L-lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning it is needed but not produced by the body: It must be obtained from either food or via supplements. This amino acid is important for cell growth and helps produce carnitine, which converts fatty acids into energy and lowers cholesterol.
Benefits
According to Nutritional Supplement Bible, L-lysine has been shown to help treat shingles as well as reduce the effects of herpes-related cold sores. It also has been shown to promote good bone health and the production of collagen. Collagen is important for healthy skin, ligaments and tendons. L-lysine is used by bodybuilders to help speed the recovery of over-trained muscles
Testosterone and L-lysine
Testosterone is a hormone that defines characteristics of the male body and is responsible for fertility. As men age, their testosterone levels diminish, causing balding, heart disease, low fertility and erectile dysfunction. L-lysine is widely promoted by various supplement retailers as being able to promote testosterone, but the claims are not backed by scientific evidence. If you are looking to increase your testosterone levels, talk with your doctor to see what else can be done to increase testosterone.
Foods Containing L-lysine
Some of the more common sources of L-lysine, in order of content, are New England clam chowder, spinach plant, cream of potato soup, abalone shell-fish, Klobasa Slovak sausage, kale cabbage, beef and pork frankfurters, eggs, watermelon, sweet potatoes, corn, turnip greens, oysters, clams, chicken rice soup, bananas and oak flakes.
Supplements
The National Academy of Sciences says the recommended requirements for amino acids is "unsatisfactory." According to Body Building For You, you should take 12 mg of L-lysine per kilogram of body weight. While a deficiency of this amino acid is rare, you can find L-lysine supplements at local health stores such as GNC or The Vitamin Shoppe.
Side Effects
If your body is deficient in L-lysine, you could experience side effects such as fatigue, nausea, dizziness, appetite loss, anxiety and decreased immunity. L-lysine is generally a safe amino acid to take and comes with few reported side effects. As with any supplement or drug, there are possible side effects. L-lysine can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, so people in poor cardiovascular health should seek the advice of a doctor before taking this amino acid. Extremely high doses of L-lysine, over 10 mg per day, can cause nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea.
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