Genital herpes is a painful and embarrassing condition characterized by blister-like sores on the genital region. It is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2, which is highly contagious. Although there is no cure for herpes, lysine may be helpful in preventing or reducing the duration of outbreaks. Ask your doctor whether lysine hydrochloride supplements might be a good choice for you.
Genital Herpes
Herpes simplex virus type 2 is usually sexually transmitted. Its symptoms include the telltale blistering sores on the genitals or inner thighs, fever, headache, swollen lymph glands in the groin area, and in women, unusual vaginal discharge. Left untreated, it can lead to complications like infections of the bladder and rectum. In especially severe cases, it can cause an infection of the spinal cord, or meningitis. In infants and people with compromised immune systems, the virus can be very dangerous. You can abbreviate or prevent outbreaks with antiviral drugs like acyclovir and valacyclovir.
Lysine Hydrochloride
Lysine hydrochloride is a type of the lysine supplement also marketed as L-lysine. Lysine is an essential amino acid, necessary for the manufacture of protein, collagen, and proper bone and tissue growth. It is also important for the production of carnitine, which the body needs to turn fatty acids into energy, and for the absorption of calcium. The body doesn't make lysine and as such, you must obtain it from food or in supplement form. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that adults with an active herpes outbreak take 3,000 to 9,000 mg of lysine supplements a day, divided into three doses. For prevention between outbreaks, try 1,000 mg 3 times a day.
Effectiveness of Lysine Hydrochloride Against Herpes
Lysine hydrochloride or L-lysine supplements have been studied as a treatment for genital herpes. It may work because the herpes virus thrives in an intracellular environment with low levels of lysine and high levels of arginine, another amino acid. According to a March 2003 article in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association," most evidence indicates that lysine may help prevent herpes outbreaks, but not treat active outbreaks. Additionally, it appears to be more effective against herpes simplex virus type 1, or cold sores, than it is against genital herpes. A doctor should recommend and supervise any treatment for genital herpes.
Dietary Sources of Lysine
You can also increase lysine levels with dietary sources. Lysine is found in protein-rich foods like pork, chicken, turkey and red meats, cod, sardines, nuts, eggs, tofu and soy protein. Spirulina supplements contain lysine, as do fenugreek seed and brewer's yeast. Most dairy products contain lysine, and Parmesan cheese has especially high levels. Doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center recommend that people with high triglycerides, cholesterol levels or heart disease avoid getting too much dietary or supplemental lysine, since it can exacerbate those problems.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Herpes Simplex: Overview; David C. Dugdale, III, MD; May 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Lysine; July 2010
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Will Taking the Amino Acid Supplement Lysine Prevent or Treat the Herpes Simplex Virus?; Wendy Marcason; March 2003
