In our private downtown clinic, our IV therapy Toronto lounge is available for new and pre-existing patients. This is because IV therapy drips can act as additional support for customized treatment plans, while promoting an energy boost and red blood cell production. 

Health goals are personal due to unique concerns, such as recuperating energy levels, muscle recovery, physical exertion, and mental clarity for a physical performance or job. But you should know that serine is one nutrient that could encourage optimal function in the human body. In a previous article which you may be interested in reading, we also discussed the nutrient Threonine for optimal health and functioning.

Amino acids are imperative for forming antibodies and proteins; serine is an amino acid with a crucial role in cell synthesis and metabolism. “Serine is generally classified as a nutritionally nonessential (dispensable) amino acid, but metabolically, serine is indispensable and plays an essential role in several cellular processes,” confirms a review from the Journal of Biological Chemistry. 

Serine may not be as “famous” as other amino acids, such as BCAAs for post-exercise recovery. But as a key ingredient for IV drip therapy, it’s vital for immune function, cellular health, brain function and your central nervous system. The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre lists core components about this nutrient and the health advantages it may offer as intravenous or oral supplementation. 

Key facts and the beneficial effects of serine

1. Serine is a precursor to taurine, glycine and other amino acids. Though it’s compulsory for optimal functioning, serine is “nonessential” because the human body can produce it on its own; however, it must be outsourced to upkeep prime levels in the body. 
2. The nutrient comes in two forms: D-serine and L-serine. D-serine is what your body constructs on its own; L-serine is what’s allocated from dietary/supplemental means. Both formats are crucial as protein building blocks, and maintaining a balance between D- and L-serine is possibly vital for preventing cognitive issues; it may also improve cognitive functions or help prevent age-related cognitive decline. 
3. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience verifies that serine could potentially impact neurological conditions. “Growing evidence has suggested that L-serine regulates the release of several cytokines in the brain under some neuropathological conditions to recover cognitive function, improve cerebral blood flow, inhibit inflammation, promote remyelination and exert other neuroprotective effects on neurological injury.” 
4. L-serine could offer neuroprotection. It synthesizes a lipid called phosphatidylserine, which is an element in the brain that acts as a neuromodulator. Thus, the nutrient could feasibly contribute to positive effects on memory-related issues.
5. Serine is needed to create tryptophan in the body. Tryptophan is another amino acid that promotes relaxation and is also required for making serotonin. When you improve tryptophan levels in the body, this can aid in reducing anxiety, depression symptoms, and chronic stress symptoms. 
6. It’s been implied that some fibromyalgia patients don’t have a natural supply of amino acids in their bodies, and that they undergo malabsorption of some amino acids, including histidine and serine. Lacking serine means that their bodies may struggle to create tryptophan and serotonin. Consequently, replenishing serine and other amino acids to desirable levels in this health condition might offer some wellness improvements. 
7. Sleep is necessary for immune health, boosting athletic performance, the functioning of nerves, and everything that has to do with your wellness! In one study of participants with sleep latency issues, it was shown that L-serine could enhance sleep quality when taken before bedtime. 
8. Lab studies have not yet shown if this supplement is suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding patients; some serine dosages also may have the potential to exacerbate kidney disease. If you think you could benefit from serine supplementation, please consult with a healthcare provider prior to use.

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, advice on serine and other essential vitamins and minerals is available. We may instruct you on how to use serine as an oral supplement; note that oral supplementation can cause side effects, such as an upset stomach and bloating. If you’re troubled by this, we may suggest upping serine levels with a combination of other amino acids as part of intravenous therapy/IV nutrient therapy.