L-Serine
Precursor to phosphatidylserine, glycine, and D-serine — studied at high doses for neuroprotection in ALS and myelin formation.
L-Serine is a non-essential amino acid that plays crucial roles in the central nervous system. It's a precursor to phosphatidylserine, glycine, cysteine, and D-serine (an NMDA receptor co-agonist). Research has shown interest in high-dose L-serine for neurodegenerative conditions like ALS, where it may slow disease progression. It's also important for myelin formation and overall brain health.
Required for PS synthesis
Precursor to NMDA co-agonist
Required for myelin synthesis
How L-Serine works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
3-15g daily (higher for neurological conditions)
Loading: ALS studies use 15-30g/day in divided doses
Can be taken without food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 🧪L-Serine powder | Recommended |
| 💊L-Serine capsules | Alternative |
Powder is more practical for higher doses. Has mild sweet taste and dissolves in water.
Minimum: 8 weeks
Optimal: 24 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Higher doses for neurological conditions should be supervised. Can be taken any time; some take before bed for glycine conversion.
Support for cognitive function and brain health
Potential protection of nerve cells
May improve sleep quality (converts to glycine)
High-dose L-serine is being studied; work with neurologist
May influence D-serine levels which affect NMDA receptors; consult neurologist
L-serine converts to D-serine, an NMDA co-agonist; inform healthcare provider
Tip: Divide into smaller doses; take with food
Top studies from 39+ peer-reviewed papers
Brouwer A et al. • Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews (2013)
“Blood serine levels were found to be significantly higher in SCZ patients compared to healthy controls (SDM=0.280 (0.021-0.540), p=0.034; N=1671 subjects), whereas CSF serine, l-serine, d-serine, g...”
Imafuku F et al. • Nutrients (2023)
“This study suggests the possibility of personalizing sleep-support supplementation based on personal life habits, sleep conditions, and sleep problems, in addition to the known efficacy of dietary supplements.”
Bonvento G et al. • Cell metabolism (2021)
“The paradigm of this biological feature is the astrocyte-neuron couple, in which the glycolytic metabolism of astrocytes contrasts with the mitochondrial oxidative activity of neurons.”
Hornemann T • Neuroscience letters (2021)
“About 50 % of the brain dry weight consist of lipids, which makes it the second highest lipid rich tissue after adipose tissue.”
Murtas G et al. • Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS (2020)
“We believe that an in-depth investigation of these enzymes is crucial to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in modulating concentrations of the serine enantiomers and for studying the interplay between glial and neuronal cells and also to determine the most suitable therapeutic approach for various diseases.”
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