Herpes is an incurable viral disease that can occur in different parts of the body, including the mouth and genital areas. Since it cannot be cured, the goals of treatment are to reduce the number of herpes outbreaks and prevent them from returning. Consult a health care provider before treating yourself with any dietary supplement or alternative medicine.
L-Lysine
L-lysine or lysine is an essential amino acid that must be obtained through dietary sources because the body cannot produce it. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, notes that lysine is responsible for carnitine production, calcium absorption and collagen formation.
Herpes Types
Herpes simplex virus infections can be transmitted through physical contact. The most common form of herpes is herpes simplex virus 1 or HSV-1, according to the UMMC. HSV-1 is the main cause of oral herpes such as cold sores and fever blisters. This type of herpes is associated with painful blisters and burning around the lips and mouth. The second type is HSV-2, which is the main cause of genital herpes transmitted through sexual contact or intercourse. HSV-2 is associated with tingling sensations and sores on the genitalia or thighs.
Dose
The University of Michigan Health System notes that oral lysine supplementation of 1 to 3 g daily was reported to be effective in treating herpes. A study published in 1987 in the "Dermatologica Journal" also reported success with 1 g of lysine administered three times daily.
Sources
Lysine is found naturally in a variety of foods rich in protein. Meats such as pork, poultry and fish provide sources of the amino acid. Other food sources of lysine include nuts, legumes, eggs and dairy products. Lysine is also sold in tablet, cream and liquid form in the L-lysine supplement form.
Effectiveness
The UMMC notes that several studies reported that lysine may reduce the number of reoccurring cold sore and genital herpes outbreaks. In addition to reducing the recurrence of outbreaks, lysine may also shorten their duration. Therefore, taking lysine supplements or consuming foods rich in lysine may speed recovery time and reduce the risk of another herpes infection, according to the UMMC.
One particular double-blind study published in 1987 in the "Dermatologica Journal" titled "Success of L-Lysine Therapy in Frequently Recurrent Herpes simplex Infection," found lysine therapy to be effective. The researchers confirmed that oral lysine is an effective agent for reducing the occurrence and healing time for herpes simplex infection. Sufficient evidence remains inconclusive, however, and more research needs to be done before recommending lysine for herpes therapy.
