Serine is an amino acid, a building block for protein. It comes in two forms- L-Serine and D-Serine.
- L-serine: It is consumed through the diet and can also be made in the body.
- D-serine: It is made in the body from L-serine.
The body uses both D- Serine and L-serine to make proteins [1].
We’ll compare the differences and similarities between L-serine and D-serine in this article.
What Is L-Serine?
L Serine is a supplement that offers many health benefits. It is high in amino acid, which is essential for your body. Serine helps produce antibodies (immunoglobins) and is necessary for producing serotonin.
L-Serine supports cognitive function, healthy nighttime sleep, Lou Gehrig’s disease, immune system health, and other health conditions.
It is naturally present in many food products such as soybeans, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, sweet potatoes, eggs, and dairy products.
Benefits of L-serine
L-serine offers many health and mental benefits. Let us look at them in detail.
1. Improves Brain Function
Research suggests that L-serine contains neuroprotective compounds. It acts with various molecular and biochemical mechanisms to support brain function. It also helps neurons in the brain by playing an essential role in the synthesis of phosphatidylserine. This can boost brain power and improve memory.
Hence L-serine is used for brain issues like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
L-serine plays a vital role as a neuromodulator in the brain. According to a research study, it can help people with a higher risk of neurogenerative diseases [3].
2. Helps Fights Fibromyalgia
Studies suggest that people with fibromyalgia may benefit from L-serine supplements. Serine deficiency can modify the body’s ability to prepare tryptophan and serotonin. It can also lead to chronic fatigue syndrome.
3. Helps Relieve Stress
Serine helps produce the amino acid tryptophan, a natural relaxant and stress reliever. An increase in tryptophan levels helps to ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Studies also suggest that tryptophan can help improve therapeutics in behavior disorders and stress-induced hormones. Many studies suggest that it is helpful with mental health [4].
4. Can Improve Sleep
According to studies, taking L-serine supplements can significantly improve your night’s sleep [5]. The amino acid present in the supplement showed better sleep maintenance and initiation.
5. May Fight Type 1 Diabetes
Studies show that l-serine supplements can help reduce blood sugar levels and reduce excess weight [6] It also affects the development of autoimmune diabetes.
6. It Boosts Immune Function
The amino acid in l-serine is required to regulate the body’s immune system. Serine helps produce antibodies that further support the immune system in fighting off any diseases.
L-Serine and Cancer
According to studies, active serine synthesis is necessary to facilitate the transport of amino acids, folate metabolism, nucleotide synthesis, and homeostasis. This all has an impact on cancer cells [7]. L-serine metabolism processes the fuels your body requires to oxidize nutrients and energy in the form of ATP.
An increase in amino acids helps in fighting cancer growth. Nonetheless, more research needs to be done to investigate the effects of L-serine on cancer.
What Is D-Serine?
D-Serine is a naturally occurring amino acid present in the brain. It is derived from glycine and works as a neuromodulator. And regulates all activities of neurons that are essential for learning and memory.
It is a unique nootropic produced within the body.
D-serine supplements help to boost cognitive health and improve thinking abilities. It also helps with health conditions like schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and memory loss [2].
D-serine supplement has become popular among athletes to enhance their performance.
L-Serine Supplements vs D-Serine Supplements
Some of the uses of L-serine and D-serine supplements overlap. For instance, both supplements are used to improve your brain function and memory. Plus, both have been said to help with diseases affecting the brain, such as Parkinson’s.
While D-serine’s uses are focused more on enhancing cognitive function, the uses of L-serine are wider. Hence, L-serine has also been used to help with improving sleeping, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and other conditions.
Here are the typically recommended dosages for both supplements.
- L-serine dose: You can consume up to 25 grams daily for a year.
- D-serine dose: You can take a dose of 2-4 grams every day for up to 4 weeks.
Best L-Serine Supplement and D-Serine Supplements
Double Wood L-Serine is the best l-serine supplement. It is gluten-free, Non-GMO, and suitable for everyone, including vegetarians and vegans. The supplement supports cognitive and brain function. It helps produce amino acids such as tryptophan, glycine, and L-cystine, promoting healthy sleep.
If you’re looking for a d-serine supplement, Ergomax is a good option. It contains more than 99% pure Dextro serine, making it one of the best D-Serine supplements. It contains a unique nootropic, is GMO-free, and also does not contain gluten or soy. Therefore, it is suitable for vegans.
Bottomline: L-Serine vs. D-Serine
Serine (L-serine and D-serine) are nonessential amino acid that plays a vital role in several biosynthetic ways. They are naturally produced in the body. You can eat food like beans, nuts, dairy products, etc., that are rich in serine to get health benefits.
L-serine and D-serine supplements can help immune function and improve brain health and mental health.
The supplements are safe to consume. However, if taken in large quantities, you may have side effects like stomach problems, seizures, and eye problems. Always consult your health care professional before including any supplements in your diet to ensure it’s safe for you.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References and Fact Checking
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (2022). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5951, Serine. Retrieved August 26, 2022 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Serine.
- Mothet JP, Billard JM, Pollegioni L, Coyle JT, Sweedler JV. Investigating brain d-serine: Advocacy for good practices. Acta Physiol (Oxf). 2019 May;226(1):e13257. doi: 10.1111/apha.13257. Epub 2019 Feb 14. PMID: 30650253; PMCID: PMC6462235.
- Remick, A. (2021, March 5). Amino Acid L-Serine in Preventing Neurodegenerative Diseases Associated with BMAA. Pharmacy Times. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/amino-acid-l-serine-in-preventing-neurodegenerative-diseases-associated-with-bmaa
- Gul S, Saleem D, Haleem MA, Haleem DJ. Inhibition of hormonal and behavioral effects of stress by tryptophan in rats. Nutr Neurosci. 2019 Jun;22(6):409-417. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2017.1395551. Epub 2017 Nov 3. PMID: 29098950.
- Ito Y, Takahashi S, Shen M, Yamaguchi K, Satoh M. Effects of L-serine ingestion on human sleep. Springerplus. 2014 Aug 22;3:456. doi: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-456. PMID: 25197619; PMCID: PMC4155056.
- Holm, L. J., Haupt-Jorgensen, M., Larsen, J., Giacobini, J. D., Bilgin, M., & Buschard, K. (2018). L-serine supplementation lowers diabetes incidence and improves blood glucose homeostasis in NOD mice. PLOS ONE, 13(3), e0194414. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194414
- Mattaini, K. R. (2016, August 1). The importance of serine metabolism in cancer | Journal of Cell Biology | Rockefeller University Press. Cb.Rupress.Org. https://rupress.org/jcb/article/214/3/249/38693/The-importance-of-serine-metabolism-in-cancerThe
