Possible health benefits of L-serine: boosting brain health and quality sleep

Researchers have long been surprised by the general longevity of Okinawa’s population. Unlike the Japanese mainland, Okinawa is a racially diverse and culturally specific island. Historically, the Japanese have called the island a “land of longevity” because Okinawans mostly live over 80 years and seem to have an extraordinary ability to prolong life. & nbsp

Studies in the early 2000s linked the unique longevity secrets of Okinawans to their higher intake of fish, soybeans, seaweed and green vegetables. However, as researchers delve deeper, new insights provide them with a new perspective to explore health and longevity. One of the new insights is that in the diet of Okinawans, & nbspL-serineThe content of this amino acid is high.

In addition to strengthening immune function, regulating regular sleep and relieving chronic fatigue syndrome, L-serine also plays an important role in brain development and nerve care. Specifically, it is these nutrients that give Okinawa cuisine (or Ogimi diet) the power to nourish life. & nbsp

The average life expectancy of the population of Okinawa is more than 83 years, which is significantly higher than that in other parts of the world. Some developed countries are close to this average, but Europe, Russia, China and the United States are still a long way from achieving this goal. Read on to learn more about this nutrient, which may help you live a healthier life. & nbsp

What is L-serine?

L-serine& nbsp; is a kind of “conditional non-essential amino acid”, which is one of the important amino acids in the process of human survival and growth. L-serine is involved in many metabolic processes, including protein production, synthesis of lipids, nucleic acids, neurotransmitters (such as serotonin) and other amino acids. & nbspL-serine& nbsp; is an essential amino acid for the production of phosphatidylserine. Phosphatidyl serine, as a kind of phospholipid, is an important part of cell membrane.

Although it does not belong to the nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize on its own, the role of L-serine is critical in some cases. For example, in neurodegenerative diseases such as glucose metabolic disease or Alzheimer’s disease, the body’s own production of L-serine does not meet the body’s need for this nutrient. Therefore, it is necessary to supplement L-serine, and it is quite appropriate to describe L-serine as “conditional non-essential”.

At present, the research on serine and its metabolites is still in progress, which is expected to be used in glucose metabolic disease, various kidney diseases, brain damage and various neurological and mental diseases. Some of the most popular health benefits of L-serine are described below. & nbsp

Possible health benefits to the brain

L-serine may help optimize brain health and cognitive function. There is growing evidence that L-serine may control the inflammatory response in the brain and help repair mental function in a state of disease. It may also regulate blood flow in the brain, assist in the formation of myelin (an insulating layer around neurons), and act as a neurotrophic factor (protein) to support the growth and survival of neurons.

L-serine may also prevent the neurotoxicity of glutamate. Glutamate neurotoxicity is a neurotransmitter that can cause damage to cellular components and lead to the death of neurons in brain injury conditions such as ischemia (reduced blood flow), trauma or hemorrhage.

Unfortunately, aging reduces the level of L-serine-related D-serine in the brain, leading to insufficient activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) receptor, leading to brain degeneration and memory loss. Therefore, according to the study, D-serine may also help prevent age-related mental decline and memory loss. In addition, recent studies have shown that D-serine may be used as an adjuvant therapy for depression and schizophrenia and help alleviate cognitive decline. & nbsp

In addition, L-serine is an essential amino acid in the synthesis of a chemical called phosphatidylserine (phosphatidylserine), which plays a key role in cellular protection, nerve transmission and memory formation. Studies have shown that phosphatidylserine may optimize cognitive function, relieve brain inflammation, and prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. Thus, the role of L-serine in brain health may be much more important than previously thought. & nbsp

Brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, mental illness such as depression and even schizophrenia have become common diseases. According toCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Alzheimer’s disease has become the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and as many as 6.5 million Americans suffer from the disease every day. & nbsp it is believed that as many as 50 million people around the world are affected by the disease.

A great deal of effort has been made to understand the causes of mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. Recent studies have shown that L-serine, like several other substances, may play a role in neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders.

A study published in the Journal of Cell Metabolism suggests that L-serine in brain cells, which may contribute to memory (hippocampal astrocytes), may lead to cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease if its production is impaired. In addition, a laboratory study in 2021 showed that L-serine may have a neuroprotective effect against Alzheimer’s disease by helping to destroy harmful proteins in Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers also observed similar results in experimental mice with Parkinson’s disease, a brain disorder caused by loss of specific neurons that can lead to accidental or uncontrollable motor behavior. & nbsp

Human studies also support these views, suggesting that L-serine is reassuring and tolerable. For example, an initial trial involving 20 patients with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lugaray’s disease) showed that oral L-serine seemed to help slow the progression of the disease. Similarly, L-serine may also have a positive effect on schizophrenia and other neurodegenerative diseases, according to a 2021 study. The potential preventive effect of L-serine on Alzheimer’s disease is still being studied, but it seems to produce positive results. However, a large-scale medical application test is still needed to draw an objective conclusion.

Possible benefits for fibromyalgia and fatigue

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that causes general pain and tenderness, accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and emotional problems. Studies have shown that low serotonin levels are associated with fibromyalgia syndrome. Fibromyalgia is also associated with changes in intestinal microflora, which may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. Serotonin is also produced in the intestinal tract and is a particularly critical neurotransmitter in the nervous system, which can affect mood, digestion, sleep and other problems. & nbsp

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for the synthesis of serotonin. In addition to getting tryptophan from food, the body may also synthesize tryptophan from L-serine. Therefore, according to the study, increasing the intake of L-serine may promote the synthesis of tryptophan and subsequent serotonin production, which in turn optimize mood, sleep and memory, and may also help control the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Possible benefits to sleep

Lack of sleep is still a serious health problem in the United States. Statistics show that 1/3 of people in the United States do not get enough sleep, while in almost other countries, the same is true.

On the positive side, however, L-serine intake may help alleviate sleep disorders and optimize sleep quality. A 2014 study in Japan showed that bedtime intake of L-serine may reduce the number of “night wakes” of subjects in the study group compared with the control group. Another study suggests that L-serine intake before bedtime may regulate circadian rhythms and balance regular sleep cycles. & nbsp

Possible benefits for heart health

Cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of human death worldwide, including the United States, which is not alarmist. However, only a small number of people are aware of their symptoms before they develop symptoms. Therefore, taking preventive measures is still a useful way to control the risk of cardiovascular disease. Only in this way can people lead a healthy life. L-serine may have a protective effect on cardiovascular disease. A 2008 laboratory study showed that L-serine supplementation can significantly control blood pressure by controlling the conduction of nerve impulses in the heart and blood vessels. & nbsp

Another study suggests that L-serine may have protective properties against oxidation and may have protective effects on endothelial cells in blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and the inner wall of the heart. However, more research is needed before doctors recommend L-serine as a prescription to prevent heart disease. & nbsp

Possible benefits for blood glucose control

With the steady increase in the incidence of glucose metabolic disease, obesity has become a global epidemic. Studies have shown that glucose metabolic disease is related to the changes of serine metabolism in the body. According to a 2018 animal study, L-serine supplementation may provide a new response to control blood glucose. In addition, according to the study, L-serine intake may also prevent complications of glucose metabolic disease, especially glucose metabolic neuropathy, a nerve injury caused by elevated blood sugar.

Keystone

Human and animal studies show that & nbspL-serine& nbsp; is safe to take and is well tolerated. For some people, however, L-serine supplements may also disrupt the intestines and stomach, making it difficult to flatten or defecate.

The preferred way to increase the level of L-serine in the body is to eat more foods rich in this nutrient. However, if you want to take supplements one step in advance, consult your doctor or nutrition professional to explore the possibility of starting L-serine supplements.

Reference:

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