L-Lysine Uses for Cold Sores, Immune Function & Calcium Absoprtion

Lysine is one of the essential amino acids that the body needs in order to form proteins. This amino acid cannot be synthesized in the body, which means we need to consume it from food sources or supplements.

Lysine levels can be maintained by including food sources of this amino acid in the diet, including fish, eggs, beans and dairy products. It is also available as dietary supplement, whcih can be taken by mouth in the form of pills, capsules, tablets, powder and liquid extract. Lysine can also be applied to the skin in the form of cream or ointment.

Lysine is used in the body for the production of L-carnitine, which is responsible for the conversion of fatty acids into energy. It is also involved in the absorption of calcium and the formation of collagen, which is needed for bones and connective tissues.

Some people use lysine supplements to manage a deficiency in this amino acid if they do not obtain enough of it from foods. It is also used to support the immune system, for anti-aging benefits and to support muscle growth and proper nitrogen balance.

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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Top L-Lysine Uses

What is lysine good for? Lysine is used for boosting the immune system and managing cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and canker sores.

Other uses for it include improving athletic performance, reducing stress levels and for preventing glycation, which has been identified as a cause of premature aging.

Lysine is also used to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, because it has been shown to improve the retention and absorption of calcium. However, more research is needed to rate the efficacy of this supplement for bone health.

Lysine has also been studied for its potential to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Topical forms of lysine have been used for metabolic disorders, specifically alkalosis.

Although L-Lysine pills have been used for cold sores related to HSV, it is not intended to be used for genital herpes that result from HSV infections. A 2007 literature review published in the BMJ stated that there is no scientific evidence to support the use of lysine for genital herpes, and it should not be used for this purpose. [1]

Effects of Lysine Use for Cold Sores

Lysine supplements are commonly used for the management of cold sores, which occur due to the presence of HSV.

The amino acid arginine is involved with the replication of HSV, and lysine helps block arginine from entering cells. Some researchers have theorized that dysregulation of arginine and lysine balance may be a key factor in viral conditions.

How effective are lysine supplements for herpes symptoms? The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that lysine is possible effective for managing cold sores. Studies have shown that daily doses of 1,000 to 1,248 mg of lysine might be effective at reducing severity and recurrence of cold sores. [2]

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lysine might be more effective for reducing cold sore severity and lowering the risk of recurring outbreaks of HSV infections than preventing infections from occurring. [3]

Benefits of Lysine Supplements for Other Uses

Lysine helps promote calcium absorption in the blood, which has led some researchers to speculate that it might help lower the risk of osteoporosis. Studies have shown that lysine and arginine might increase the production of collagen and promote the activity of cells that build bone when used together.

However, no studies have focused on the effects of lysine for preventing osteoporosis in humans, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [4] Human research is needed to rate the efficacy of this supplement for osteoporosis.

Lysine has been used as a source of protein for athletes in an attempt to improve performance. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that some studies have shown that lysine supplements might support the recovery of muscle tissue after stress, but there is insufficient reliable evidence to rate this claim. [5]

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that more research is needed to support the claims that lysine helps prevent canker sores and helps reduce blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. Preliminary research indicated that using 500 MG of lysine on a daily basis might be effective for preventing canker sores from developing. [6]

Safety of Lysine Supplements

Are lysine supplements safe to take for short- or long-term periods? According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Lysine supplements are rated as Possibly Safe for most people to take in small or moderate amounts.

Larger doses of this amino acid are associated with a higher risk of gallstone formation, elevated cholesterol levels and abdominal cramping. [7]

Lysine use during pregnancy is not recommended due to insufficient reliable information on its effects, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive. [8] Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctor before using lysine supplements.

How long can lysine supplements be safely used for? The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that lysine supplements are possibly safe to use orally for up to one year or on a short-term basis when used topically. [9]

Long-term lysine use might lead to excessive amounts of this amino acid in the body. Having too much lysine might increase the risk of kidney failure and other types of renal dysfunction, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [10]

Those who take calcium or arginine supplements should talk to their doctor before using lysine supplements. Lysine improves calcium absorption, which can lead to harmful amounts of calcium in the blood.

Higher levels of arginine in the body can result in lower levels of lysine. This is mainly due to the competition between these amino acids for cell absorption, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. [11]

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