Lysine is an essential amino acid found in almost all foods, including poultry, beef, fish, dairy products, legumes and soy. In the 2007 edition of "Integrative Medicine," University of Wisconsin professor David Rakel, M.D. explains that a few clinical trials suggest that high doses of lysine found in dietary supplements may reduce the duration, severity or frequency of herpes outbreaks. You can purchase supplemental lysine in pill, powder or liquid form at many grocery and health food stores.
Step 1
Read the manufacturer's directions. These directions vary by manufacturer, depending on the ingredients and form of the supplement. For example, some lysine supplements may contain lactose or other ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. See the "tips" and "warnings" sections for issues common to all lysine supplements.
Step 2
Prepare the supplement according to manufacturer's directions. In the case of powder or liquids, you may need to mix the supplement into water or soft food.
Step 3
Take the dose recommended by the manufacturer or your health care provider with water or other fluid. For more information on recommended doses of lysine, see the "tips" section.
Step 4
Repeat, up to three times per day, or according to the manufacturer's directions.
Tips and Warnings
- Experts disagree on the recommended dose of lysine for herpes. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 3g per day to prevent herpes outbreaks and 3 to 9g per day to treat herpes symptoms. Dr. Rakel recommends 1g per day to prevent outbreaks and 3g per day to treat symptoms. In the 2003 edition of the "Professional's Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicines," pharmacists Charles W. Fetrow, Pharm.D. and Juan R. Avila, Pharm.D. say most studies have examined doses between 1 and 6g per day, with higher doses generally reserved for people with active symptoms. Taking lysine at regular intervals, three times per day increases absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and contributes to consistent blood levels. The Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act of 1994 stipulates that dietary supplements like lysine are not subject to approval by the Food and Drug Administration the way that prescription and over-the-counter drug products are. Protect yourself by looking for lysine supplements that claim "U.S.P." certification or approval. USP stands for the United States Pharmacopeia. The U.S.P. is a non--governmental agency widely recognized for setting standards for quality, purity, strength and consistency of products such as dietary supplements that are not subject to approval by the Food and Drug Administration. Since USP certification is voluntary, manufacturers who obtain it are demonstrating their commitment to quality and safety. Enhance the effectiveness of lysine supplements by avoiding foods high in arginine, another amino acid that oppose the effects of lysine. Common high arginine foods include chocolate, nuts, seeds and gelatin.
- Lysine occurs naturally in the human body, so it's generally considered safe. However, if you have liver, kidney, heart or gallstone disease or if you are pregnant or nursing, you should not take lysine supplements except as directed by a physician. Dietary supplements do not replace conventional medical treatments for cold sores or any other condition. You should always tell your health care provider about lysine and any other dietary supplements or over-the-counter medications you use.
Things You'll Need
- Lysine supplement
References
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel, M.D.; 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lysine
- "Professional's Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 3rd Edition"; Charles W. Fetrow, Pharm.D. and Juan R. Avila, Pharm.D.; 2003
- MDConsult.com: Drug Monographs: Lysine
- U.S. Pharmacopeia: About USP
