SCIENTIFIC DIVISION OF TYSON NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.

Chemical Name: (S)-2-amino-3-hydroxypropanoic acid

Molecular Weight: 105.1

Structrual Formula:

Nitrogen Content: 13.32%

Serine (13, 14)

• a nonessential amino acid
• can be synthesized in the body from glycine
• Serine is required for the metabolism of fat and tissue growth
• Some derivatives (e.g. ethanolamine) are also important components of the phospholipids found in biological membranes
• It is a constituent of brain proteins and nerve coverings and is also important in the formation of cell membranes, involved in the metabolism of purines and pyrimidines, and muscle synthesis
• It is also used in cosmetics as a skin moisturizer
  

Serine and Enzyme production (351)

• When incorporated into the structure of enzymes, serine often plays an important role in their catalytic function
• It has been shown to occur in the active sites of chymotrypsin , trypsin , and many other enzymes

Serine and chronic fatigue (346)

• Serine is an important precursor of tryptophan and serotonin
• Previous studies of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) demonstrated that serine (CFSUM2) was an important urinary metabolite discriminating between CFS from control subjects, and was negatively correlated with CFS neurological symptom index and total symptom index
• Serine synthesis requires both alanine and glycine as precursors, and also as a result of microbial metabolism

Serine and glucose storage

• Serine serves a glycogenic function by aiding in the storage of glucose by the liver and muscles

Serine and nerve system (349)

• Serine supports nerve tissues by synthesizing fatty acid sheath around them

Serine and Food

• Serine can be found in meats, dairy products, wheat gluten, peanuts and soy products
• Serine production requires adequate amounts of B3 (niacin), B-6, and Folic acid so best used with them

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake (61)

• Although toxicity has not been established it has been found that very elevated serine levels may cause immune suppression and psychological symptoms as in cerebral allergies

Reference

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• 14) Di Pasquale, M, Amino Acids and Proteins for the Athlete, the Anabolic Edge, 1997.
• 351) Snell K, Fell DA. Metabolic control analysis of mammalian serine metabolism. Adv Enzyme Regul. 1990;30:13-32.
• 346) Di Naro C, Gini M, Schiavi M. Effects of a combination of phosphoserine, glutamine and vitamin B12 on the psychophysical activity of high school students. Clin Ter. 1985 Aug 15;114(3):225-31.
• 349) Rodwell VW. In Martin Jr, DW et at (eds). "Harper's Review of Biochemistry" (20th ed) Los Altos, CA. Lange, 1985. Pp 293-318.
• 61) Peter J. Garlick. The Nature of Human Hazards Associated with Excessive Intake of Amino Acids. J. Nutr. 2004 134: 1633-1639.
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• 351) "Stryer L. Biochemistry" (3rd ed). New York. WH Freeman, 1988.
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• 352) Wilcox J. et al. "Biol Psychiat." 1985; 20; 41-49.
• 347) Kretschmer AL. "Nature." 1959; 183; 1809-1810.
• 97) Mindell, Earl. Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century, 2001.
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• 100) Borton, Benjamin. Human Nutrition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1978.
• 101) Mindell, Earl. Vitamin Bible. New York: Rawson, Wade, 1980.
• 102) Benowieez, Robert. Vitamins & You. New York: Berklett books, 1981.