L-Serine
L-serine is an amino acid the body makes itself and also gets from food. It is a building block of proteins and of phospholipids in cell membranes.
Also listed as Serine
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
Does the body need extra serine?
The body makes L-serine, and food supplies it too. It contributes to protein production and the formation of other molecules, including components of cell membranes. Those everyday roles explain why serine matters biologically; they do not establish that an extra scoop improves health. 1
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Is serine an essential amino acid?
It is classed as nonessential because the body can make it; that term does not mean it has no biological purpose. 1
Did the sleep studies prove fewer awakenings?
No. The objective awakening result in the small trial was a nonsignificant trend. 2
Is 12 g a daily recommendation?
No. It was the highest dose tested for four weeks in healthy adult men, not a recommended intake. 3
Related nutrients
PhosphatidylserineSources
- Effects of L-serine ingestion on human sleep SpringerPlus, 2014