L-lysine, commonly called lysine, is an amino acid that promotes tissue repair and growth. Because of this function, lysine may have a positive effect on degenerative diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a debilitating form of arthritis caused by an overactive immune system. RA attacks the joint capsule and surrounding connective tissues, causing inflammation, bone erosion and loss of collagen. Lysine supplementation may help or even prevent some of this damage.
About RA
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis caused by an autoimmune response. According to the American College of Rheumatology, about 1.3 million people in the United States have RA, and approximately 75 percent of those diagnosed are women. While RA can affect any joint, the disease most commonly affects the small joints on both sides of the body. Constant systemic inflammation erodes joint tissue, cartilage and bone, resulting in pain, reduced mobility and joint deformity. There is no cure for RA, so physicians try to control inflammation and joint damage with prescription anti-inflammatory medications, disease-modifying drugs and immune-suppressant medicines.
About L-lysine
L-lysine is a structural component of collagen, which is a protein that helps form connective tissue in joints, bones, ligaments and muscles. As an amino acid, lysine promotes wound healing and supports protein production to build and strengthen these connective tissues. Lysine also preserves bone health by increasing your body's absorption of calcium. L-lysine is important for many functions in the body and can be obtained through foods rich in protein, such as beans, meat, fish, eggs, brewer's yeast and dairy products. Lysine is also available as a natural supplement in the United States.
Joint and Bone Benefits
Research shows that lysine's collagen-building properties may benefit individuals with arthritis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, taking L-lysine with other amino acids increases bone-building cell activity and boosts collagen production. This function is especially beneficial for people with RA, because systemic inflammation often destroys cartilage. In addition, a study published in the 1992 November/December issue of "Nutrition" showed a definite connection between calcium absorption and lysine supplementation. Study results showed that lysine significantly increases the body's absorption of calcium and strengthens bone tissue, both of which may help prevent bone loss in arthritic diseases.
Considerations
Athletes may need extra lysine to maintain lean muscle mass and rebuild muscle tissue after intense physical activity. Vegans and vegetarians may need extra lysine because of a lack of animal proteins in the diet. In this case, beans and legumes are the next best source of lysine for people on a meatless diet. Avoid taking calcium products with lysine supplements, because the combination may cause excess levels of calcium in the blood. Adverse reactions associated with lysine supplementation include diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. Because some natural supplements can interact with prescription medications, always consult your doctor before trying any new supplement.
References
- American College of Rheumatology; Rheumatoid Arthritis; Eric Ruderman M.D., et al.; June 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Lysine; David Zieve M.D., et al.; July 2010
- "Nutrition"; Dietary L-lysine and Calcium Metabolism in Humans; R. Civitelli, et al.; November/December 1992
- Drugs.com: Lysine
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