Serine is a non-essential amino acid needed for the metabolism of fats and fatty acids, muscle growth, and to maintain a healthy immune system - as it aids the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies. It also plays an important role in the manufacture of cell membranes, and the synthesis of both muscle tissue and the sheath that surrounds nerve cells. Serine can be obtained from beans, brewer’s yeast, dairy products, eggs, fish, lactalbumin, legumes, meat, nuts, seafood, seeds, soy, whey, and whole grains. When necessary the body can synthesize serine from the amino acid glycine.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a serine compound made by the body, supplemental PS is widely used in Italy, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe to treat various forms of agerelated dementia as well as normal agerelated memory loss.

PS supplements increase the cerebral cortex’s output of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is associated with thought, reasoning, and concentration. PS also stimulates the synthesis and release of dopamine. PS also appears to be associated with the brain’s response to stress. One clinical study found that the stress response of healthy men who had been exposed to exerciseinduced stress was lower in those who had taken PS. Stress response was determined by measuring blood ACTH levels, ACTH is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, which in turn promotes the adrenal glands to secrete the stress hormone cortisol. PS is primarily used to treat dementia (both Alzheimer’s disease and non-Alzheimer’s dementia) as well as normal age-related memory loss.

There are no known symptoms of serine deficiency.

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Not established, however excessively high doses of serine may cause immune suppression and psychological symptoms

People with kidney disease or liver disease should consult their doctor before taking PS.