
Serine

SER
Description
"Serine" test checks the level of serine in your blood, an amino acid involved in brain development, nerve function, and metabolism. It’s often recommended for people experiencing fatigue, cognitive changes, or suspected metabolic disorders. Abnormal serine levels may indicate impaired enzyme activity, neurological conditions, or amino acid processing issues. This test helps doctors pinpoint the root of unexplained symptoms and create a tailored care plan, which may involve adjusting protein intake, supportive dietary strategies, or additional neurologic evaluation.
Category
Amino Acids, Metabolites
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Plasma
Units
Micromoles Per Deciliter | Micromoles Per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Amino Acid Group, Methylation Group
Test Group Description
Amino Acid Group: Tests in this group analyze amino acid levels in the body, providing valuable insights into protein metabolism and potential genetic or metabolic disorders related to amino acid processing. Methylation Group: Centered on evaluating methylation levels and associated parameters, this group provides insights into methylation processes and their related health implications.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 6.00–17.20 µmol/dL
SI Unit: 60.0–172.0 µmol/L
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 4.87–14.52 µmol/dL
SI Unit: 48.7–145.2 µmol/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
High protein consumption
Homocysteinemia (Elevated homocysteine levels)
Significant branched-chain amino acids supplementation
Vitamin B1 deficiency
Decreased levels may indicate:
Celiac disease (Autoimmune reaction to gluten affecting small intestine absorption)
Crohn's disease (Inflammatory bowel disease causing digestive tract inflammation)
Low protein intake
Methylation complications
Vitamin B6 deficiency (Inadequate vitamin B6 levels)
Ulcerative colitis (Inflammatory bowel disease affecting colon lining)
Key Reasons For Testing
Metabolic Assessment: Evaluates amino acid metabolism, providing insights into metabolic health and disorders.
Neurological Disorders: Diagnoses and monitors conditions like serine deficiency and biosynthesis defects affecting brain development.
Cancer Biomarker: Indicates tumor growth and progression in cancers such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Stead LM, Brosnan ME, Brosnan JT. Characterization of serine metabolism in the rat liver. Biochem J. 2000;350(Pt 3):707-712.
[2] de Koning TJ, Klomp LW. Serine-deficiency syndromes. Curr Opin Neurol. 2004;17(2):197-204.
[3] Fehlberg U, Bechmann A, Voigt T. Plasma serine concentrations in the diagnosis of liver diseases. Clin Chem Lab Med. 1999;37(8):847-853.
[4] Curi R, Newsholme P, Procopio J, et al. Metabolic fate of serine in rat lymphocytes and its role in cell proliferation. Biochem J. 1997;328(Pt 3):677-682.
[5] Kalhan SC, Hanson RW. Resurgence of serine: an often neglected but indispensable amino acid. J Biol Chem. 2012;287(24):19786-19791.
[6] Paxton AE, Varner AA, Kinoshita T. Diagnostic importance of serum serine levels in neurological disorders. J Neurol Sci. 2004;217(1):71-76.
[7] Baker DH, Czarnecki-Maulden GL. Comparative nutrition of serine and glycine: growth effects in the rat. J Nutr. 1987;117(12):1916-1922.
[8] Scharadin TM, Longo N. Disorders of amino acid metabolism. Ann Transl Med. 2018;6(24):469.
[9] Brosnan JT, Brosnan ME. Serine metabolism and its role in disease. Annu Rev Nutr. 2013;33:419-439.
[10] Hagenfeldt L, Bollgren I, Venizelos N. Plasma serine levels in children with amino acid metabolic disorders. Eur J Pediatr. 1985;144(1):31-35.
[11] Blom HJ, Wanders RJ, de Koning TJ, et al. Disorders of serine biosynthesis and interconversion. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2001;24(5):448-464.