Lysine is an essential amino acid that you get from dietary sources. Most people get lysine from protein in their diet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vegetarians and other people who do not eat sufficient protein may become lysine deficient and develop symptoms of fatigue, nausea and anemia. Taking lysine supplements may help prevent cold sore and genital herpes outbreaks and help the sores heal more quickly. Lysine may also help to enhance bone health.
Lysine and Herpes
According to New York University, lysine supplements can prevent genital herpes outbreaks. The herpes virus, which causes sores, uses the amino acid arginine to replicate itself. By increasing your lysine levels, you can starve the herpes virus of arginine and prevent it from growing and causing sores. Brown University suggests avoiding arginine-rich foods such as chocolate, nuts and jello and choosing lysine-rich foods such as fish, eggs and turkey.
Cold Sores
Like genital herpes, cold sores are also caused by the herpes virus. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that regular supplementation with lysine may prevent cold-sore outbreaks. Lysine creams and ointments are available that may help speed healing when you have a cold sore.
Bone Health
Lysine plays a role in how your body absorbs and processes calcium. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, when lysine is taken with arginine, it may help to make bone-building cells more active and increase bone tissue density. However, no medical studies have conclusively shown that lysine can help to prevent or cure bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
Precautions
If you plan on taking lysine for herpes, cold sores or other conditions, first consult a health professional, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. When taken as a supplement, lysine rarely has serious side effects, but since lysine affects calcium absorption, there is some potential for lysine supplements to cause kidney stones or gallstones.
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