L Lysine Benefits

Lysine, lysine hydrochloride or l lysine is one of the nine essential amino acids that the human body needs but cannot synthesize. It is obtained from the foods that we eat or by taking lysine supplement.

Foods rich in protein are good sources of lysine. Some examples of foods high in lysine are brewers yeast, cod, chicken, eggs, kidney beans, lentils, milk, nuts, pea, parmesan cheese, red meat, sardines, tofu and wheat germ.

Even though most people's diet contain lysine, it may not be sufficient to meet the daily requirement. This is because heat, cooking or food processing can deplete lysine.

The alternative is to take lysine supplement to avoid deficiency. Some of the symptoms of lysine deficiency include fatigue, hair loss, poor concentration and weak immune system.

L Lysine Benefits and Medicinal Uses

Manufacture Proteins

Humans require l lysine to manufacture or synthesize proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of body tissues. Lysine assists in the growth and repair of tissues and the benefits of lysine include speeding up recovery from a sport injury or surgery.

Support the Immune System

Lysine benefits include supporting the immune system. It is involved in the production of antibodies to fight infections such as the common cold virus and other viral infections such as shingles.

Formation of Collagen

Lysine aids in the formation of collagen together with vitamin C and another amino acid called proline. Collagen is a type of protein that is found in the skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and other connective tissues. Collagen is beneficial for the hair, nails and improvement in skin appearance. It is also helpful in providing relief from joint pains and improving flexibility.

Aid in the Production of Carnitine

Lysine and methionine produce carnitine in the liver and kidney. The muscles use l carnitine to metabolize fat and convert it to energy. It also supports healthy cholesterol levels, enhances cognitive functions and physical or athletic performance.

Prevent and Treat Cold Sores and Genital Herpes

Cold sores, mouth herpes, fever blisters, herpes simplex labialis or oral herpes are caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus. Genital herpes or herpes genitalis is caused by herpes simplex 2 virus. Herpes is contagious.

One of l lysine benefits is its ability to prevent the outbreak of cold sores. If you take lysine supplement immediately after sensing the early symptoms of a cold sore such as a tingling sensation and the symptom of genital herpes such as a burning sensation, you may be able to prevent it. And if you take lysine supplement when the first symptom shows up, it may help speed up the healing time.

The dosage for treating herpes is about 1000 to 3000mg of lysine supplement per day. A study by the Southern California University suggests that applying lysine topical ointment may also help cut down the duration of fever blisters.

Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis

Foods that are high in oxalates or oxalic acids such as chocolates, collard greens, spinach and rhubarb reduce the absorption of calcium. One of lysine benefits include improving the intestinal absorption of calcium and thus reduce the loss of calcium in the urine. It therefore helps in preventing bone loss and treating osteoporosis.

Reduce Stress Induced Anxiety

According to a study conducted by Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Institute of Life Sciences on male rats, l lysine and l arginine was able to reduce stress induced anxiety.

L Lysine Side Effects

So far there are no reports of lysine side effects. However, some people may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. There is one report of a kidney problem associated with taking lysine supplement for over 5 years.

If you take a high dosage of lysine, it is wise to increase your intake of arginine. This is because excessive lysine intake will deplete arginine. Some of the symptoms of a deficiency in arginine include constipation, fatty liver, hair loss and slow wound healing.

Just like any other supplement, pregnant and lactating women should seek advice from their doctors before taking lysine.

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