Lysine, also known as L-lysine, is an essential amino acid that is necessary for human health. You have to get lysine from food or supplements because the body cannot manufacture it. Protein rich food like red meat, poultry, and fish like cod and sardines are great resources of lysine along with lentil, buffalo gourd, buckwheat, spinach, spirulina, and fenugreek seed. We need lysine because of its ability to fight infection and disease, as well as to promote growth and bone health. It also aids in the production of antibodies so that our immune system keeps functioning. A lysine supplement also works to maintain the body's nitrogen balance. The formation of muscle protein and collagen are also part of lysine's functions.
Lysine is used for preventing and treating cold sores (caused by the virus called herpes simplex labialis). It is taken by mouth or applied directly to the skin for this use. It seems to prevent the herpes virus from growing. Lysine is also taken by mouth to improve athletic performance. Lysine is important for proper growth, and it plays an essential role in the production of carnitine, a nutrient responsible for converting fatty acids into energy and helping to lower cholesterol. Lysine appears to help the body absorb calcium, and it plays an important role in the formation of collagen, a substance important for bones and connective tissues including skin, tendon, and cartilage.
Most people get enough lysine in their diet, although athletic individuals, vegans who don't eat beans, as well as burn patients may need more. Lysine deficiency can lead to many problems including the risk of developing osteoporosis, while some symptoms of lack of lysine are loss of appetite and anemia. Lysine deficiency mostly occurs in people who do not consume animal products. Not enough lysine can cause fatigue, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, agitation, bloodshot eyes, slow growth, anemia, and reproductive disorders. For vegans, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils) are the best sources of lysine.
Being an integral component of all proteins there are many lysine benefits, the only hurdle is that the body cannot synthesis lysine on its own and relies on external sources. One of the major benefits of lysine is that, it is involved in the production of antibodies which boost the immune system. Lysine is an essential amino acid which helps the body make enzymes and hormones which are important for growth. One vital reason that lysine helps growth is its ability to produce collagen which in turn helps repair torn tendons and ligaments. It is also known to ward off bone related diseases like osteoporosis because of its ability to assist the body in absorbing and retaining calcium. This is one of the primary reasons behind the popularity of lysine supplements. Also this amino acid bolsters the immune system to ward off the infections and viruses that can cause many diseases. Patients who are recovering from muscle injuries and other operations benefit from lysine supplements as it assists in building muscle proteins. Some other lysine applications are :
Lysine benefits for skin: Collagen a vital protein which is fibrous in nature connects the body tissue in skin, bones, muscles and tendons. Collagen makes up of about 25 percent of all body proteins and lysine plays an important part in the formation of collagen. Some experiments have shown that a combination of Vitamin C and lysine is very good for the skin and helps skin rejuvenation. As we age the collagen production goes down and wrinkles appear on the skin, lysine stimulates collagen production and revitalizes the skin. It accelerates the healing process of the skin and lysine for cold sores is an effective remedy. Studies have shown lysine effectiveness against canker sores as well, it is advised by some health professionals as a good supplement for skin.
Lysine benefits for herpes: One of the most recognized benefits of lysine is its use against the herpes virus. Lysine is known to considerably accelerate the recovery process in people infected with herpes. It is a great remedy for virus elimination and proves very effective when taken along with Vitamin A, Zinc and Vitamin C. Herpes and cold sores are both caused by a virus known as herpes simplex and lysine helps elimination of this virus. Some experiments have shown that taking lysine supplements reduces the flare up of genital herpes and helps heal genital sores. It also helps keep the arginine levels of our bodies in check and boosts the immune system preventing viral infections.
Osteoporosis: Lysine helps the body absorb calcium and decreases the amount of calcium that is lost in urine. Because calcium is crucial for bone health, some researchers think lysine may help prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Lab studies suggest that lysine in combination with L-arginine (another amino acid) makes bone building cells more active and enhances production of collagen. But no studies have examined whether lysine helps prevent osteoporosis in humans.
Weight control: Lysine helps in the production of L-Carnitine. This is an amino acid that lysine is a precursor to. L-carnitine converts the food that we eat into energy, burning the fatty acids faster. L-carnitine is also believed to help in lowering triglyceride and LDL levels and maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels.
Lysine deficiency is a condition in which the body doesn't have enough lysine. Symptoms of lysine deficiency include irritability, lethargy, poor appetite, slow growth, hair loss, the inability to concentrate and weight loss. Other symptoms of lysine deficiency include anemia, hair loss, reproductive disorders and bloodshot eyes. Treatment of lysine deficiency often include supplements or change of diet.
Foods rich in protein are good sources of lysine. That includes meat (specifically red meat, pork, and poultry), cheese (particularly parmesan), certain fish (such as cod and sardines), nuts, eggs, soybeans (particularly tofu, isolated soy protein, and defatted soybean flour), spirulina, and fenugreek seed. Brewer's yeast, beans and other legumes, and dairy products also contain lysine. Many nuts also contain lysine along with arginine (lysine counteracts some of the effects of arginine). So if someone is trying to eat a diet rich in lysine to prevent lysine deficiency or HSV outbreaks, nuts would be a good choice.
Lysine is available in tablets, capsules, creams, and liquids, and is usually sold in the L-lysine form.
Note that the FDA does not regulate it for purity (that means no contamination), safety and effectiveness. It is best to first ask your doctor or healthcare provider about your plan to take lysine as a supplement. This is especially true for pregnant and lactating women. Lysine may be nontoxic but still can show some side effects. Taking in high doses may cause diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps.
Lysine has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not be substituted for prescription medications. When taking lysine be sure to follow the label for the recommended dosage. And be sure to keep your lysine supplement out of the light and heat.
For adults ages 13 and older: Recommendations are 12 mg/kg/day. A minimum dosage of 500 mg twice a day, is advised for availing l-lysine benefits. People suffering from osteoporosis have been benefited maximum by consuming l-lysine supplements with calcium to strengthen the bones and tissue.
An example of a dose often used during an active herpes flare up is 3,000 - 9,000 mg/day in divided doses for a short period of time. To prevent recurrences, many people take 1,000 mg daily. However, dosing depends on many different factors and you should talk to your doctor to determine the right dose for your particular situation.
The following doses have
been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For cold sores (herpes simplex labialis): 1000 mg daily for 12 months and 1000 mg three times daily for 6 months.
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
For treating cold sores (herpes simplex labialis): a specific combination of lysine plus zinc oxide and 14 other ingredients (Super Lysine Plus +) applied every 2 hours for 11 days has been used.
Adverse reactions such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain, have been reported with lysine ingestion. A case report described the development of the kidney disorders Fanconi syndrome and tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with lysine supplementation taken over a 5-year period.
Excessive consumption of lysine supplements have shown considerable increase in bad cholesterol levels, hardening arteries and hampering blood circulation. Inadequate blood supply to the heart can lead to stroke, heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. This supplement has also caused gallstones, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Rise in bad cholesterol levels can lead to many cardiovascular and respiratory ailments.
An overdose of lysine can result in a life-threatening allergic reaction in some people. If you suspect an allergic reason or suspect an overdose, immediately call an emergency room or a poison control center for treatment. There have been cases, where the ill effects of this nutritional supplement have been severe. Swelling of face, lips and tongue, difficulty in breathing and closing of throat have been some intense symptoms observed in patients who have consumed excess supplements containing lysine.
Lysine supplements should never be taken without a prescription from the doctor or your health care provider. This is specially a warning for people who are already being treated with antibiotics like gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, kanamycin, netilmicin, neomycin, streptomycin and tobramycin. These medication on reaction with lysine supplements can prove to be a lethal combination with adverse effects on the patient.
United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved of lysine supplement as a treatment for any disease or ailment. Hence, it should not be a substitute for prescription medications. The main reason for this declaration by FDA is, the potential risks and side effects of this supplement with many medications are still under study and are not much known. People who have suffered from too many side effects of lysine can report to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
One of the major reasons indicating latent side effects of lysine supplements is that many marketed herbal supplements containing this amino acid, have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals and health harming drugs. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards for these supplements.
People suffering from ailments concerning liver, heart or kidney and from allergic reactions, are strictly advised against consuming lysine supplements. Also its effects on pregnancy and nursing infants are not much known. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to you healthcare provider before using lysine supplements.
The following reviews have been selected:
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Reason for taking: Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
1/31/2012 2:00:58 PM
Comment:
I am so glad that I found that Lysine helps relieve symptoms of HSV. It works really well for me and I suggest before buying those expensive meds (i.e. acyclovir, valtrex) please pick up a bottle of inexpensive L-Lysine. This works wonder. Thank you nature for your natural remedies.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Good stuff for EVERYONE, cold sores or not, May 17, 2011
By
HB (Eastern US)
I have been fortunate to only experience a very mild, occasional cold sore on my lip. Actually, it's not even occasional any more, thanks to this stuff. If I take one or two doses of this, at the first suggestion of irritation (tingling/etc) the problem never actualizes.
Part of my line of work involves being out in elaborate-yet-not-warm costume in all types of weather. After working a couple of exhausting 12 hour days in rainy weather and camping in an unheated building, it's nearly impossible not to catch a cold. However, since I began using lysine (and sharing it with all of my coworkers and neighbor workers), none of us has gotten sick, or as sick. This is really a great supplement to boost your immune system, whether you experience herpes symptoms or not. I am always happy to share my bottle of lysine "on the road" because it's just so easy for us to get sick from the crazy hours/diet/environment (We operate a family business at renaissance faires across the US - rain, sleet, snow or shine. Faires are almost always in the middle of nowhere so it's tough to find good groceries and prepare a solid meal. Most folks also live/sleep in tents, vans, RVs, and unheated buildings). At any rate, this stuff will keep your body strong when you're pushing it through less than ideal environments.
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Reason for taking: Cold sores
Reviewer: pmeril, 55-64 Female, 1/22/2012 8:39:18 PM
Comment:
I started taking lysine at my daughters prompting. We have a sensitivity to acidic foods and get cold sores after eating much of them. After I started taking lysine the outbreaks were next to never. I love this stuff.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Product, August 27, 2011
By
Brian L. Montgomery (Colorado)
I have been taking [Lysine] for a year or two now and it is amazing. My acupuncturist recommended it to me for canker sores in my mouth and other stress related ailments. The results are astonishing. I do not get these sores any more and I have not had a cold since then either. If I feel even a hint of being under the weather I take [Lysine] two or three times a day and the ailment (cold, sore throat, etc.) never develops. Highly recommended.
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Reason for taking: Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Reviewer: darwin, 19-24 Female, 6/13/2011 12:33:22 PM
Comment:
I have had genital herpes for 3 years and I have been taking 1000mg of Lysine daily after it was recommended to me by a friend. My doctor had only told me about Valtrex, which I used for my first and second outbreak, but it made me feel ill - headaches and nausea. I have been taking Lysine as a suppressive therapy for about 2 1/2 years and I have only had one full fledged outbreak since then. If I feel one beginning, I increase my dose to about 3000mg a day, which has prevented lesions from forming every time but the one. I continue that dose until 2 days after I don't feel anything at all, just to be sure. Lysine has been effective for me and is much more affordable than Valtrex - especially if you buy it in bulk... I would like to see more clinical studies on Lysine's effect on genital herpes specifically and any side effects or long term effects it may have. So far, I have not noticed any negative effects.
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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Lysine, January 8, 2009
By
C. Bishop (colorado springs, co, usa)
Now that I'm in dentures, I was getting little sore spots in my mouth from inadvertently biting my lip, tongue or cheek. Very annoying, but a nurse friend suggested I start taking Lysine to help the healing process and it has really helped. It also helps to ward off cold sores.
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Reason for taking: Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Reviewer: Dee, 35-44 Female, 4/28/2010 12:06:50 AM
Comment:
I used Valtrex for years which was no help at all for my herpes in fact it seemed to increase my outbreaks. I started using L-Lysine and have reduced my outbreaks to almost nothing by taking 2000MG per day. If I get an outbreak I take upto 4000mg and it seemes to heal faster then ever and with much less pain. I think this stuff is a [great] drug! The pills are huge so that makes it tough to swallow but after a while you get used to it and it's worth not having an outbreak or shortening the outbreak cycle.
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