Lysine, or L-lysine, is an essential amino acid. That means it is necessary for human health but the body can't manufacture it; lysine has to be gotten from food. Amino acids like lysine are the building blocks of protein. 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 athletes, vegans who don't eat beans, and burn patients may need more. 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.

What is L-lysine ?
L-Lysine is a necessary building block for all protein in the body. L-Lysine plays a major role in calcium absorption, building muscle protein, recovering from surgery or sports injuries and the body's production of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.L-Lysine is an essential amino acid that is available as a nutritional supplement. It helps the body absorb calcium, and supports the creation of collagen. Evidence suggests that lysine may help treat cold sores and help prevent osteoporosis. Amino acids such as L-Lysine are required to maintain good health. These acids are not manufactured by the human body. People get their required amount of amino acids from food, nutritional supplements, and herbs.

L-Lysine is linked to the production of carnitine. Carnitine converts fatty acids into energy, which in turn reduces cholesterol in the bloodstream. Lysine has also been used to treat cold sores. Several studies were completed to test the effectiveness of taking L-Lysine supplements on a regular basis to control cold sore and genital herpes outbreaks. It was concluded that this supplement prevented outbreaks. Since it is connected to the production of collagen, athletes sometimes take lysine supplements. Collagen builds connective tissues and helps the human body maintains lean muscle tissue and burn fat.

Where it is found
Foods rich in protein are good sources of lysine amino acids. It is found in the following food sources:
Soybeans - Soy protein, tofu, soybean flour
Legumes - Peas, beans and lentils
Meat - Red meat, poultry and pork
Fish - Sardines and Cod
Cheese - Parmesan
Brewer's yeast
Eggs
Nuts
Fenugreek seeds
Spirulina
Milk

Benefits / uses
Herpes
Some studies have found that taking lysine on a regular basis may help prevent outbreaks of cold sores and genital herpes.

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 enhance production of collagen.

Doses
Pediatric
For children ages 2 - 12: Recommendations are 23 mg/kg/day or 10 mg per pound of body weight daily. Do not use lysine in children less than 2 years of age unless under the supervision of a health care provider.

Adult
For adults ages 13 and older: Recommendations are 12 mg/kg/day.
For adults with herpes infections: To treat symptoms, take 3,000 - 9,000 mg per day in divided doses. To prevent recurrences, take 1,000 mg 3 times per day.

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.

Possible Side effects / Precautions / Possible Interactions:
Lysine is possibly safe for most people when taken by mouth at recommended doses for up to one year, or when applied to the skin short-term. It can cause side effects such as stomach pain and diarrhea.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of lysine during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Kidney disease: There is one report of kidney disease linked with taking lysine supplements. If you have a kidney disease, check with your healthcare provider before taking lysine.

Calcium supplements interacts with LYSINE
Lysine can increase how much calcium the body absorbs. Taking calcium along with lysine can increase the amount of calcium in the body. Avoid taking large amounts of calcium and lysine at the same time.

Research studies / References