The amino acid lysine is easily available through protein-rich foods, but some people may benefit from supplements, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Athletes, vegans with a low protein intake and burn patients may need more lysine than they get from their diet. Lysine supplements may be helpful for better calcium absorption and for preventing outbreaks of cold sores and genital herpes, the medical center reports. Lysine in food is not associated with contraindications, but supplements can cause problems for people with certain health conditions.
Kidney Problems
Talk to your doctor before taking lysine if you have kidney impairment. Kidney problems can prevent elimination of excess lysine from the blood. Drugs.com tells of a case report in which five years of lysine supplementation was associated with the occurrence of Fanconi syndrome and tubulointerstitial nephritis, both kidney disorders. Fanconi syndrome causes loss of nutrients through urine, while tubulointerstitial nephritis involves inflammation that can have a negative effect on kidney function.
Liver-related Issues
The University of Michigan Health System notes animal research that has linked high intake of lysine to an increased risk of gallstones and also to an increase in levels of cholesterol, which the liver synthesizes. Although no consistent problems with these two health issues are associated with humans taking supplemental lysine, consult your doctor before doing so if you have ever had gallstones, cholesterol problems or liver dysfunction.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Because lysine supplements could be harmful to an unborn baby, consult your doctor before taking these supplements if you are pregnant, the University of Michigan Health System cautions. Lysine also may be harmful to an infant, so also talk with your doctor before taking supplements if you are breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Certain types of antibiotics, known as aminoglycoside antibiotics, may become toxic if you take them along with lysine supplements, according to the University of Michigan Health System. These drugs include amikacin, gentamicin, kanacmycin, neomycin, netilmicin, streptomycin and tobramycin. Talk with your doctor before combining antibiotics or any other type of medication with lysine supplements.
References
- Drugs.com: Lysine
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lysine
- University of Michigan Health System: Lysine - Alternative Medicine
- University of Michigan Health System: What is the Most Important Information I Should Know About Lysine?
- PubMed Health: Fanconi Syndrome
- PubMed Health: Interstitial Nephritis
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