L-lysine, also called lysine, is an essential amino acid, meaning it must be obtained through food or supplements because the body can't produce it. Protein-rich foods are the best sources, such as meat and poultry, cheese, eggs, nuts and soybeans. Most people get enough lysine through their diet, although some people may need extra, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Basic Body Functions
L-lysine is essential for proper growth and for the production of carnitine, a substance that metabolizes fats into energy and helps reduce cholesterol, explains the UMMC. Lysine is also important for the development of collagen in bones, skin, tendons and cartilage. An l-lysine deficiency can have symptoms of bloodshot eyes, dizziness, fatigue, anemia, loss of appetite, nausea and reproductive disorders. The UMMC notes that athletes and burn victims may require more l-lysine than they can obtain through diet.
Calcium Absorption and Retention
Lysine is important for calcium absorption in the body, and it also reduces the amount of calcium lost through urine. Because calcium is essential for bone health, l-lysine supplements might help prevent bone loss connected with osteoporosis. Laboratory studies show that l-lysine in combination with the amino acid l-arginine activates bone-building cells, according to the UMMC, but the university notes that research with humans is lacking.
Cold Sore Prevention
Herpes labialis, commonly called cold sores or fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus can live in an individual's body for years and only cause a cold sore on occasion, resulting from the stress of illness, hormonal changes or sun exposure. Some people, however, have frequent cold sores. A study published in "Dermatologica" in 1987 in Vol. 175, No. 4, investigated the effects of l-lysine supplements on preventing and treating recurrent cold sores. The treatment group took 1,000 mg of l-lysine three times per day for six months, and had an average of 2.4 fewer cold sores than the placebo group, a statistically significant result. Symptoms were also significantly less severe and healing time was significantly decreased.
Cold Sore Treatment
When used for treating cold sore outbreaks, l-lysine effectiveness is inconsistent, according to the University of Michigan Health System. One study found that taking 390 mg of l-lysine at the first sign of an outbreak led to fast healing in all participants. In contrast, another study in which participants took 1000 mg of l-lysine per day for five days did not increase the cold sore healing rate.
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