Lysine Hydrochloride Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & Doses

Lysine Hydrochloride is the most common form of this essential amino acid found in dietary supplements.

L-Lysine HCL is an essential amino acid that is commonly supplemented to support immune system function due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. This supplement may be combined with Vitamin C to improve resistance to the common cold.

Lysine HCL is also taken to reduce cold sore outbreaks, support workout recovery and muscle growth, improve energy metabolism, promote healthy cartilage and skin, and to alleviate anxiety and stress.

The use of Lysine Hydrochloride as a dietary supplement is considered effective for ameliorating a deficiency in this amino acid. It has also been studied for its effects on protein synthesis, bone growth and maintenance, cholesterol levels and for its effects on the replication of the Herpes Simplex virus.

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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What is L-Lysine HCL?

Lysine hydrochloride is a synthetic form of the amino acid lysine used most commonly in dietary supplements. It contains lysine bound to a hydrochloride salt.

The use of hydrochloric acid does not affect how this supplement works, but does improve solubility and the oral bioavailability of the supplement.

This molecule is 80.03% lysine, which means that 1.25 grams of lysine hydrochloride will provide 1 gram of lysine.

It is also referred to as hydrochlorure de L-Lysine, L-Lysine, L-Lysine HCl, L-Lysine Hydrochloride, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Lisina, Lys, Lysine HCl, Lysine Hydrochloride, Lysine Monohydrochloride, Monochlohydrate de L-Lysine and Monochlohydrate de Lysine.

Lysine HCL is used as a supplement to prevent deficiency in people who eat vegan and vegetarian diets. It is also used to boost immune function, support general well-being and as a bodybuilding supplement.

L-lysine is an “essential” amino acid, because humans cannot make it internally. We must obtain this amino acid from eating certain foods, such as cheese, milk, beans and yogurt. Grains and vegetables contain little to no lysine.

Individuals who are deficient may need to supplement with Lysine hydrochloride. A deficiency is linked to mood disruptions, brain fog, increased susceptibility to getting sick, low energy levels and muscle weakness or deterioration.

In addition to playing a role in growth, lysine is involved in producing carnitine, a substance responsible for transporting fatty acids to mitochondria for generating energy.

Lysine HCL also helps repair damaged muscle cells, supports nerve function, is used to synthesize collagen and elastin, and promotes secretion of numerous hormones, including growth hormone.

Since the bioavailability of L-Lysine in food decreases when that food is cooked, supplements may address lysine-deficient diets and contribute to meeting the suggested daily requirements of 800 to 3000 mg per day. [1]

Lysine Hydrochloride Uses

People take L-Lysine HCL supplements for a variety of reasons stemming from its antibiotic, antiviral and fat-burning properties. It may also assist in the formation of new collagen matrices to improve skin, hair and nail health. [2]

Lysine hydrochloride supplements are also taken to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes and cold sores. Some studies demonstrate that it can reduce the severity of lesions, decrease the duration of cold sores and prevent recurrence.

However, other studies using lower dosages have reported no improvement in subjects taking lysine for herpes. There is significant anecdotal evidence of use for this purpose, but it may work better for some individuals than others.

Lysine hydrochloride appears to facilitate absorption of calcium by the body while reducing loss of calcium in urine. Since calcium is necessary for bone health, people often take this supplement to reduce their risk of osteoporosis.

Enhanced cell proliferation during research with human osteoblasts indicates that lysine may improve bone density and reduce severity of osteoporosis.

Lab research suggests combining lysine with L-arginine stimulates bone cell activity and promotes collage production. [3] In addition, a combination of lysine and arginine increased matrix synthesis while also stimulating cell proliferation. [4]

This nutrient may also exert anti-diabetic effects. In a research study, one gram of lysine mixed with chlorformine or glucophage increased enzyme activity and decreased blood sugar in human subjects.

Lysine Hydrochloride and Growth Hormone

Released by the pituitary gland, growth hormone (GH) enhances muscle growth, burns fat and supports the immune system.

Endocrinologists believe age-related increases in adipose tissue, decreases in lean body mass and hair thinning are linked to reduced output of growth hormone.

Increasing human growth hormone can also have benefits for bodybuilders and athletes who are interested in increasing lean muscle tissue and strength.

Lysine and arginine appears to exert a synergistic effect on the release of growth hormone, which has been proposed as a way to address some of the health some problems associated with aging.

In a study with 15 male subjects taking 1200 mg of an aginine-lysine hydrochloride supplement, researchers reported “significantly elevated biologically active growth hormone from two to eight time the baseline value”. [4]

However, more research is needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of taking this dietary supplement to increase growth hormone for long periods of time as well as potential risks of elevated levels.

Prevention of Vascular Calcification

Lysine is believed to have benefits for cardiovascular health and for circulatory function. One of the ways it may do this is by inhibiting the build-up of calcium deposits in the blood vessels and arteries.

Commonly seen in people suffering diabetes and chronic kidney disease, vascular calcification (VC) is strongly linked to the development of serious cardiovascular disease.

Calcium is transported by the bloodstream throughout the body. While 99% of calcium is stored in the teeth and bones, a small percentage is also found in muscles, blood, extracellular fluid and in other tissues.

If that calcium accumulates in the circulatory system, it can lead to hardening of the arteries and the formation of atherosclerotic plaque.

This plaque can increase the risk of heart attacks and other dangerous outcomes associated with cardiovascular disease. Use of a lysine supplement has been proposed to reduce atherosclerotic calcification, which may have benefits for heart health.

When mice with VC were given lysine supplements, their VC condition was “almost completely ameliorated” according to authors of the study. In addition, the study supported the ability of lysine to provide bone-protective effects by conserving bone minerals in mice. [5]

However, more research in humans is required to determine how effective lysine is at reducing calcium accumulation in the cardiovascular system and what effect that has on heart function and heart attack risk.

Anti-anxiety Properties

Rats suffering deficiencies of L-Lysine HCL exhibit decreased release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter implicated in anxiety and depression.

Compared to a group of rats with sufficient lysine levels, the deficient rats showed higher stress and anxiety levels when subjected to shock.

Authors discovered that a lysine deficiency caused more serotonin to be released in the amygdala, an organelle responsible for fear and anger responses, instead of mood-regulating pathways in the brain. [6]

In a human study, wheat that was fortified with lysine at a dosage of 4.2 grams per kilogram was fed to individuals who typically consumed a cereal-based diet and were at risk of low lysine intake.

Individuals in this study were from “economically weak populations” in Syria. The study was designed to determine whether fortifying wheat with lysine could have benefits for health and well-being.

Lysine fortification over the 3-month randomized double-blind study was found to significant reduce markers for chronic anxiety in males and to improve stress and cortisol levels in females.

When interpreting the results of this study, it is important to note that result was observed in a population believed to have insufficient levels of lysine in their diet. It is unclear whether supplementation can have benefits for anxiety in those who already get enough of this amino acid from dietary sources.

Lysine Hydrochloride Side Effects and Interactions

As a dietary supplement, Lysine HCL is rated Possibly Safe by the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.

Commonly reported side effects of lysine include abdominal pain, cramps, nausea and bloating.

Combining Lysine with calcium supplements may abnormally increase absorption of calcium and cause irregular heart beat, diarrhea, constipation and muscle weakness. Sustained excessive calcium absorption raises the risk of vascular calcification as well.

Taking more lysine hydrochloride supplements than instructed by a physician does not increase the beneficial effects of L-Lysine HCL.

Not enough research has been done regarding the effects of lysine on pregnant or breast-feeding women. Consequently, they should not take this supplement unless directed to do so by a physician. [7]

Lysine Hydrochloride Dosage

Most lysine hydrochloride supplements are available in 500 mg or 1000 mg capsules taken once or twice daily.

People with medical conditions or taking over-the-counter or prescription medications should always consult with their physician before taking L-Lysine HCL to prevent possible side effects.

In addition, lysine is commonly given to dogs and cats to treat feline herpes, skin and coat problems and improve bone health in dogs or cats suffering congenital bone disease.

Excessive dosages of lysine hydrochloride may promote formation of gallstones. Composed of digestive fluids, cholesterol and bile, gallstones require treatment if they block ducts.

Since lysine hydrochloride facilitates calcium absorption, high calcium levels may contribute to the calcification, or hardening, of gallstones.

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