Equipping People To Make Sense Of What They Are Told
Serine is typically produced within the body from metabolites, such as glycine. Serine,
also known as Ser, is a proteinogenic amino acid. (Proteinogenic - derived from
the Latin for 'protein-building.')
The main use of serine in the human body is to assist in the function of the central
nervous system (CNS), as well as with general brain operation. It is present in the
myelin sheaths and without sufficient serine, these sheaths may become thin or disappear
altogether..
Serine aids in the production of antibodies and immunoglobulin, both of which are
essential for a healthy immune system.
The presence of serine is required to create tryptophan, which in turn is used to
make serotonin. Serotonin is used by the brain to regulate mood.
Depression and anxiety are linked to to a lack of either serotonin or tryptophan
in the body.
While rare, it is possible for the human body to have a natural deficiency of serine.
It is an inherited condition which prevents the bio-synthesis of L-serine from occurring.
The condition presents in children with symptoms such as psycho-motor retardation
and seizures. Symptoms of this disorder manifest as a neurological condition.
A simple spinal fluid test is typically enough to determine if this disorder is the
underlying cause of the symptoms.
Involved in:
Metabolism of fat, tissue growth.
Maintaining a healthy immune system.
Assists in the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies.
Formation of cell membranes.
Assists the metabolism of purines and pyrimidines, and muscle synthesis.
Is a constituent of brain proteins and nerve coverings (myelin sheaths).
In order for the human body to produce serine, folic acid vitamins B3 and B6 must
be present. These compounds naturally occur in meat, peanuts, and dairy products,
but a diet high in processed foods may lead to a deficiency.
Tyrosine, also known as 4-hydroxyphenylalanine or L-Tyrosine? It is an amino acid
that the body synthesises from another amino acid called phenylalanine.
Tyrosine has a significant role in metabolism.
Tyrosine interacts with proteins that undergo signal transduction to initiate various
cellular processes.
Tyrosine receptor kinases serve as pathways to transport phosphate compounds in a
process known as phosphorylation that yields phosphotyrosine. These activities involve
virtually every protein in the body and are responsible for regulating the manufacture
of several enzymes.
Tyrosine is a precursor to several other substances, including neurotransmitting
brain chemicals, the hormones produced by the thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands,
and the skin pigment melanin.
Tyrosine is necessary for the body to synthesise serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine,
and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are involved with signalling between
nerve cells and synapses in the brain. These agents also affect mood and libido,
which is why these substances are sometimes called the “feel good hormones.”.
A deficiency of tyrosine is rare, but abnormal utilisation does occur in certain
syndromes such as:
Oculocutaneous albinism is characterised by an inability to synthesize melanin from
tyrosine.
Phenylketonuria is marked by an inability to synthesise phenylalanine into tyrosine,
a condition that can lead to brain damage. While this condition may constitute a
tyrosine deficiency, dietary phenylalanine must be strictly avoided and tyrosine
supplementation must be supervised.
Low levels of tyrosine may also equate to low levels of the thyroid hormone thyroxin,
a condition that can promote hypothyroidism and impaired central nervous system functioning.
Note
There are very few cases where tyrosine supplementation may be required and a consultation
with a qualified health professional is advised before supplementing with this amino
acid.
Involved in:
Brain functions.
Proper functioning of the thyroid as well as the pituitary and adrenal gland.
A precursor amino acid for the thyroid gland hormone thyroxin.
Assists with stress reduction and may be beneficial in narcolepsy, fatigue, anxiety,
depression, allergies, headaches.
Precursor of adrenaline, dopamine and norepinephrine.
Food source - Meat, dairy, eggs, almonds, avocados, bananas, Casein protein in cheese,
sunflower and pumpkin seeds
Note
A defect may result in hypothyroidism, severe growth failure, and retardation of
central nervous system development.
