Serine is a nonessential amino acid used in protein biosynthesis and can be derived from four possible sources: dietary intake, degradation of protein and phospholipids, biosynthesis from glycolysis intermediate 3-phosphoglycerate, or from glycine.

Serine is found in soybeans, nuts, eggs, lentils, shellfish, and meats. Serine is used to synthesize ethanolamine and choline for phospholipids. Serine is essential for the synthesis of sphingolipids and phosphatidylserine in CNS neurons. In the folate cycle, glycine and serine are interconverted. These methyltransferase reactions and interconversions are readily reversible depending on the needs of the folate cycle. Dietary serine is not fully converted to glycine; therefore, serine supplementation has little value, though is not harmful.

Serine is a nonessential amino acid used in protein biosynthesis and can be derived from four possible sources: dietary intake, degradation of protein and phospholipids, biosynthesis from glycolysis intermediate 3-phosphoglycerate, or from glycine.

Serine is found in soybeans, nuts, eggs, lentils, shellfish, and meats. Serine is used to synthesize ethanolamine and choline for phospholipids. Serine is essential for the synthesis of sphingolipids and phosphatidylserine in CNS neurons. In the folate cycle, glycine and serine are interconverted. These methyltransferase reactions and interconversions are readily reversible depending on the needs of the folate cycle. Dietary serine is not fully converted to glycine; therefore, serine supplementation has little value, though is not harmful.

Serine is a nonessential amino acid used in protein biosynthesis and can be derived from four possible sources: dietary intake, degradation of protein and phospholipids, biosynthesis from glycolysis intermediate 3-phosphoglycerate, or from glycine.

Serine is found in soybeans, nuts, eggs, lentils, shellfish, and meats. Serine is used to synthesize ethanolamine and choline for phospholipids. Serine is essential for the synthesis of sphingolipids and phosphatidylserine in CNS neurons. In the folate cycle, glycine and serine are interconverted. These methyltransferase reactions and interconversions are readily reversible depending on the needs of the folate cycle. Dietary serine is not fully converted to glycine; therefore, serine supplementation has little value, though is not harmful.

Serine is a nonessential amino acid used in protein biosynthesis and can be derived from four possible sources: dietary intake, degradation of protein and phospholipids, biosynthesis from glycolysis intermediate 3-phosphoglycerate, or from glycine.

Serine is found in soybeans, nuts, eggs, lentils, shellfish, and meats. Serine is used to synthesize ethanolamine and choline for phospholipids. Serine is essential for the synthesis of sphingolipids and phosphatidylserine in CNS neurons. In the folate cycle, glycine and serine are interconverted. These methyltransferase reactions and interconversions are readily reversible depending on the needs of the folate cycle. Dietary serine is not fully converted to glycine; therefore, serine supplementation has little value, though is not harmful.

Serine is a nonessential amino acid used in protein biosynthesis and can be derived from four possible sources: dietary intake, degradation of protein and phospholipids, biosynthesis from glycolysis intermediate 3-phosphoglycerate, or from glycine.

Serine is found in soybeans, nuts, eggs, lentils, shellfish, and meats. Serine is used to synthesize ethanolamine and choline for phospholipids. Serine is essential for the synthesis of sphingolipids and phosphatidylserine in CNS neurons. In the folate cycle, glycine and serine are interconverted. These methyltransferase reactions and interconversions are readily reversible depending on the needs of the folate cycle. Dietary serine is not fully converted to glycine; therefore, serine supplementation has little value, though is not harmful.

Serine is a nonessential amino acid used in protein biosynthesis and can be derived from four possible sources: dietary intake, degradation of protein and phospholipids, biosynthesis from glycolysis intermediate 3-phosphoglycerate, or from glycine.

Serine is found in soybeans, nuts, eggs, lentils, shellfish, and meats. Serine is used to synthesize ethanolamine and choline for phospholipids. Serine is essential for the synthesis of sphingolipids and phosphatidylserine in CNS neurons. In the folate cycle, glycine and serine are interconverted. These methyltransferase reactions and interconversions are readily reversible depending on the needs of the folate cycle. Dietary serine is not fully converted to glycine; therefore, serine supplementation has little value, though is not harmful.

Serine is found in soybeans, nuts, eggs, lentils, shellfish, and meats.

Serine is a nonessential amino acid used in protein biosynthesis and can be derived from four possible sources: dietary intake, degradation of protein and phospholipids, biosynthesis from glycolysis intermediate 3-phosphoglycerate, or from glycine.

Serine is used to synthesize ethanolamine and choline for phospholipids. Serine is essential for the synthesis of sphingolipids and phosphatidylserine in CNS neurons.

In the folate cycle, glycine and serine are interconverted. These methyltransferase reactions and interconversions are readily reversible depending on the needs of the folate cycle. Dietary serine is not fully converted to glycine; therefore, serine supplementation has little value, though is not harmful.

Serine is a nonessential amino acid used in protein biosynthesis and can be derived from four possible sources: dietary intake, degradation of protein and phospholipids, biosynthesis from glycolysis intermediate 3-phosphoglycerate, or from glycine.

Serine is found in soybeans, nuts, eggs, lentils, shellfish, and meats. Serine is used to synthesize ethanolamine and choline for phospholipids. Serine is essential for the synthesis of sphingolipids and phosphatidylserine in CNS neurons. In the folate cycle, glycine and serine are interconverted. These methyltransferase reactions and interconversions are readily reversible depending on the needs of the folate cycle. Dietary serine is not fully converted to glycine; therefore, serine supplementation has little value, though is not harmful.

- Plasma serine was found higher in depression, and psychoses including schizophrenia.

- Methionine supplementation significantly increased plasma serine.

- Serine is involved in cysteine and methionine metabolism.

- Blood serine was lower in patients with hypertension.

- Blood serine was lower in patients with greater liver fat fractions, higher alanine transaminase (ALT) and triglyceride, in patients with fatty liver disease.

Serine can be used as an energy source. Formed from threonine and phosphoserine (requiring B6, manganese, and magnesium), serine is necessary for the biosynthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter used in memory function.

D-serine is a neuromodulator, produced in glial cells of the brain, and modulates the functions of neurons. Serine can be considered a nootropic nutrient.

Serine enhances binding of other compounds at NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors.

Serine can be used as an energy source. Formed from threonine and phosphoserine (requiring B6, manganese, and magnesium), serine is necessary for the biosynthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter used in memory function.

D-serine is a neuromodulator, produced in glial cells of the brain, and modulates the functions of neurons. Serine can be considered a nootropic nutrient.

Serine enhances binding of other compounds at NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors.

Serotonin plays important roles in the resolution of mood, sleep, and appetite.

Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesized by enzymes that act on tryptophan and/or 5-HTP.

Neurotransmitters are divided into two basic categories:

– Excitatory neurotransmitters stimulate the brain and body.

– Inhibitory neurotransmitters calm the brain and body.

Just as levels of individual neurotransmitters are important in maintaining optimum health, so is the proper balance between your excitatory and inhibitory systems.

Serotonin is one of our happiness neurotransmitters that makes us feel good. When we are feeling anxious it can be a sign of serotonin imbalance. In addition to mood concerns, serotonin imbalance may also show up as sleep disruptions, gut issues, or cravings and urges; among many other complaints. Because it plays a role in regulating several physiological processes, serotonin testing is helpful to identify serotonin imbalances. Low or high serotonin levels can be corrected with diet and lifestyle.

How does Serotonin become imbalanced?

A number of factors can disrupt serotonin levels or associated hormones or neurotransmitters. These factors include:

• Digestive issues. Problems digesting food can lead to impaired absorption and breakdown of the precursors and cofactors necessary for building neurotransmitters. 24
• Poor diet. A diet lacking in the nutrients needed to make serotonin can affect levels of this neurotransmitter. 25
• Stress. Modern levels of stress can cause a cascade of symptoms, including decreased levels of serotonin, oxidative stress, and cortisol imbalances. 26

How can we naturally support Serotonin?

It is possible to encourage healthy levels of serotonin through lifestyle measures, including:

• Eating foods rich in the amino acid building block and cofactors needed to make serotonin. 
• Dietary supplements that contain the necessary precursors and cofactors to promote the synthesis, release, and/or function of serotonin can also support healthy levels of serotonin. These include:
  • L-tryptophan
  • 5-hydroxytryptophan
  • Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal-5-phosphate)
  • Iron
• Exercise, even at moderate levels a few times a week, can increase serotonin levels while also improving stress, mood, and cognition. 33
• Meditation has been shown to increase serotonin levels, while also reducing stress and anxiousness. 34 Additionally, meditation may also aid in improving other indicators of serotonin imbalance such as cognition and memory.

Serotonin plays important roles in the resolution of mood, sleep, and appetite.

Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesized by enzymes that act on tryptophan and/or 5-HTP.

Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of sleep, appetite and aggression. Serotonin imbalance is a common contributor to mood problems, and pharmacologic agents that alter serotonin levels are among the most commonly used class of drugs prescribed for anxiety and depression.