Lysine is an essential amino acid that helps build protein, strengthens the immune system, aids in energy conversion, and forms collagen. It can be obtained through a balanced diet or as a supplement, which can also effectively treat cold sores and herpes. Side effects are rare, but lysine deficiency can lead to health problems. Vegetarians are at higher risk of deficiency.
The essential amino acid Lysine helps build protein in the body. Some benefits of lysine include the formation of collagen, a strengthened immune system, and helping the process of turning food into energy in the body. When used as a supplement, one of the main benefits of lysine is the effective treatment and prevention of cold sores specifically and the herpes virus in general. Another reported lysine benefit is an improvement in athletic performance, although this has not been clinically proven.
Lysine is one of the eight essential amino acids that the body does not produce. A healthy and balanced diet can provide the body with all the lysine it needs. To increase the benefits of lysine, it can also be taken as a supplement, either taken orally or as a topical cream.
The essential benefits of lysine include the formation of collagen, strengthening the immune system, and aiding in the process of converting food into usable energy. Collagen is found in tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and bones, all of which need lysine to properly absorb the calcium required to build these parts of the body. Lysine also helps the body make antibodies that stimulate the immune system. As an important part of the chain of events that converts food into energy, lysine is a precursor to the amino acid L-carnitine in the conversion process.
Taking lysine supplements benefits patients with cold sores, also known as cold sores, by reducing the healing time and severity of sores and preventing the growth of new sores. It is often prescribed as a general herpes treatment because it seems to stop the growth of the virus. Bodybuilders also take the supplement, but lysine has not been shown to benefit athletic performance.
Side effects from taking lysine supplements are rare. They include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and stomach pain. Although not common, there has been one known case of kidney disease related to the use of a lysine supplement. Animal studies have shown that taking high doses of lysine can cause gallstones. Since not much is known about the effect of lysine on pregnant and lactating women, it is recommended that they avoid taking the supplement.
A diet without adequate lysine can lead to hair loss, anemia, low energy, poor appetite, and difficulty concentrating. Lysine deficiency can also lead to growth retardation and reproductive system disorders. Vegetarians are at higher risk of lysine deficiency and must balance their diets to ensure adequate intake of all essential amino acids. Lysine can also be destroyed if food is cooked at an excessively high temperature.
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