Protein is composed of nutrients called amino acid, which are building blocks. When you eat protein foods, your body breaks them down into amino acids. Your body uses 22 primary amino acids, some of which it produces on its own, while others are received from your diet. Lysine is considered an essential amino acid because you must get it from food. Lysine may improve herpes and osteoporosis, but it is important to consult your doctor before taking lysine.
Function
Your body needs lysine for proper growth and function. It also plays a role in carnitine production. Carnitine, another amino acid, is responsible for producing energy from fatty acids and helps lower cholesterol. Lysine is involved in the formulation of collagen, a protein substance that helps connect and support your body tissues, including your tendons, skin, and cartilage. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lysine appears to help your body absorb calcium.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is when you have a loss of bone mass that results in thin, often brittle bones. It is associated with lack of calcium. According to the UMMC, lysine is crucial to bone health. It helps your body absorb calcium and reduces the amount of calcium lost in your urine. Studies suggest that lysine in combination with arginine, another amino acid enhances collagen and makes bone-building cells more active, leading researchers to believe it may be helpful in osteoporosis, says the UMMC. However, the UMMC adds that human studies to determine if lysine helps prevent osteoporosis are lacking.
Herpes
Herpes is a virus that causes blisters and sores. You can have several outbreaks yearly. According to the UMMC, some studies have found that taking lysine on a regular basis may help prevent outbreaks of cold sores and genital herpes. Though, not all studies have shown positive results. One study found that taking lysine at the beginning of an outbreak did not reduce symptoms. says the UMMC. This may suggest the effect is cumulative, meaning results are more likely if lysine is taken regularly.
Precautions
Because of potential side effects and interactions, it is important to consult your doctor before taking Lysine. According to the UMMC, dietary lysine is considered safe, however lysine supplements can have side effects. Lysine can cause gallstones in high doses. You should only take lysine under your doctor's supervision if you are pregnant or nursing. Ask your doctor about safety issues if you have kidney or liver disease. High levels of arginine, another amino acid, may lower your lysine levels.
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