The amino acid lysine is available in protein-rich foods and dietary supplements. It has been studied extensively as a treatment or preventative measure for herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, and may be effective for this purpose. Its effect on blood sugar and diabetes is less clear. To date, no evidence supports its use as a treatment for diabetes.
Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein necessary for proper growth, healing and development of the body’s bone and tissues. It also assists in calcium absorption and helps the body produce the potentially cholesterol-lowering nutrient carnitine. The body does not manufacture essential amino acids, so they must be gotten through food or supplements. Although most people get enough lysine from food, supplemental lysine is frequently used as a treatment for herpes and osteoporosis. Evidence for its effect on blood sugar and diabetes is less plentiful and less promising.
Lysine and Herpes
Herpes outbreaks are caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus grows best in an environment in which lysine levels are low in comparison with the presence of arginine, another amino acid. Lysine supplements may help create an environment that is less conducive to outbreaks. Wendy Marcason of the American Dietetic Association points out that lysine is probably more effective as a preventative measure than as a treatment for existing outbreaks. It is also more effective against herpes simplex virus Type 1, which causes cold sores, than against Type 2, which causes genital herpes.
Lysine and Diabetes
Although lysine supplements are sometimes marketed as support for healthy blood sugar, there is very little scientific evidence that it is effective for the prevention or treatment of diabetes. Some evidence seems promising: for instance, a study published in the journal “Experimental Eye Research” in November of 1998 showed that lysine supplements improved symptoms of diabetes in rats, in particular cataracts. There is, however, no evidence of a similar effect in humans.
Dose
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that adults experiencing a herpes outbreak take 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams of lysine three times a day. The preventative dose is 1,000 milligrams three times a day. Since lysine may interact negatively with some medications, check with your doctor before taking lysine supplements. Lysine is also present in most protein-rich foods, such as meats, cheeses, cod and sardines, eggs, nuts and soy products. Lysine from food sources is safe for most people.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Lysine; David Zieve; 2010
- “Journal of the American Dietetic Association”; Will Taking the Amino Acid Supplement Lysine Prevent or Treat the Herpes Simplex Virus?; Wendy Marcason; 2003
- “Experimental Eye Research”; Beneficial Effect of Lysine and Amino Acids on Cataractogenesis in Experimental Diabetes; K. N. Sulochana et al.; November 1998
