What are Lysine 500 MG Pills Used for & How to Take

Lysine is an amino acid that is obtained through dietary sources, such as eggs, meat and dairy products. It promotes healthy muscle growth and helps produce carnitine, which is a nutrient that turns fatty acids into energy.

Lysine also assists with calcium absorption and helps the body form collagen for healthy connective tissues and bones. It also plays a role in immune function and supports healthy skin.

Adequate amounts of lysine are typically obtained through food sources, but additional amounts can be obtained from supplements. Lysine 500 MG pills provide an extra source of this amino acid for those who have inadequate amounts of it in the body, such as vegans who do not consume beans.

Those who are considering taking lysine 500 MG pills should understand what they are commonly used for and what effects they have. It is also important to know the potential side effects and drug interactions associated with lysine supplements.

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

Top Lysine Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Common Uses of Lysine Pills

What are lysine 500 MG pills used for? These supplements are typically used for preventing cold sores, or herpes labialis. They have also been used for preventing canker sores, lowering the risk of osteoporosis and improving athletic performance.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Lysine supplements are possibly effective for reducing the recurrence and severity of cold sores. This is based on studies that had participants take 1,000 to 1,248 mg daily. [1]

Preliminary research showed that 500 mg of lysine daily might help prevent canker sores, although more research is needed to understand mechanisms and validate initial findings.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, no studies have focused on the ability of lysine to prevent or lower the risk of osteoporosis, so there is not enough evidence to support this claim. [2]

There is also insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of lysine for reducing stress and lowering blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. T

his supplement is promoted for its anti-glycation effect and potential anti-aging benefits, but more research is needed to evaluate these claims.

Types of Lysine Supplements

Lysine supplements are available to take orally as pills, tablets, capsules, liquid extract and powder. Lysine is also sold as a cream. Some brands that sell lysine pills include NOW Foods, Source Naturals, Nature’s Bounty, Pure Encapsulations and Thorne Research.

A large number of consumer reviews indicated that lysine 500 mg pills were effective for preventing cold sores and canker sores and improving immunity in general. A small number of consumer reviews indicated that these products were ineffective at preventing cold sores and canker sores.

How to Take Lysine 500 MG Pills

The FDA has not approved Lysine as a drug for the treatment of any specific medical conditions, so there are no standardized dosage guidelines for lysine pills. The amount that is needed for cold sores or other uses depends on overall health, age and other factors.

A lysine dosage of 500 mg is considered a low dose. This is usually used for mild core sores, while higher dosages of 1,000 mg are typically used for more severe or frequent cold sore outbreaks.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that dosages between 1,000 and 3,000 mg in one daily dose or a few divided doses have been used for up to 12 months for herpes infections in clinical trials. [3]

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends a dietary intake of 38 mg/kg of lysine daily for adults who are 19 and older. [4] Taking 500 mg pills or 1,000 mg pills in addition to getting lysine through dietary sources is typically considered safe.

Lysine 500 mg tablets and other supplements lead to a higher rate of calcium absorption in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [5] Those who are taking lysine supplements should discuss safe calcium amounts with their doctor.

Having too much calcium in the body cam lead to a condition called hypercalcemia, which can cause bones to become weaker and increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Hypercalcemia can also cause abnormal heart rhythm.

Side Effects of Lysine Pills

Lysine pills are generally considered safe to take in small to moderate doses. Larger amounts are associated with side effects, including the formation of gallstones, higher cholesterol levels and abdominal cramping, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [6]

Those with kidney disease should talk to their doctor before taking lysine 500 mg pills or other lysine supplements. Excessive amounts of lysine might have the potential to cause renal dysfunction, such as kidney failure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [7]

Due to insufficient research, women who are pregnant or nursing should talk to their doctor before taking lysine supplements.

Lysine tablets have the potential to interact with certain types of medications. Those who take 5-HT4 agonists should take lysine under a doctor’s care, since these supplements might interfere with the effects of these medications.

Lysine pills might also interact with arginine supplements. Having high arginine levels might lead to lower levels of lysine, since these amino acids compete for cell absorption and entry, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. [8]

Lysine 500mg supplements might also result in a higher risk of nephrotoxicity when used with aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as streptomycin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [9]

Rate This Article

(4 votes, average: 4.75 out of 5, rated)