How To Take Lysine For Benefits

Lysine is an essential amino acid. Essential amino acids are building blocks of proteins that the body is unable to manufacture on its own. Therefore, lysine must be consumed via food or supplements. Typically, people consume adequate amounts of lysine in their diets, but people who are recovering from extensive burns, athletes and vegans who don't eat beans are likely to suffer from lysine deficiency and require supplementation. Loss of appetite, bloodshot eyes, fatigue, agitation, anemia, dizziness and nausea are symptoms of lysine deficiency.

Consult your physician prior to taking lysine or any other dietary supplement.

Step 1

Calculate your weight in kilograms. To do so, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2. For example, if you weigh 220 lbs., your weight in kilograms is 100 kg.

Step 2

Multiply your weight in kilograms by 12 to determine the amount of milligrams of lysine you should take daily. For example, if you weigh 100 kg, the therapeutic dose of lysine for you is 1,200 mg per day.

Step 3

Take the therapeutic dose of lysine daily on an empty stomach. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking your lysine to eat to increase your body's absorption of the lysine. Plan to take the lysine at the same time each day to maintain stable levels of the lysine in your system.