Lysine what is

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What are the health benefits of lysine? Medically reviewed by Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm. What is it? Benefits Sources Side effects How to use Interactions Risks Summary Lysine is one of the essential amino acids, which are those that the body cannot make and that people need to obtain from dietary sources.

What is lysine? Share on Pinterest Lysine supplements are available in liquid form. Health benefits of lysine. Sources of lysine. Share on Pinterest Spirulina is popular as an ingredient in green juices or smoothies. Side effects. How to use and dosage. Drug and chemical interactions. Share on Pinterest Lysine can interact with antibiotics.

Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Once you have contracted the virus, it may stay dormant until triggered. Stress, fever, fatigue, and sunburn can start it and cause a cold sore outbreak. Research shows that lysine may suppress HSV by antagonizing the viral activity of arginine, an amino acid that promotes HSV growth. A multicentered study also claims that lysine intake may accelerate recovery and reduce the occurrence and severity of HSV.

Research states that lysine can play an integral part in maintaining bone health. Specifically, lysine may enhance intestinal calcium absorption and conservation of the mineral in our kidneys, contributing to a positive balance. These results suggest lysine may be used as a supplement in osteoporosis interventions. Vascular calcification VC refers to mineral deposits in the vascular system.

But supplementation may reduce recurrences or improve symptoms. Lysine helps the body absorb calcium and reduces the amount of calcium that is lost in urine. Since calcium is crucial for bone health, some researchers think lysine may help prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Lab studies suggest that lysine in combination with L-arginine another amino acid makes bone-building cells more active and enhances production of collagen. But no studies have examined whether lysine helps prevent osteoporosis in humans.

Athletes sometimes use lysine as a protein supplement. Some studies suggest lysine helps muscle tissue recover after stress. Lysine is available in tablets, capsules, creams, and liquids, and is usually sold in the L-lysine form. Speak with your pediatrician regarding appropriate dosages. Dosage is usually adjusted based on body weight. Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Lysine can increase the absorption of calcium. Use caution when taking large amounts of calcium while supplementing with lysine. While lysine in the diet is considered safe, excessive doses may cause gallstones. There have also been reports of renal dysfunction, including Fanconi syndrome and renal failure.

Talk to your doctor before taking supplemental lysine if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications or supplements, you should not use lysine supplements without first talking to your doctor. One study found that a daily supplement of 1, mg of lysine resulted in fewer cold sores in 26 people who were prone to recurrent cold sores.

When blood levels dropped below this level, cold sore breakouts increased 4. Though this study is promising, it did not state the amount of lysine or other ingredients used in the cream 1. Furthermore, not all studies show that lysine is effective in reducing cold sore occurrence or duration. One review found insufficient evidence to recommend it for treating cold sores 5.

Summary Some studies show that lysine can reduce the duration and frequency of cold sores, but the evidence is inconsistent.

Lysine may play a role in reducing anxiety. One study found that it blocked receptors involved in stress response. Researchers observed that rats given lysine had reduced rates of stress-induced loose bowel movements 6. A one-week study in 50 healthy people noticed that supplementing with 2. Similarly, adding 4. After three months, consuming the lysine-enriched flour also helped reduce cortisol levels in women 8.

Though research is still in its early stages, lysine may have the potential to improve schizophrenia symptoms in combination with prescribed medication 9 , Summary Lysine may help reduce feelings of anxiety and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol in some people. Early research indicates that it may even help improve symptoms in people with schizophrenia. Lysine may help your body hold on to calcium 11 , A study in 30 women, 15 healthy and 15 with osteoporosis, found that supplementing with calcium and lysine reduced the loss of calcium in the urine.

The women given 3 grams of calcium alone had a progressive increase in calcium in their urine. However, the women who also received mg of lysine lost less calcium through their urine Lysine appears to protect your bones and may also play a part in controlling whereto calcium is transported in your body.

For example, it has been shown to prevent the buildup of calcium in blood vessels in rats.