GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
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.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
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.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
There are no known symptoms of serine
deficiency.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Refer to packaging
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
Not established, however excessively high
doses of serine may cause immune suppression and psychological symptoms
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with kidney disease or liver disease
should consult their doctor before taking PS.
