Serine is an essential amino acid from which the body forms proteins. Serine is a precursor in the production of purines and pyrimidines. It is also a component of serine proteases such as trypsin or chymotrypsin.
Serine also serves as a starting substance for the synthesis of phosphatidylserine, a membrane lipid. Phosphaditylserine is a natural cortisol brake even for alcoholics who are equally swimming in cortisol.
There is evidence that a deficiency of D-serine may play a role in the development of depression.
