L-lysine is an essential amino acid that must be obtained from food or supplements. L-lysine can help with calcium absorption and helps make collagen, which is used in the connective tissues of the body. In addition, research has shown that taking lysine on a regular basis can help prevent cold sore and genital herpes outbreaks, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, although there are some mixed results.
Herpes Simplex
Herpes simplex is a virus, also called HSV, which results in painful, unsightly, blistering sores around the mouth, nose, genitals and anus that can recur periodically, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. These viral infections can be serious, especially for chronically ill people and infants, although they are rarely fatal.
Type 1 and Type 2
Herpes simplex virus is broken down into type 1 and type 2. HSV type 1 is usually called cold sores or fever blisters. They occur most often on the face, although they can also occur infrequently in the genitals, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. HSV type 2 normally occurs on the anus, penis, cervix or vagina and sexual intercourse is the most frequent means of infection. Like HSV type 1, HSV type 2 can occur elsewhere on the body, although it usually occurs below the waist.
L-lysine and HSV
Natural Remedies Review notes that both animal and clinical trials with humans show that taking L-lysine can help reduce the severity and duration of herpes outbreaks. In addition, a cream containing L-lysine and zinc oxide helped genital herpes sufferers by reducing the length of the outbreak. Natural Remedies Review also notes that although some studies show as many as 80 percent of participants gleaning benefits from using L-lysine, some other studies show L-lysine to be no more effective than a sugar pill, or placebo.
How Much?
The amount used in research studies varies from 300 mg to 1 gram, or 1,000 mg, three times a day, notes Natural Remedies Review. L-lysine can be obtained most commonly as pills that are taken orally. However, L-lysine also comes in the form of creams or ointments; topical formulations are typically applied every few hours for up to one week.
Considerations
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that L-lysine in the diet is considered safe, although it cautions that high doses have caused gallstones. In addition, people with disease of the kidney or liver should consult their health care providers before supplementing with lysine, as should pregnant and breastfeeding women.
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