Serine

L-serine is a non-essential amino acid which is a precursor to several other amino acids (including glycine and L-cysteine, and of some cell membrane lipids. Ito et al. 2014 report that it has an extensive role in protein synthesis and intracellular metabolism.

Potential uses
L-serine is of potential use for insomia or sleep problems.

Evidence
Two small randomized double-blinded crossover studies (clinical trials) by Ito et al. (2014) found that a dose of 3g (3000mg) or L-serine improved sleep maintenance and reduced time until sleep compared to a placebo treatment.

ME/CFS
A study by Huth et al. (2020) found increased levels of L-serine in the blood serum of ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls, and decreased levels of serine in the urine of ME/CFS patients.

Costs and availability
L-serine is inexpensive and available over the counter as a capsule or powder.

Learn more

 * Effects of L-serine ingestion on human sleep (2014)