L-lysine is an essential, protein-building amino acid you need to consume on a regular basis. Your body uses lysine in a variety of ways, including growth regulation, vitamin absorption and collagen formation. If you don't get enough lysine from eating foods rich in this nutrient, such as meat, fish, nuts and soybeans, you may want to add an L-lysine supplement to your daily regimen. Talk with your doctor about L-lysine safety before beginning treatment with this amino acid supplement.
Mild Side Effects
L-lysine typically doesn't cause side effects when taken as directed. If you regularly take high doses of L-lysine, you may experience mild stomach irritation or diarrhea after taking a dose of this supplement. Frequent, loose bowel movements may be bothersome and can contribute to abdominal pain or cramping. Seek care from your medical provider if diarrhea persists. Chronic diarrhea may result in the loss of electrolytes and may increase your risk of becoming dehydrated. Dehydration symptoms include dry mouth, thirst, excessive fatigue, headache and itchy skin.
Severe Side Effects
Gallstones may develop as a severe side effect following high-dose treatment with L-lysine supplements. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you develop gallstone symptoms, including severe, sudden pain in your abdomen, back or right shoulder. Additional gallstone symptoms may include fever, chills and jaundice -- a condition characterized by yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes.
Contraindications
If you have certain health problems or concerns, treatment with L-lysine supplements may not be appropriate. Do not take L-lysine if you have a personal history of kidney problems, as this amino acid supplement may exacerbate your symptoms. Additionally, women who are breast-feeding or pregnant should not use L-lysine supplements because the safety of this treatment has not been fully evaluated during pregnancy.
Interactions With Other Medications
Discuss all medications or supplements you are taking with your health care provider before you take L-lysine supplements. Avoid using L-lysine in conjunction with calcium supplements. This supplement combination may increase your blood levels of calcium -- a condition called hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia may cause potentially life-threatening health complications, including unintended weight loss, kidney stones, heart rate irregularities and organ calcification. Additionally, do not take L-lysine supplements with arginine. Arginine supplementation may make it harder for your body to absorb L-lysine and may lower your blood levels of this amino acid.
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