The amino acid serine is not needed in the diet and is considered a non-essential amino acid. This amino acid can be synthesized via biochemical pathways in the body. In the human body, the normal pathway for manufacture of serine is from another amino acid glycine. The amino acid serine aids in reducing pain in the body. The amino acid serine is also a chemical mimic for the actions of a natural anti-psychotic compound and is useful in treating mental disorders. The amino acid serine is also essential for efficient metabolism of all the fatty acids and fats in the body - it is required for the proper growth of muscles. The amino acid serine also facilitates the synthesis of various anti-bodies and immunoglobulins in the human body; this action aids in the maintenance of the immune system and ensures its proper functioning at all times. Many marketed cosmetics and skin care preparations have serine as an additive in the role of a natural moisturizing agent. The synthesis of glucose in the liver is stimulated by the amino acid serine. Consumption of protein rich foods rich in serine will for this reason, help in stabilizing the body against the rapid oscillations of blood sugar levels following a meal. The amino acid serine in turn serves as a precursor to the amino acid cysteine, when combined with another amino acid methionine. It can also serve as a precursor to glycine - a compound from which it is derived. The combined actions of the amino acids serine, alanine and glycine helps in stabilizing the blood sugar levels and is a resource for the timed release of glucose after the depletion of glycogen stores in the liver. The consumption of a well balanced diet will ensure that a deficiency of any non-essential amino acid does not develop in a person. The daily consumption of proper foods permits the body to synthesize exactly the amount of amino acid it requires to function at an optimal level for the maintenance of vital functions. The use of combined supplements of alanine, glycine and serine for the proper management of blood sugar disorders connected with reactive hypoglycemia is a recent treatment initiative. The metabolism of serine is readily done in the body and has a large biochemical safety margin even if the amino acid is present in large amounts in the body at any one time.