Lysine is one of 20 amino acids commonly used by your body to build protein. Of these 20, lysine is considered an essential amino acid, which means it must be obtained from dietary sources because your body cannot synthesize it. Plants can make lysine from aspartic acid, as can bacteria species, which is why lysine is found within leafy vegetables, legumes, fish and herbivorous animals. Lysine has a variety of positive effects on the body and can be consumed as a supplement to combat the herpes virus.
Positive Effects
Like many amino acids, lysine is used to build muscles and collagen, which is an important constituent of cartilage, connective tissue and skin. According to the book "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition," lysine has other important roles in your body, such as promoting absorption of calcium from the intestines, facilitating the manufacture of enzymes, hormones and antibodies, and stimulating the production of creatinine. Creatinine is used by the body to help convert fatty acids into usable forms of energy, although this process also reduces blood levels of LDL cholesterol, which is the "bad" type. According to "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients and Metabolism," lysine is also taken as a supplement to reduce the symptoms created by cold sores and genital herpes, which are caused by different forms of the herpes simplex virus, and shingles, caused by the herpes zoster virus. Specifically, lysine is able to reduce viral uptake of arginine, which inhibits replication.
Negative Effects
Lysine in moderate amounts does not lead to any serious side effects. According to "Nutritional Sciences," people supplementing with lysine typically take between 500 and 1,500 mg daily, in multiple doses, without experiencing any unwanted symptoms. Lysine in higher dosages, especially taken in conjunction with antibiotics, can cause unwanted side effects, which include allergic reactions, nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea. There is some speculation that very high levels of lysine might actually increase cholesterol levels, which could lead to increased risks of gallstone formation in the gall bladder, as cited in "Human Biochemistry and Disease." A medical professional should be consulted before embarking on a lysine supplement regime.
Lysine Deficiency
A lysine deficiency is considered fairly rare, even in vegetarians and people on restricted diets. However, according to "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs," symptoms of lysine deficiency include kidney stone formation, dizziness, reduced appetite, fatigue and anemia. Severe deficiency can lead to hormone imbalance and affect metabolism, sexual reproduction and growth. People at risk of lysine deficiency are those who do not eat fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products or meat, but rather consume heavily processed foods, sugary foods and soda pop.
Lysine-Rich Foods
Lysine rich foods are plentiful and include leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale; stalk vegetables, such as cauliflower and celery; legumes, such as soybeans, green beans and lentils; fruits, such as pears, papaya, apricots, bananas and apples; nuts, such as almonds and cashews; dairy, such as eggs, some cheeses, yogurt and milk; and meats, especially red meat, pork and poultry, as well as cod and sardines.
References
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
- "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Metabolism"; Carolyn D. Berdanier; 2009
- "Nutritional Sciences"; Michelle McGuire; 2007
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs"; Nicola Reavley; 1999
- "American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide"; American Dietetic Association; 2006
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