The herpes simplex virus is responsible for causing oral herpes, more commonly known as cold sores, and genital herpes. The two herpes simplex virus strains are known as HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 causes cold sores, while HSV-2 causes genital herpes. Once you become infected with the herpes simplex virus, it lays dormant in your cells for the rest of your life, causing flare-ups from time to time. Anti-viral medicines may help to reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks and speed up the healing process. Some supplements, including lysine, may help to reduce herpes outbreaks, although evidence of lysine's effectiveness is limited. Get medical advice before taking a lysine supplement.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Lysine is an amino acid and an essential part of the diet. According to the Mississippi Baptist Health Systems website, most people need 1 g daily, although people recovering from injury and illness may need more than this. It is sometimes used to boost sports performance, but may also help to prevent herpes infections and reduce the duration of a herpes outbreak. It may work by blocking the production of another amino acid, known as arginine, which helps the virus to grow.
Sources and Administration
Foods containing lysine include fish, eggs and potatoes. Lysine is also available as a dietary supplement. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 1 to 3 g of lysine daily to help reduce the number of herpes outbreaks and speed up healing. The Mississippi Baptist Health Systems website adds that eating fewer foods that contain arginine such as chocolate peanuts may aid healing and help lysine to work better.
Scientific Evidence
Evidence to support the use of lysine as a treatment for herpes simplex viral infections is mixed, and up-to-date studies are lacking. The results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in 1987 in "Dermatologica" showed that lysine reduces the severity of infection and healing time. In contrast, research published in January 1984 in "Archives of Dermatology" found that lysine did not offer any substantial benefit either in reducing healing time or preventing herpes outbreaks.
Safety Considerations
Taking lysine supplements for up to one year is likely safe for most people, according to RxList. However, the safety of lysine supplements has not been widely studied. Don't take a lysine supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have elevated cholesterol levels or gallstones. Lysine may increase the absorption of calcium, so don't take lysine alongside calcium.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herpes Simplex Virus
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Lysine
- "Dermatologica"; Success of L-lysine Therapy in Frequently Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection. Treatment and Prophylaxis; R.S. Griffith, et al.; 1987
- "Archives of Dermatology"; Failure of Lysine in Frequently Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection. Treatment and Prophylaxis; J.J. DiGiovanna, et al.; January 1984
- RxList: Lysine
