L-Lysine, is an essential amino acid that has been suggested to possess nootropic properties related to reducing anxiety, boosting attention and improving mental clarity.
Limited studies have shown it to enhance information processing, concentration capacity, long term and short term memory, executive function and reasoning.
User reviews and anecdotal reports also say that it has mood enhancing qualities and can lower stress levels. Not much is understood about the mechanism of action for the nootropic effects of Lysine, but research continues to look at its role in the brain.
There is much more known about the impact of Lysine supplements on whole body health. This compound is an essential amino acid, necessary for several physiological functions.
Since we cannot produce it internally, we must acquire it from food sources or nutritional supplements. Rich food sources of Lysine include legumes like peas, beans, lentils, nuts, red meat, eggs, milk, cheese, sardines, and other high protein foods.
Lysine deficiencies can cause fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, agitation, bloodshot eyes, slow growth, anemia, and even reproductive disorders.
Lysine is particularly important in proper physical growth and also the production of carnitine, which is a nutrient primarily responsible for converting fatty acids into energy and lowering cholesterol levels. Lysine also appears to help the body absorb calcium and plays an important role in the formation of collagen, a substance that is critical for bones, skin, tendons, cartilage, and other connective tissues.
Immunity
Skin
Longevity- Promotes health skin & bones
- Boosts immunity & antibody production
- Supports tissue repair & hormone balance
Lysine Effects:
The exact mechanisms of action for Lysine are still not fully understood. However, one of the more common theories it that is works at least in part by helping to block the action of Arginine, another amino acid.
The supplement is thought to be relatively fast acting and is absorbed through the intestinal tract. Lysine also helps to increase the absorption of calcium within the intestines as well as eliminating its renal excretion.
There are even studies which suggest that as a result of its effects on blocking Arginine, this could be an effective supplement to help treat the herpes simplex virus.
This amino acid also is thought to work as a limiting agent. It is essential in order to digest food proteins. Lysine may also help to block the actions of certain lipoproteins, especially low-density lipoproteins.
This is important because it is these substances that normally work to cause high blood pressure and attack sources of muscular energy within the body, even causing strokes and heart attacks.
Lysine Benefits:
Lysine is important for the maintenance of skin and bones. In fact, it is even thought to promote normal growth and development by increasing collagen formation. This action is good for the health of the skin as well.
Of course, it furthers this action by promoting increases in connective tissues like tendons and cartilage. Bone health is also supported through increases in calcium absorption. This also serves to prevent osteoporosis by reducing and preventing (in some cases) bone loss.
This supplement also helps to support a number of other processes and functions. This includes support for the production of a number of additional proteins like enzymes, antibodies, and hormones. It also helps to convert fatty acids into energy which aids in weight reduction and maintenance. Bad cholesterol levels are reduced which results in helping to lower a number of risk factors for heart disease.
Interestingly, Lysine appears to be an effective supplement for helping to build muscle. This is especially true when used in combination with other amino acids such as arginine.
Lysine has also been shown to be an effective treatment against infections, pain, and inflammation. It is useful for treating the herpes simplex virus which also includes cold sores, shingles, HPV, and infections like genital warts. Evidence suggests that this supplement can relieve migraines and other types of pain and inflammation. When taking in combination with nutrients like vitamin C, Lysine has also been shown to reduce chest pains (angina) related to heart disease.
Top Lysine Supplements
Lysine Dosage:
The recommended dosage level of Lysine depends upon the reason for its use. For anyone over the age of 13 who is in good general health, this means 12 mg per kilogram of body weight.
So a person weighing 154 pounds (70 kg) would be advised to take 840 mg of Lysine per day. But unless you were using powder, it might be impractical to actually get exactly 840 mg per day.
People using this supplement for treating herpes or another similar type of infection might want to consider higher doses. This could go as high as 3,000 to 9,000 mg per day, taken in divided doses. Preventing relapses might even require up to 1,000 mg, three times a day.
Lysine Side Effects:
One of the problems associated with high Lysine intake is that it can react badly with Arginine. In high doses, it can lead to a deficiency in Arginine. This may also lead to the development of gallstones, increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. While the supplement is generally safe and well tolerated, try to stay within the recommended guidelines. Also, pregnant and nursing mothers should probably avoid this supplement (along with those having heart issues) without first consulting their doctor.
- Promotes healthy skin and bone structure
- Helps repairing tissues and balancing hormone levels
- Boosts immunity and antibody production
Lysine Review:
One of the most prominent studies on the nootropic benefits of L-Lysine comes from a 2007 edition of the journal of Psychopharmacology. In this article, it was concluded that Lysine restores cognitive impairments measured by subconscious information filtering in mice.
The authors further concluded that this supplement can boost mental abilities in healthy people as well as impaired individuals, making it a candidate for a brain supplement regimen. Other studies have looked at using this compound as a treatment for Schizophrenia but at much higher doses.
While there are some interesting reported benefits with taking Lysine, it is not a powerhouse nootropic like Piracetam or Noopept. You may find it to be useful in a nootropic stack, particularly when combined with Zinc.
It is also considered beneficial for weight lifters as a muscle building supplement, and also can help those with skin and bone health issues.
Lysine is relatively safe when taken in small doses and it is something that our body’s need naturally.
If you do not have a diet rich in foods with Lysine, consider buying this compound on its own or look for it in a multi-vitamin product.
