L-lysine

Although more than 300 different amino acids exist in nature, only 20 serve as building blocks for proteins, and lysine is one of them. Most of these amino acids occur as stereoisomers, which means there are two forms of each – the D form and the L form – that are mirror images of each other. Only the L form of amino acids becomes incorporated into protein and gets used by your body. In addition to contributing to protein structure, some L-amino acids, such as lysine, might benefit your health when taken as a dietary supplement.

L-lysine cannot be manufactured naturally in the human body like other types of amino acids. In order to obtain lysine, one has to eat foods high in its content or take dietary supplements containing it. As a building block for protein, amino acids like L-lysine are necessary for normal growth and development. In particular, L-lysine is needed by the body to manufacture carnitine, a substance that is used in the conversion of fatty acids into energy. It also helps in calcium absorption and collagen formation which are important for muscle and bone health.[1][2][3][4]

Benefits

L-lysine is an important and indispensable component of proteins. As previously mentioned, it plays a role in the production of carnitine and collagen. Its benefits include [1][2][3][5][6][7]:

• Promotes normal growth and development by increasing collagen formation.
• Supports the production of other proteins like enzymes, antibodies and hormones.
• Promotes bone health by increasing calcium absorption; prevents osteoporosis or weak bones by reducing bone loss.
• Helps convert fatty acids to energy, aiding in weight reduction.
• Helps lower bad cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk for heart disease.
• Promotes skin health through increased collagen formation.
• May be used to treat viral infections like herpes simplex, cold sores, shingles,human papilloma virus (HPV) infection such as genital warts, and genital herpes.
• Can relieve migraines and other types of pain and inflammation.
• When taken with other nutrients like vitamin D3, it can reduce chest pains (angina) related to heart disease.
• Helps in tissue building, when taken with other amino acids like L-arginine.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. The information provided above comes in part from WebMD.

References

1.Sulochana, K. N., Punitham, R., & Ramakrishnan, S. (1998). Beneficial effect of lysine and amino acids on cataractogenesis in experimental diabetes through possible antiglycation of lens proteins. Experimental eye research, 67(5), 597-601.

2. Civitelli, R., Villareal, D. T., Agnusdei, D., Nardi, P., Avioli, L. V., & Gennari, C. (1991). Dietary L-lysine and calcium metabolism in humans. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 8(6), 400-405.

3. Lysine. Review of Natural Products. Facts & Comparisons [database online]. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Health Inc; February 2011.

4. Griffith, R. S., DeLong, D. C., & Nelson, J. D. (1981). Relation of arginine-lysine antagonism to herpes simplex growth in tissue culture. Chemotherapy, 27(3), 209-213.

5. Breau RH, Kokolo MB, Punjani N, et al. The effects of lysine anaolgs during pelvic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transfus Med Rev. 2014;28(3):145-55.

6. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. Rockville, MD: US Dept of Health and Human Services and US Dept of Agriculture; 2005.

7. Fini M, Torricelli P, Giavaresi G, Carpi A, Nicolini A, Giardino R. Effect of L-lysine and L-arginine osteoblast cultures from normal and osteopenic rats. Biomed Pharmacother. 2001;55(4):213-220.