Serine (Serum)

Serine can be synthesized endogenously from dietary glycine, which is not considered an essential amino acid.

Serine deficiency would be rare, however, supra-physiological doses may be necessary to confer benefit over standard dietary intake.

It does not appear that depletion of serine is common, but side effects of low levels of serine in the brain appear to be correlated with a higher risk for addiction behaviors and some neurodegenerative conditions.

Foods high in serine include: fish, meat, dairy, sugar cane, soybeans, spinach, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, pumpkin, banana, kiwi, cucumber, and beans.

- There is currently no established RDA, AI, or UL for serine supplementation or intake.

- Serine can be supplemented to reduce symptoms of cognitive decline and reduce symptoms of cocaine dependence and schizophrenia.

- Phosphatidylserine is a common supplemental phospholipid that contains serine.

- Doses of 30mg/kg of bodyweight are commonly used in cognitive decline patients.

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.