Lysine is an essential amino acid found in both plant and animal foods. Lysine is necessary for proper growth, so it's especially important to get enough of this amino acid during infancy and adolescence.
Both cold sores and genital herpes are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. After one is infected with herpes simplex, the virus "hides" and reappears at times of stress. Some preliminary studies suggest that L-lysine supplement (I to 3 grams, divided among meals) can reduce the number of herpes flare-ups, and others propose that lysine helps one recover from herpes attacks faster.
A study of 52 people with a history of herpes & cold sore flare-ups showed that those receiving 3 grams of lysine every day had an average of 2.4 fewer flare-ups over six months than those in the placebo group. The lysine group flare-ups were also considered less severe and healed faster.
Test-tube research suggests that lysine fights herpes by blocking arginine, an amino acid that the virus needs in order to replicate. Because of its arginine-blocking effect, lysine may be more effective for herpes treatment when a low-arginine diet is followed. This involves avoiding foods including chocolate, peanuts, tree nuts, and seeds.
Food High in Lysine Amino Acid
Cereal grains tend to be low in lysine, which is why in these foods lysine is called the "limiting amino acid"-it's the amino acid that's present in the least amount relative to what's needed for the body to make new protein. Good sources of lysine include:
red meat
poultry
sardines
cheese
nuts
eggs
legumes.
L-Lysine Supplements
This is one of those amino acids for which a deficiency is very rare, if the diet contains sufficient protein. Signs of a lysine deficiency include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, appetite loss, anxiety, decreased immunity and slow growth. People who have inadequate protein intake, and strict vegetarians (vegans) whose diets lack legumes and don't include a wide variety of foods, may need more lysine and amino acids in general. In that case, a supplement that provides a combination of amino acids would be a better choice than single amino acid supplements. The chances of creating an amino acid imbalance in the body are greater when taking single amino acids, and imbalances can interfere with the absorption of dietary amino acids.
The estimated adult requirement for lysine is 12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Again, as with some of the other amino acids, some experts feel that the requirement is set too low. The National Academy of Sciences acknowledges that the state of knowledge concerning amino acid requirements is "unsatisfactory" and expresses the hope that continuing research in the field will yield additional information for consideration. There is no information on the specific amino acid requirements for pregnant or lactating women, and the requirements for older people are considered to be the same as for younger adults.
L Lysine Side Effects
Lysine supplements appear to be nontoxic, but they're not without side effects. In general Lysine supplements are considered safe, and there are few reported side effects of Lysine. Some L-lysine side effects include:
Lysine can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. People at risk for cardiovascular disease, or who already have elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, should definitely talk with their doctors before taking lysine
High doses of lysine (more than 10g/day) can cause nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea
