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Overview: Serine is an amino acid that your body uses for many important functions, including building proteins. Your body makes serine on its own, but you can also get it from your diet. Serine supplements appear to be well tolerated. However, since your body makes serine on its own, it is not clear if these supplements offer any benefits. Before taking serine, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is serine used for?

Serine supplements may be used to improve brain and nerve health, but their benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed serine for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does serine work (mechanism of action)?

Serine is an amino acid, which is a building block of protein. It is also an important part of phosphatidylserine, a chemical found in your cell membranes. Your body makes serine from another amino acid called glycine. You can also get serine from common foods that contain protein, including meat, fish, dairy products, nuts, seeds, soy, and legumes.

Your body usually makes enough serine to meet your needs. However, during times of rapid growth, such as during infancy or pregnancy, the body may need more serine than it can make. In these cases, serine can be absorbed from the diet or infant formulas. It is not clear if taking serine supplements can improve health during pregnancy or infancy.

Although serine supplements are sometimes used by adults for many different health purposes, their benefits for any use are not well defined. The body can usually make enough serine on its own, and you can also get extra serine from the diet. More research is needed to understand whether these supplements provide any benefits.

How should I store serine?

You should store serine according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of serine?

Serine seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of serine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of serine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of serine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Serine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking serine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use serine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take serine.

  • D-serine
  • L-serine
  • Serine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific serine products they stock.

What should I know about serine before using it?

Serine is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep serine out of the reach of children.

Dietary supplements may contain different forms of serine, including L-serine and D-serine. Both of these forms occur naturally in your body. It is not clear if taking these different forms results in different effects or side effects.

If you are taking serine powder, use an accurate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the label carefully and measure the amount stated on the label.

The FDA has not tested serine products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using serine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Cancer. If you currently have cancer or have a history of cancer, speak to your health care provider before taking serine.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how serine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Serine is a natural part of breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does serine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between serine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect serine.

Does serine interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between serine and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between serine and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with serine is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking serine with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much serine?

If you or someone else has used too much serine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take serine safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.