L-Lysine Dosage: How to Take this Supplement Safely

What is the best dosage of L-lysine supplements to take? L-lysine is an essential amino acid required by the human body, where it plays an important role in the synthesis of protein, generating immune antibodies and as a precursor to L-carnitine.

Because the body cannot make this amino acid on its own, humans must obtain their full supply of lysine from dietary sources. In addition to taking in the recommended daily amount of this amino acid, some people choose to supplement L-lysine for other purposes.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, some of these purposes include herpes simplex labialis, metabolic alkalosis, the improvement of hair, skin and nails and the building of muscle mass.

L-Lysine dosage recommendations generally fall within the rang of 1 to 3 grams daily. For bodybuilding or athletic performance, dosages of 80 mg/kg of bodyweight have also been used.

Lysine

Amino Acid

Immunity

Skin

Longevity

How It Works:

• Promotes health skin & bones
• Boosts immunity & antibody production
• Supports tissue repair & hormone balance

Dosage:

Between 1 - 3 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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L-Lysine Dosage Recommendations

Determining the right dosage to use for L-lysine dietary supplements depends on what it is being used for.

Research has also shown that L-lysine may have several important effects on the body, including antibacterial properties, reduction of blood sugar, improvement of bone health, reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides, protection from cavities and protection of the eye’s lens.

Adverse reactions can occur, especially when high doses of the supplement are consumed or when it is used for an extended period of time.

Thus, when consuming the amino acid L-lysine as a supplement, it is important to take the proper dosage at all times.

In order to determine the proper dosage, consumers are encouraged to consider the recommended dietary allowance of L-lysine, the dosages that have been well-tolerated in past research studies, the instructions on the supplement’s packaging and their doctor’s L-lysine dosage recommendations.

Below is some additional information to help you decide what dosage is best for you.

How Much L-Lysine Should You Take?

Currently, the United States Department of Agriculture recommends a diet that includes an L-lysine dose per day of 38 mg per kg of body weight for adults over the age of 19.

The USDA also recommends a daily intake of 51 mg per kg of body weight for pregnant women, as well as a daily intake of 52 mg per kg of body weight for lactating women.

No official recommended dose of lysine exists for people consuming the amino acid as a supplement. However, the following dosages have been used in clinical trials without serious problems.

• Lysine dosage for ocular disorders – Subjects have taken a 6 gram bolus of lysine on day one followed by 2 grams of oral lysine five times daily for one week.
• Lysine dosage for herpes infections – Subjects have taken up to 3,000 milligrams of lysine daily for a maximum of 12 months.
• Lysine dosage for growth promotion in childhood – Subjects have taken 0.66 grams of lysine in three divided doses daily for a maximum of 6 months.
• Lysine dosage for aphthous ulcers – Subjects have taken 1,000 milligrams of lysine daily for treatment and 500 milligrams of lysine daily for prevention.

In some cases, higher dosages have been used to achieve specific benefits. One study found that dietary consumption of this amino acid at 80 mg/kg of bodyweight resulted in an increase in forearm strength compared to individuals on a diet that provided 25-40 mg/kg of lysine.

Can You Take Too Much Lysine?

Lysine is an essential amino acid that the body needs to function properly. But it may be possible to take too much and experience adverse effects.

According to Drugs.com, there is a relatively low risk of oral toxicity from this supplement because it is absorbed by the body at a slow rate.

In one study, 100 mg/kg dosages were given to two patients with Parkinson disease and did not result in negative side effects.

However, there have been some reports of negative effects from use of this supplement and the risk will be increased when using excessively high dosages.

Studies have shown that consuming an L-lysine supplement in addition to your daily intake of lysine may cause the following side effects:

• Nausea
• Acid reflux
• Stomach discomfort

People who take lysine supplements at high doses and/or for an extended period of time may also experience:

• Gallstones
• Impaired kidney function
• Increased cholesterol levels

Taking high doses of L-lysine has also been connected to more severe reactions in isolated cases, including hair loss, chronic renal failure, severe tubulointerstitial nephritis and the development of Fanconi’s syndrome.

Although further research is needed to determine the nature of the connection between too much L-lysine and these conditions, consumers are encouraged to exercise caution when using this supplement in order to minimize the risk of developing these problems.

Safe Dosage of L-Lysine

The Natural Medicines Database reports that L-lysine supplements are considered safe when used appropriately and for no more than one year at a time.

However, determining appropriate use for each individual consumer is sometimes challenging. Even though the dosages listed above were well-tolerated in clinical trials, they are not necessarily safe for everyone.

Furthermore, because of the dangers associated with high dosages of L-lysine, it is important to take the proper dosage of this supplement in order to reduce the risk of complications.

If you are considering beginning to use an L-lysine supplement, talk to your doctor to determine whether the supplement is safe for you and how much you should take at one time.
If you have never taken this supplement before, consider beginning with a low lysine dosage and gradually increasing it until you have reached your desired effect.

Never take more of this supplement than the manufacturer or your doctor recommends.

If you experience any worrisome side effects while taking L-lysine, discontinue your use of this product and talk to your doctor before taking it again. You may need to reduce the dosage or use a different form of the supplement.

If you experience significant side effects or the signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical treatment immediately.

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