Nutrients play an important role in health and proper body function. Vitamins, minerals and amino acids, along with other nutrients work together to promote optimal health. Folic acid and lysine are two such nutrients. Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin, and lysine is one of 22 primary amino acids. Your body uses both nutrients to carry out important functions.
Lysine Function
Amino acids serve as the building blocks of protein. Your body can manufacture some amino acids on its own, but essential amino acids, such as lysine, are a dietary necessity. Lysine helps produce carnitine, another amino acid responsible for converting fat to energy. Lysine is needed for the formation of collagen, the substance your skin, tendons, cartilage and other connective tissues is made of. It also helps your body absorb calcium.
Folic Acid Function
Folic acid, or vitamin B-9, is one of eight B-complex vitamins. It is needed for proper brain function, a well as mental and emotional health. It aids in the production of DNA and RNA and is particularly important when cells are growing rapidly, such as pregnancy, infancy and adolescence. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges women considering pregnancy to take 400 mcg of folic acid daily starting at least one month before pregnancy to help prevent birth defects of the baby's brain and spine.
Lysine Sources and Uses
Protein-rich foods are the primary source of lysine in your diet, especially red meat, pork and poultry. Other sources include nuts, eggs, soybeans and some fish, like cod and sardines. Lysine is also available as a dietary supplement. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies have found that taking lysine regularly can help reduce herpes outbreaks, a viral infection that causes cold sores. The effect appears to be cumulative, since taking lysine at the beginning of an outbreak did not produce the same effect.
Folic Acid Sources and Uses
Folic acid is found in a variety of foods in your diet, including vegetables like leafy greens, asparagus, Brussels sprouts and beets. It is also found in kidney, lima, white and mung beans, as well as milk, salmon and avocado. In addition, many cereals are fortified with folic acid. It is also available as a dietary supplement and is used in the treatment of anemia, or low red blood cells, and to prevent birth defects.
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