L-Lysine

Common Name: L-Lysine
Synonyms: Lysine, lysine hydrochloride

Overview:

L-lysine is an essential amino acid (the body can not make lysine so it mut come from the food we eat). Lysine is found in high concentrations in meat, eggs and dairy. Although most vegetables are low in lysine, wheat germ, legumes (dried beans and peas) and brewer’s yeast all contain high amounts of lysine. Lysine concentrated in muscle tissue but plays an important part in many other processes in the body. Some of them are:

1. helps in the absorption of calcium from the intestines
2. Promotes bone growth.
3. It is also important in the formation of collagen
4. Aiding in the production of hormones, antibodies and enzymes
5. Aiding in the recovery from surgery or sports injuries. This is because lysine is concentrated in muscle tissue and responsible for its recovery from injury.

Lysine deficiencies are rare. It occurs most often in strict vegetarians and athletes undergoing rigorous training. The symptoms of lysine deficiency are:

1. The development of kidney stones
2. Fatigue
3. Nausea
4. Dizziness
5. Loss of appetite
6. Agitation
7. Bloodshot eyes
8. Slow growth
9. Anemia
10. Reproductive disorders

Benefits

Research into lysine is beginning to show promising results.

1. A study by Italian researcher, Dr. A. Isidori at the University of Rome, found that combining 1200mg of lysine and 1200mg of arginine was 20 times more effective than either amino acid alone in stimulating hormone release.


2. The regular use of lysine supplements may reduce the number and intensity of herpes flare ups. One double blind placebo-controlled study followed 52 patients with herpes flare-ups. The group that received 3000mg of lysine daily for 6 months had 2.4 fewer flare ups than the control group. The lysine group’s flare-ups were also less severe. Another double blind placebo controlled crossover study also found improvement in the frequency and severity of herpes flare-ups. This was at doses of 1250mg of lysine daily. An interesting side note is that doses of 624mg did not have the same effect.


3. Preliminary research is showing that lysine supplements may improve the absorption of calcium from the intestines. This may prove helpful in the treatment of osteoporosis

Recommended Dosage:

1. Adults may need up to 30mg per kilogram of body weight.
2. Adults with herpes simples should follow these guidelines:
3. To treat symptoms 3000-9000mg per day in divided doses
4. To prevent flare-ups 500-1500mg daily are recommended.

Precautions

1. Those with the rare genetic disorderhyperlysinemia/hyperlysinuria should not take lysine supplements.
2. Lysine supplemnts are generally regarded as safe and there have been no reports of toxic effects or overdoses.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care provider before using any supplements. The affects of this supplement has not been tested on children and those suffering from liver or kidney disease. It is recommended that in children and people with liver or kidney disease this supplementation not be used.

Web References

1. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupplements/Lysinecs.html
2. http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21791
3. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/lly_0166.shtml

Printed Reference Material

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