L-Serine: An Amino Acid Critical for Brain Health

L-serine metabolism is critical for survival. We depend on this important amino acid for proper brain development, and it plays a critical role in the synthesis of proteins, neurotransmitters, nucleotides and lipids.

What does serine do? Research exploring the unique longevity of Ogimi villagers in Japan suggests that the amino acid helps you to live longer.

The Ogimi people, whose average life expectancy exceeds 85 years for women, consume extraordinarily high amounts of L-serine, with seaweeds and tofu staples in their diets.

Researchers believe that the high content of this amino acid in the diet may offer neuroprotection and contribute to their neurological health in this community.

In addition to its potential cognitive effects, serine benefits include its ability to boost immune function, promote regular sleep and fight chronic fatigue syndrome. Although we make it in our bodies, which is why it’s considered a nonessential amino acid like alanine and others, most of us can benefit from eating foods high in this amino acid to ensure we get enough of this very important molecule.

Serine is an amino acid that plays a role in many biosynthetic pathways. It’s the major source of one-carbon units for methylation reactions that occur with the generation of S-adenosylmethionine.

It is also a precursor to a number of important amino acids, including cysteine and glycine.

It is recognized as a nonessential amino acid because it’s produced in the body, but we need to ingest foods high in this amino acid in order to maintain necessary levels for optimal health. It has actually become known as a “conditional non-essential amino acid” because, under certain circumstances, humans cannot synthesize it in quantities high enough to meet necessary cellular demands.

Amino acids form our living cells and the antibodies that make up our immune systems. They make up proteins that are crucial for our existence, and they are needed to carry oxygen throughout our bodies.

Serine, in particular, plays an important role in brain function and the health of the central nervous system. One of the many benefits of serine is its function in the formation of phospholipids that are needed for creating every single cell in the human body.

It plays a critical role in protein synthesis and intracellular metabolism, and it’s also involved in the functioning of RNA, DNA, immune function and muscle formation.

Serine is needed for the production of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that’s used to make serotonin. It is also converted into D-serine in the cells of the nervous system.

D-serine is known to boost cognitive health. It’s a “dextro isomer of L-serine,” and the two molecules mirror image each other.

D-serine activates NMDA receptors in the brain that work as neurotransmitters. Research shows that it may work as a therapeutic agent for schizophrenia, depression and cognitive dysfunction.

L-Serine


Post time: Mar-12-2020