Serine is a non-essential amino acid that serves as a critical metabolic hub for multiple biochemical pathways. Its key functions include:
Supporting neurological function as precursor to neurotransmitters (glycine, D-serine) and modulator of NMDA receptors (learning/memory)
Maintaining metabolic homeostasis through one-carbon metabolism (DNA synthesis, methylation via SAMe)
Ensuring cellular integrity via phospholipid synthesis (phosphatidylserine for membrane structure/signaling)
Facilitating biosynthetic pathways for nucleotide production and amino acid conversion (glycine, cysteine)
Dietary sources: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, soy, nuts (especially peanuts), lentils, wheat germ.
Inadequate serine levels can lead to serious neurological problems, developmental delays, seizures, and metabolic dysfunctions