Health & Well-Being A-Z

Serine

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Description

Serine is an amino acid. It comes in two forms: L-serine and D-serine. L-serine is consumed in the diet and D-serine is made in the body from L-serine.

The body uses D- and L-serine to make proteins. D-serine also sends chemical signals in the brain. This might help with schizophrenia and other brain conditions.

People use serine for schizophrenia, Parkinson disease, memory and thinking skills, depression, insomnia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.


Is It Effective?

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NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly effective
  • Schizophrenia. Taking D-serine by mouth along with standard antipsychotic therapy might improve symptoms of schizophrenia. But taking D-serine alone doesn't work as well as standard treatments.

There is interest in using serine for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is it Safe?

Safety

When taken by mouth: L-serine is commonly consumed in foods. The typical diet provides about 3.5-8 grams daily. Serine is possibly safe when used in higher doses as medicine. L-serine in doses up to 25 grams daily for up to 1 year, or D-serine in doses of 2-4 grams daily for up to 4 weeks, have been used safely. Side effects might include upset stomach and bloating.

Serine is possibly unsafe when taken in very high doses, such as 25 grams or more of L-serine daily or 8 grams or more of D-serine daily. High doses might lead to increased stomach side effects and seizures.


Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: L-serine is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if L- or D-serine is safe to use as a medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Kidney disease: High doses of D-serine might worsen kidney disease. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Drug interactions

It is not known if Serine interacts with any medicines. Before taking Serine, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

L-serine is found in many foods. The typical diet provides about 3.5-8 grams of L-serine daily. There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of L-serine might be when used as medicine. D-serine has most often been used by adults in doses of 2 grams by mouth daily for up to 16 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what form of serine and dose might be best for a specific condition.

Other names

(2S)-2-Amino-3-Hydroxypropanoic Acid, 3-Hydroxyalanine, Beta-Hydroxy-D-Alanine, Beta-Hydroxy-L-Alanine, Beta-Hydroxyalanine, D-3-Hydroxy-Alanine, D-Ser, D-Serine, L-3-Hydroxy-Alanine, L-Ser, L-Serine, Serina, Serinum.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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