Summary
D-Serine is an amino acid found in the brain. Derived from glycine, d-serine is a neuromodulator, meaning it regulates the activities of neurons.
D-Serine supplementation can reduce symptoms of cognitive decline. It is also able to reduce symptoms of diseases characterized by reduced N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) signaling, which includes cocaine dependence and schizophrenia.
D-Serine’s effect on schizophrenia is well researched, and though it shows promise, it is also unreliable, since d-serine does not always reach the blood after supplementation. Sarcosine may be a more reliable treatment.
D-Serine is a coagonist at NDMA receptors, which means it improves the effects of other compounds that bind with the receptor. These compounds include glutamate and NMDA itself.
D-Serine is often categorized as a nootropic.
What are other names for D-Serine
- Glycine or Sarcosine (similar in mechanisms)
- Phosphatidylserine (a phospholipid containing L-serine)
Dosage information
The usual dose used in D-serine studies is 30 mg/kg of bodyweight. This correlates to an approximate dose range of 2,045 – 2,727 mg for people between 150 and 200 lbs. This dose appears to be the minimal effective dose for improving cognition in people suffering from a variety of diseases.
Preliminary evidence suggests that doubling or quadrupling the dose to 60 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg, respectively, will cause additional benefits for people suffering from schizophrenia.
