Lysine

Lysine, What Is It?

Did you know that lysine is essential to your immunity and bone health? Read on to discover this important amino acid and how it may be your missing piece of the puzzle.

lysine is one of the 9 essential amino acids – essential because the body cannot produce it – therefore, it must come from the diet. What foods contain lysine? Legumes, dairy, fish and meat. While deficiency is rare, using this supplement can be useful to help bolster immunity, to protect and preserve bone health and stimulate collagen production.

Bones

Lysine is essential for the proper absorption and conservation of calcium (less urinary calcium loss), to support the growth and development of bones, as well as to decrease the risk of osteoporosis. As if that weren’t beneficial enough, this amino is required for collagen production, so supplemental lysine helps boost your production of collagen which provides structure to the bones, skin, tendons and teeth, as well as helps maintain younger-looking skin.

Immunity

Lysine deficiency impairs viral immunity and antibody response, which should come as no surprise, given its well-known use in treating herpetic viruses (and shingles). It does this by competing with arginine for absorption, which results in slowing the virus; therefore, limiting virus replication. Beyond herpetic viruses, research has also shown that it helps enhance general immune health across age groups.

Benefits of Lysine

• Proven Antiviral
• Stimulates Collagen Production

Who Needs Lysine

People with certain health conditions, such as the herpes simplex virus (HSV), those with compromised immunity, vegetarians and vegans, as well as those who consume very little dietary protein may benefit from this supplement. Lysine supplementation can also improve bone and skin health.

Lysine Supplements

Potencies

The recommended daily dosage is in the 800mg to 3g daily range. Supplement dosing will vary according to the condition or symptom being addressed. But how much is too much? Taking more than 6g daily can cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea and stomach ache.

Forms

These supplements can be found in a variety of forms such as L-Lysine Sulfate, N-Acetyl-Lysine, and L-Lysine Hydrochloride, which is said to offer a higher percentage of bioavailable lysine.

Formats

Lysine supplements are offered in capsule and powder form, as well as in topical cream for herpes outbreaks.

Because of its direct implication in collagen formation, it pairs especially well with vitamin C, which is also required for the production of collagen.

For immune support, combine this supplement with zinc for additional benefits.

Final Thoughts

Lysine supplements can help reduce the number and severity of cold sore outbreaks, bolster immunity, preserve and protect bones, as well as positively influence immunity. If you are interested in adding it to your daily regimen, follow the dosing instructions on the label or consult a natural health practitioner.

Lysine Side Effects & Contraindications

Most practitioners agree that this amino is safe for most of their patients to take each day; however, these supplements should not be used during pregnancy or lactation and are not recommended for HIV/AIDS infection.