Lysine and L-arginine are similar biologically in that they serve like functions. Both substances have potential health effects, which you may consider taking for certain conditions. In 2009, Americans spent over $5 trillion on nutritional supplements, according to the American Botanical Council. Consumers look toward supplements like lysine and L-arginine for potential health benefits. Before taking these supplements, remember to research their safety carefully. Neither supplement is right for everyone.
What Are Lysine and L-Arginine?
These two chemicals are amino acids, the building blocks of protein. The human body produces most of the 20 essential amino acids it needs, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The few that it cannot are called essential amino acids. Lysine falls into this latter category. Other amino acids are nonessential because deficiencies rarely occur. L-arginine is nonessential. It does however, become semi-essential during stressful periods such as trauma or growth, explains the Drugsite Trust.
Sources
Dietary sources of L-arginine include nuts such as walnuts and pecans. Dairy products and meats also contain this nonessential amino acid. In addition to meat, cheese, eggs and soybeans provide good dietary sources of lysine. Both nutrients are also available as nutritional supplements in capsule or liquid form.
L-Arginine Benefits
L-arginine is vital for several body processes, explains Mayo Clinic. It helps the body produce urea, the nitrogen-containing breakdown of protein. This action removes ammonia from the body. In the body, L-arginine changes chemically into nitric oxide. Here is where its benefits lie. Nitric oxide causes your blood vessels to relax, improving blood flow. A 2010 study in the journal "Medical Science Monitor" found that l-arginine supplementation significantly lowered blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension.
Lysine Benefits
Lysine also offers health benefits. A 2006 study in "Alternative Medicine Review" found that lysine offered a safer way of treating herpes simplex virus than conventional treatments. Its use was beneficial for active outbreaks and prevention of re-occurrences. However, it is not approved for this use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Its chemical properties suggest that supplementation with both lysine and L-arginine may improve the body's ability to absorb calcium, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Further research is needed to confirm its therapeutic use.
Guidelines
Because of its effect on blood pressure, you should consult your doctor before taking L-arginine especially if you are on medication, advises Mayo Clinic. With both medications and L-arginine acting similarly, there is a risk of lowering blood pressure to unsafe levels. Drug interactions are possible with lysine including antibiotics such as neomycin, warns the Drugsite Trust.
References
- "Herbal Gram"; Herbal Supplement Sales Rise in All Channels in 2009; C. Cavaliere, P. Rea, M. Lynch, and M. Blumenthal; Spring 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Protein
- Drugsite Trust: L-Arginine
- "Medical Science Monitor"; Evaluation of the Antihypertensive Effect of L-Arginine Supplementation in Patients with Mild Hypertension Assessed with Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring; J. Ast et al; April 2010
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Natural Remedies for Herpes Simplex;A. Gaby June 2006
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