Posted 3/16/07 |
||
| NAME: | Lysine (Also known as: amino acid K, L-lysine) | |
| DESCRIPTION: | Amino acid: Lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning that you have to consume it in the diet as the body does not synthesize it.
Lysine is important for proper growth and it plays an essential role in the production of carnitine, a nutrient responsible for converting fatty acids into energy and helping to lower cholesterol. |
|
| FUNCTION: | L-lysine can be used to treat mouth and genital lesions caused by herpes simplex virus as well as shingles caused by herpes zoster viruses.
Lysine is a building block for carnitine, and may help to re-supply this important amino acid. Lysine may have some anti-osteoporotic activity. |
|
| SOURCES: | Lysine is found in: meat (specifically red meat, pork, and poultry), milk, cheese (particularly parmesan), potatoes and brewer’s yeast. Smaller amounts of free L-lysine are found in vegetables, vegetable juices and in such fermented foods as miso and yogurt. | |
| DOSAGE: | Typical dosage used for possible prevention of herpes simplex virus recurrence is 500 mg to 3 grams daily. Symptom treatment dosages are higher. The average dose is 1 gram daily.
The RDA of lysine for adults (13 years and above) is 12 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. |
|
| DATA: | Lysine may be up to 50% deficient among people with HIV.
While a couple of smaller studies have shown little benefit, their methodology has been criticized (too few people, too short, too little lysine). One large study at the Mayo Clinic using 1,248 mg daily (double-blind, placebo-controlled) showed a consistent effect in reducing the recurrence rate of herpes outbreaks, compared to placebo or a lower dose. However, it did not affect the duration or severity of an active outbreak. In another area, one small study showed a benefit in aiding growth hormone secretion when 1,200 mg was used with 1,200 mg of arginine. |
|
| CAUTIONS: | Extremely high doses have caused gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Arginine may block the benefits of lysine. L-lysine supplementation is contraindicated in those with the rare genetic disorder hyperlysinemia or hyperlysinuria. |
|
| FOR MORE INFORMATION: |
The University of Maryland Medical Center's Center for Integrative Medicine website entry on lysine. | |
| RELATED PRODUCTS: |
L-Lysine (Jarrow Formulas) Each bottle, 120 capsules. Each tablet, 500 mg of L-lysine, from L-lysine hydrochloride. | |
| DISCLAIMER: | These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. | |
