Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

L-serine is a non-essential amino acid involved in several metabolic pathways in the brain, including the synthesis of proteins, nucleotides, and neurotransmitters. Its connection to epilepsy primarily arises from recent scientific studies identifying mutations in genes involved in L-serine biosynthesis (such as PHGDH, PSAT1, and PSPH) in rare metabolic disorders. These disorders, which cause L-serine deficiency, are associated with severe neurological symptoms, including intractable epilepsy, microcephaly, and psychomotor retardation. Supplementation with L-serine has shown positive effects in case reports and small case series, notably reducing seizure frequency and improving development in patients with these specific genetic defects (de Koning et al., 2002).

However, evidence supporting the use of L-serine in broader forms of epilepsy, especially in those without serine biosynthesis defects, is limited. There are no large-scale randomized controlled trials confirming efficacy in idiopathic or common epilepsies. Therefore, while there is scientific validation for L-serine supplementation in rare, genetically defined serine deficiency syndromes manifesting with epilepsy, its use is not broadly recommended for epilepsy in general. The evidence rating reflects this narrow, but significant, scientific justification.

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