Lysine (also known as L-Lysine) is an essential amino acid (meaning it cannot be produced naturally by the human body, and must be provided through diet, or supplements).
Amino acids are the constructs of protein. As such, lysine is important for proper growth, and it plays an essential role in the production of carnitine. Carnitine is a nutrient that aids the conversion of fatty acids into energy and as a result, it helps to lower cholesterol.
It assists the body in absorbing and conserving calcium, keeping the nitrogen balance in the body at a good level, and it also plays an important role in the formation of collagen, a substance important for bones and connective tissues including skin, tendon, and cartilage. It also aids in hormonal development, the health of skin and assists in the reparation of wounds and tissue.
Although it is fairly uncommon (due to the huge amount of protein foods), if there is too little lysine in the diet, health related problems may develop including nausea, fatigue, dizziness, a loss of appetite, anxiety, slow growth, anemia, disorders of the reproduction system and kidney stones.
People Who May Suffer From Lysine Deficiency
- Vegetarians or vegans are also at risk of a deficiency. People who are on a strict macrobiotic diet may suffer from a lysine deficiency due to a lack of protein in these kinds of diets.
- Sufferers of cold sores are recommend to take lysine during an outbreak of cold sores to speed the healing and total duration of the outbreak.
- Athletes or people involved in constant exercise are also at risk of lysine deficiency..
- People with low protein diets in general - amino acids are the building blocks of protein, thus if there is not enough protein in a person's diet, they may be deficient in lysine.
Uses
- Lysine can be used to treat the herpes virus and cold sores. Taking lysine supplements can speed recovery time and reduce the chance of recurrent breakouts of the herpes/cold sore infection.
- Osteoporosis (disorder characterized by the dwindling of bones due to loss of calcium) is also able to be treated with lysine. It helps improve the absorption of calcium from the digestive tract and prevent loss of calcium in the urine. In so doing, some researchers speculate that lysine may help prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis.
Dietary Sources of Lysine
Good sources of lysine are foods that are full of protein, which include fish, red meat, nuts, soybeans, cheese and eggs.
Other Sources
Lysine is available in creams, liquids, capsules and so forth. It is usually sold in the 'L-Lysine' form within supermarkets, pharmacies or online.
When To Use Lysine
Your local GP, or a dietician will be able to decide whether your diet is lacking Lysine.
Do not use lysine in children less than two years of age unless under the supervision of a doctor or other health care professional.
Caution
Lysine is extremely sensitive to thermal processing/cooking. At temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit the L-lysine molecule forms derivatives such as lysine-oxide. These derivatives are harmful and should not be consumed.
Graeme Hay - Graeme Hay is a university graduate with a Bachelor of Communications with a major in Media Arts Production from the University of Western ...
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