Supplementation with amino acid serine eases neuropathy in diabetic mice (Adding glycine may be helpful)

Medical Xpress / Salk Institute / Nature ^ | Jan. 25, 2023 | Christian Metallo et al

[ConservativeMind]

Approximately half of people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes experience peripheral neuropathy—weakness, numbness, and pain, primarily in the hands and feet. Now, researchers have identified another factor contributing to diabetes-associated peripheral neuropathy: altered amino acid metabolism.

The team found that diabetic mice with low levels of two related amino acids, serine and glycine, are at higher risk for peripheral neuropathy. What's more, the researchers were able to alleviate neuropathy symptoms in diabetic mice by supplementing their diets with serine.

The study adds to growing evidence that some often-underappreciated, "non-essential" amino acids play important roles in the nervous system. The findings may provide a new way to identify people at high risk for peripheral neuropathy, as well as a potential treatment option.

Amino acids are the building blocks that make up proteins and specialized fat molecules called sphingolipids, which are abundant in the nervous system. Low levels of the amino acid serine force the body to incorporate a different amino acid in sphingolipids, which changes their structure. These accumulate, which may contribute to peripheral nerve damage.

The researchers were surprised to find that low serine, in combination with a high-fat diet, accelerated the onset of peripheral neuropathy in the mice. In contrast, serine supplementation in diabetic mice slowed the progression of peripheral neuropathy, and the mice fared better.

Serine deficiency has also been associated with various neurodegenerative disorders. For example, Metallo and collaborators previously found a link between altered serine and sphingolipid metabolism in patients with macular telangiectasia type 2, a condition that causes vision loss. Serine is currently being tested for treating macular telangiectasia and Alzheimer's disease.

Foods naturally rich in serine include soybeans, nuts, eggs, chickpeas, lentils, meat, and fish, and serine supplements are inexpensive and available over the counter.

[ConservativeMind]

It seems now we make less serine, glycine, cysteine, and taurine, as we age.

These were previously not appreciated as having much impact on our health.

[ConservativeMind]

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[steve86]

The collagen tablets I’m taking include both serine and glycine, and 18 other amino acids. Daily dose is a whopping six tablets, but I spread them through the day (and night, sometimes). They also throw in C and biotin to round things out.

[NWFree]

All they really need are little tiny doses of gabapentin

[NWFree]

I just popped a couple myself for r&r

[353FMG]

Hope for neuropathy victims? If so, God be blessed.

[CTyank]

ARA 290 peptide info:

https://www.peptidesciences.com/blog/ara-290-neuroinflammation-innate-repair

[DannyTN]

Does L-serine raise blood sugar? We found that L-serine reduced diabetes incidence and reduced inflammation in pancreatic islets (Fig 1A–1C). Furthermore, we found that L-serine improved glucose homeostasis as evidenced by improved glucose tolerance, reduced HOMA-IR, and reduced average blood glucose (Fig 2A–2D).Mar 15, 2018 P>L-serine supplementation lowers diabetes incidence and improves

[Carriage Hill]

I take a 300mg Gabapentin 1x/ day, in my morning 19-pill regimen (Rx & OTC), along with 2 50mg Tramadol. None in the evening 16-pill regimen (Rx & OTC). It helps.

[Thermalseeker]

Look into lions mane mushrooms. This mushroom contains compounds that help with pain from neuropathy and fibromyalgia, as well as dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS. The reports I’ve read are jaw-dropping. It has been clinically shown to contain neuroregenerative compounds. All that and it tastes like lobster.