L-lysine, an amino acid also known as lysine, does not occur naturally in the human body, but you need this nutrient to grow and function properly. Lysine helps your body produce substances such as carnitine, which may have a role in reducing cholesterol, and collagen, which promotes healthy bones and tissues. To make sure you have the lysine you need, you will need to consume lysine-rich foods or your doctor may recommend supplements, which you can take with milk, water or other healthy beverages.
Milk
Drinking milk with your L-lysine supplements does not pose any known problems. In fact, milk and other dairy products provide a significant source of this amino acid. A high calcium intake coupled with L-lysine could affect how your body absorbs these nutrients, but even though milk contains calcium, a single serving of milk taken with lysine should not cause complications. Before you begin taking lysine supplements, talk with your doctor to avoid side effects.
Interactions
Although lysine supplements and milk together do not pose any known risk factors, lysine could interact with certain antibiotics. If you take lysine supplements and your doctor prescribes gentamicin, neomycin or other aminoglycoside class antibiotics you could have a poisonous effect known as nephrotoxicity. No food or beverage has a known toxic effect when used with lysine supplements.
Other Dietary Sources
In addition to milk and dairy products, a number of other foods contain lysine, and these foods do not create a known complication when consumed around the same time as lysine supplements. These lysine-rich foods include meat, poultry and fish, as well as legumes, nuts, eggs and tofu.
Considerations
Before you begin a new supplement or medication, discuss your current medication and supplement regimen with your doctor or pharmacist to prevent potential complications. Taking L-lysine supplements could result in side effects such as upset stomach and abdominal pain. Inform your doctor if you notice these or any other unusual symptoms when you take lysine supplements.
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