Amino acids are the primary building blocks of proteins. There are 20 of them and are classified as essential or nonessential. The nonessential ones can be synthesized in the body or be replaced by any others, while essential ones cannot.
These amino acids need to be part of the food we eat on a daily basis because deficiency of them causes disruptions in metabolism and therefore in our body's development.
The proteins we get from food are broken down into amino acids and are transported by the blood to all of our tissues and organs, where they can begin carrying out their functions.
Serine is a nonessential amino acid, synthesized in the body on a glycine base, which requires large quantities of folic acid, vitamin B3 and vitamin B6. Serine is derived from the amino acid glycine.
Besides from food, serine can be obtained from food supplements in the form of tablets, capsules and powder. It can be taken on its own, as well as in combination with other amino acids.
As an important amino acid, serine optimizes cell processes, skin regeneration and hydration. For this reason, besides for health, it's also very beneficial for beauty.
Benefits of Serine
Serine is important for the physical, as well as the psychological health of a person. It is crucial for the proper functioning of the central nervous system and the brain, since it is a main compositional element of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Serine please an active role in the formation of muscles, in metabolism and in maintaining a strong immune system. Serine is required in the production of tryptophan, antibodies and immunoglobulins. It helps lower cortisol levels in the blood.
Serine is required for proper fat and fatty acid metabolism, for muscle growth. It is found in brain proteins and in the insulating myelin sheaths of nerve fibers. Serine is very important for DNA and RNA functioning.
The main application of food supplements with serine consists in serving as a prophylactic of the central nervous system. Serine boosts wakefulness and concentration, improves memory and alleviates depressive states.
Indirectly, serine is linked to production of the hormone serotonin, which enhances mood, helps in various sleep problems and improves sexual function in males.
Many athletes use serine to lower cortisol levels and speed up their recovery after strenuous physical workouts.
In recent years, serine has been profound in cosmetics, as numerous cosmetics companies have been including serine in their products due to its expressed ability to stimulate the cell processes that lie at the basis of skin hydration and regeneration.
Sources of Serine
The main food sources of serine are meat (especially turkey and brains), peanuts, dairy products, wheat gluten and soy products. It must also be noted that serine only forms when glycine, vitamins B3 and B6 are present.
Deficiency of Serine
Deficiency of serine is particularly dangerous for babies and young children because it can cause delayed physical and mental development.
Other negative consequences are fainting and the onset of microcephaly, a condition where the head is a lot smaller than usual due to insufficient brain development.
In adults, deficiency of serine is expressed in the hampered ability to remember new information and chronic fatigue.
