| L-Lysine is one of numerous amino acids that the body needs for growth and tissue repair. It is classified as one of the nine "essential" amino acids because you need to get it from outside sources such as foods or supplements in other words the body can't make it on its own. Lysine is required for growth and bone development in children, assists in calcium absorption and maintaining the correct nitrogen balance in the body and maintaining lean body mass. Furthermore it is needed to produce antibodies, hormones, enzymes, collagen formation as well as repair of tissue. Older people could also require more lysine, as one study found older men required more of this nutrient than younger men. L-lysine's popularity as a nutritional supplement arose as a result of some studies suggesting that the amino acid may decrease the recurrence rate of some
infected.
Lysine-rich foods for lowering cholesterol, improving athletic performance, and enhancing recovery after surgery. The most promising application of lysine is its use in managing and preventing painful and unsightly herpes sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
A number of clinical studies have found that lysine is useful in preventing and sometimes shortening outbreaks of herpes simplex infections. A few studies have found no effect. In vitro and animal studies have also found evidence of lysine's anti-herpetic effects. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial of oral lysine, the treatment group received 1000 mg of lysine three times daily (3000 mg daily) for six months. During that period, the treated subjects had an average of 2.4 fewer HSV infections, and their symptoms were significantly less severe and healing times significantly reduced. lysine was found to decrease the recurrence rate of HSV in non-immunocompromised subjects. In this study, the 1248 mg dosage did not shorten healing time.
One more study suggesting that supplemental lysine can both enhance intestinal absorption and improve renal conservation of absorbed calcium and that it might thus be helpful in osteoporosis. Further research is needed. Food sources of Lysine.
Good sources of lysine are found in
Cheese
Eggs
Lime
Beans
Potatoes
Milk
Meat
Brewer's Yeast
Proteins such as casein, which are high in L-lysine relative to L-arginine, are associated with elevated cholesterol levels. Those with hypercholesterolemia who are interested in taking supplemental L-lysine should be aware of this. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should only consider using supplemental L-lysine if their diets are low in this amino acid. They should avoid supplemental L-lysine for other reasons. |
