It is common for most people to experience fleeting moments of sadness or mental disconnection; however, those with clinical depression remain in a sad, anxious or depressed mood for long periods of time. The National Institute of Mental Health reports those with depression often find this mental disorder negatively affects normal functioning, daily life and interpersonal relationships. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an estimated one in 10 adults in the United States suffers from depression. Lysine may help with depression symptoms. Consult your physician prior to supplementing with lysine, especially if you're undergoing medical treatment or taking medications.
Importance
Lysine is classified as an essential amino acid, and it's among the most vital nutrients used by your body. Lysine assists in the development of protein, supporting collagen formation and aiding in calcium absorption. While lysine is essential to healthy bodily functions, this amino acid is not naturally manufactured by the body. Thus it must be consumed through dietary sources.
Lysine and Depression
Scientific research suggests there may be a connection between lysine deficiency and depression or anxiety. While studies about lysine for brain health focus on anxiety, HealthyPlace.com states depression is often accompanied by sensations of anxiety. Bastyr Center for Natural Health outlines a study published in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences." Men and women in Northwest Syria were studied as the region is known to have a high lysine deficiency. Participants were given wheat fortified with lysine or standard wheat. After three months, researchers found men consuming the fortified wheat experienced a reduction in anxiety symptoms; however, no alternation in anxiety levels was noted among women. LifeExtension reports this amino acid works in the brain as a serotonin receptor antagonist. Thus, those with a lysine deficiency may experience increased anxiety symptoms.
Recommended Daily Intake
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming 12 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For example, a man weighing 180 pounds, or roughly 81 kilograms, should consume 972 mg of lysine per day. Lysine is available in supplement form, yet it may also be consumed through dietary sources such as red meats, cheeses, nuts, eggs, fenugreek seed, soy and certain fish species.
Warnings
Not consuming enough lysine in your diet or through supplementation may cause adverse side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, agitation, slow growth, bloodshot eyes, reproductive disorders and nausea. While consuming lysine through dietary sources is considered safe, consuming a high dosage of lysine may cause gallstones. Women who are pregnant or lactating should not consume lysine supplements.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health; What Is Depression?; January 2009
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; An Estimated 1 in 10 U.S. Adults Report Depression; March 2011
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health; Anxiety Caused by Lysine Deficiency; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Lysine; David Zieve, M.D., M.H.A., David R. Eltz; July 2010
- LifeExtension: Anxiety
- HealthyPlace.com; The Relationship Between Depression and Anxiety; January 2009
