeutic protocols for neurodegenerative disorders, including ALS, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis
- May help reduce neuropathic pain and support nerve repair
- Enhances immune response in conditions of stress or infection
- Helps with muscle growth and tissue repair, especially post-exercise
Supplemental forms:
- Available as free-form amino acid in powder or capsule form
- Sometimes combined with phosphatidylserine or other neuro-supportive nutrients
Scientific and Therapeutic Context:
L-Serine has attracted attention in recent years for its role in neurological health, with studies exploring its potential in slowing cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Research has shown that L-serine levels may be depleted in certain neurological disorders, and supplementation has demonstrated promising effects on neuronal survival and inflammation control.
While L-serine itself was identified and synthesized in the 19th century, its natural role aligns with traditional diets rich in collagen, organ meats, and legumes, all of which provide serine and its metabolic co-factors.
Today, L-serine is widely used in clinical nutrition, cognitive support supplements, and sports recovery formulas, appreciated for its role in neuroprotection, cell membrane health, and amino acid metabolism.
L-serine is used for these health conditions
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Epilepsy (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Products containing L-serine
Pure Encapsulations
Amino-NR
Pure Encapsulations
Amino Replete
Metagenics
BioPure Protein® Powder
Integrative Therapeutics
Detoxication Factors
Integrative Therapeutics
Detoxication Factors
Douglas Laboratories
Free Form Amino
Designs For Health
Homocysteine Supreme™
Designs For Health
Homocysteine Supreme™
Klean Athlete
Klean Isolate ™
Douglas Laboratories
L-Serine
Metagenics
Perfect Protein® Pea & Rice Chocolate Powder
Metagenics
Perfect Protein Pea & Rice Vanilla Powder
Metagenics
Perfect Protein Whey Chocolate
Metagenics
Perfect Protein Whey Vanilla
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control® Chocolate
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Chocolate
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish® Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein® Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein French Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein Plain
Metagenics
UltraMeal Cardio 360°® Pea/Rice Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Cardio 360° Pea/Rice Vanilla
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