General Description
L-lysine is an amino acid required for normal growth and development
in infants and for maintaining nitrogen balance in adults. It is
classified as an essential amino acid, which means that it is required
for good health but cannot be manufactured by the body, and therefore
must be provided by the diet. Good sources of L-lysine include meat,
fish, legumes, and dairy products. It is also available as a dietary
supplement.
Health Applications
- Cold sores
- Genital herpes
- Canker sores
- Osteoporosis
Primary Uses
L-lysine is used primarily in the management of herpes infections
such as cold sores, canker sores, and genital herpes. Although
one small study (21 patients) found L-lysine to be no more effective
than placebo,1 in most studies, 2-7
L-lysine was found to be effective in reducing the recurrence
of herpes outbreaks. The results from one study suggest that large
doses of L-lysine (3,000 mg per day) can reduce the occurrence,
severity, and healing time of herpes outbreaks.7
Studies on tissue cultures indicate that herpes virus replication
is influenced by ratios of L-lysine to the amino acid arginine;
replication is enhanced when the ratio favors arginine and inhibited
when the ratio favors L-lysine.2 It appears
that L-lysine can be useful in managing selected cases of recurrent
herpes if serum L-lysine can be maintained at adequate concentrations.4
Research indicates that L-lysine supplements may increase the
intestinal absorption of calcium, suggesting potential for the
prevention and treatment of osteoporosis as well.8
Dosage/Toxicity
Most studies on L-lysine and herpes have used 900 to 1,200 mg
per day. L-lysine has very low toxicity and appears to be well
tolerated at this dosage range. |
