L-Lysine Review, User Experiences & Research Results

User reviews for lysine supplements cite benefits for immune function, relief from cold sores and mouth ulcers, improvement in skin appearance and support for athletic performance.

L-Lysine is one of the amino acids we must consume for optimal health. It is involved in for collagen production, the conversion of fat to energy, regulating cholesterol levels and in the production of antibodies in the immune system.

While most people get enough lysine from their diets, lysine research reviews indicate that supplementing may be beneficial for people with some conditions.

Lysine reviews posted online suggest that the majority of people who use it are interested in its ability to improve resistance to viral infections and prevent or reduce cold sore outbreaks caused by the Herpes Simplex virus. What does the research say about the purported benefits of this supplement?

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* ❯

L-Lysine Review

L-lysine is an alpha amino acid that is necessary for proper growth, maintaining the integrity of connective tissues through collagen and elastin production and the synthesis of l-carnitine.

It plays a number of different roles in the body, including helping to improve insulin sensitivity, enhancing the immune response and supporting a calm mood.

It is also used to synthesize proteins and has been studied for its effects on increase lean muscle mass and strength.

It is one of the nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot synthesize on their own. Because of this, L-Lysine must be consumed through dietary food sources or through supplementation.

Most people can consume enough lysine through dietary sources. Legumes, meat, fish, eggs, cheese and fenugreek seed are all rich sources of this amino acid.

Vegans who do not consume animal products, soy products or other legumes may need to supplement to get enough in their diets.

Lysine tablets have also been researched for their health benefits for a number of different uses. Some of the common uses of these supplements include improving skin, nail and hair health, supporting cognitive function, and as a human growth hormone booster.

Based on customer reviews shared on Amazon, the most common reason for taking this supplement is to alleviate cold sores, canker sores and fever blisters.

L-Lysine Review for Cold Sores

Some studies have shown that lysine supplementation can cut down on the incidence of herpes simplex outbreaks and can reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks when they do occur.

Lysine demonstrates antiviral effects by inhibiting the absorption and the activity of the amino acid L-Arginine. This amino acid is necessary for the replication of the Herpes simplex virus.

Anecdotal reports on review sites like Amazon support the use of oral lysine capsules for herpes simplex virus symptoms.

A number of reviewers report that they experienced fewer outbreaks when taking lysine regularly. They also say that, when they do have outbreaks, the blisters are smaller and shallower, meaning that they heal more quickly.

In one meta-review of clinical trials, it was found that regular use of this supplement could prevent or reduce outbreaks of genital herpes and cold sores. Dosages of 1000-3000 mg daily are rated as Possibly Effective by the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database for improving Herpes labialis cold sores.

A topical product called Super Lysine Plus+ which contains this amino acid along with zinc oxide and 14 other ingredients was also found to decrease symptoms and the duration of herpes lesions.

Not all studies have found the same results. In one research trials, use of 400 mg of lysine three times daily did not reduce the severity of symptoms or prevent recurrence of cold sores.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, “Most experts believe that lysine does not improve the healing of cold sores. But supplementation may reduce recurrences or improve symptoms.”

L-Lysine Effects and Benefits

There is preliminary evidence that lysine may help speed the healing of canker sores and prevent them from forming.

Preliminary evidence suggests that lysine may reduce anxiety in men and stress levels in women.

In a study, participants consumed wheat that had been fortified with 4.2 grams lysine per kilogram. Female participants reported reduced stress and male participants reported reduced anxiety.

The test was performed to see the benefits on anxiety in impoverished populations which consume grain-based diets and may not have sufficient sources of dietary lysine.

Lysine is instrumental in collagen formation and is believed to have benefits on hair, skin and nail health.

It is sometimes used to promote hair growth, but there has not been research into this purported use. Anecdotal evidence is mixed on whether lysine will grow thicker hair or will help with hair thinning.

Many reviewers on a forum dedicated to female hair loss say that taking anywhere from 500 mg to 1500 mg lysine per day reduced hair shedding and improved hair texture. Others say that they have not observed any benefit from using L-lysine supplements to combat hair loss.

In customer reviews on Amazon, several individuals say that regularly taking lysine with vitamin C supported the immune system and led to fewer colds.

There are also anecdotal reports of people seeing plantar warts and other skin issues heal after supplementing their diets with lysine.

While user reviews provide a valuable source of information when considering how a supplement may affect you, double-blind placebo-controlled studies are necessary to validate many of the claims made about this supplement.

How to Take L-Lysine

According to the USDA, adults need 38 mg lysine for every kilogram of bodyweight. During pregnancy, that number rises to 51 mg per kg.

Consuming more than this amount may have benefits for bodybuilders or other athletes engaging in weight training.

In one research study, dosages of 80mg/kg of body weight daily for 8 weeks resulted in improved forearm strength by 7.5% compared to men on a diet of 25-40 mg/kg daily.

For canker sores, it is recommended to take 4000 mg per day until the sore heals. There is some evidence that taking 500 mg lysine per day on a regular basis can reduce the likelihood of canker sores developing.

To promote growth in children, individuals took 660 mg lysine in three divided doses each ay for six months.

To treat herpes simplex, individuals were counseled to take 300 mg per day during active outbreaks, divided into three daily doses. Once sores are healed, this dosage is reduced to 500 mg per day. If this amount does not stop outbreaks, individuals are recommended to increase to 1000 mg per day.

According to NMCD, dosages of up to 3000 mg per day have been used in research studies on Herpes labialis with positive effects. Before taking this supplement to address cold sores, consult with a doctor about the appropriate dosage for you.

Topical Lysine ointment can be applied to cold sores to speed healing. There are a number of ointments on the market. Many combine lysine with vitamins or other supplements to enhance healing.

Topical treatments ointment should be used daily until the outbreak subsides. Reviewers report that using creams like Super Lysine Plus+ can cut down on the pain and burning associated with cold sores. Most report using a skin ointment in conjunction with an oral lysine supplement.

To treat ocular disorders, participants in one study were given 6000 mg on the first day and 2000 mg five times per day for a period of seven days. However, this study on ocular disorders provided inconclusive results.

Review of L-Lysine Adverse Effects

When taking the amount of l-lysine that would be found in a normal diet, there are no known side effects for most people.

Supplementing at high dose levels may lead to gastrointestinal distress (nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea) that passes when supplements are discontinued.

Long-term high doses may cause gallstones or kidney problems. There is one recorded case of a 44-year-old woman developing Fanconi’s syndrome when taking oral lysine supplements. Fanconi’s syndrome is characterized by the release of nutrients into the urine instead of being absorbed into the blood.

There is anecdotal evidence that lysine may interact with some antibiotics, leading to toxicity.

L-lysine may not be safe for people who have kidney problems or liver problems. People who have lysine intolerance may develop ammonia intoxication.

There is not enough evidence to determine whether lysine is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

L-lysine may interact with 5-HT4 antagonists. Lysine increases calcium absorption. Caution should be used when taking this supplement together with drugs that affect calcium in the body.

Increasing dietary consumption of lysine can reduce the activity and bioavailability of arginine from foods or supplements. If you have been counselled to increase consumption of L-arginine, you may need to avoid this product.

According to L-Lysine supplement reviews online, this product is generally well tolerated and does not cause harmful side effects when used appropriately. If you are taking Lysine to address a specific health concern, check with your doctor first about the best course of action for you.

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