L-Lysine, or simply lysine, is one of the body’s eight essential amino acids. It does not appear naturally and is not produced in the human body, therefore, L-Lysine has to be taken into the digestive system through food sources or L-Lysine dietary supplements. 1,2,3
L-Lysine is an amino acid essential for health by building protein and distributing calcium. It’s important for proper human bone and connective muscle tissue growth as well as playing a role essential in producing carnitine, a nutrient that converts fatty acids into energy. L-Lysine also helps the body form collagen that’s vital to skin health and production. A proper amount of L-Lysine is crucial in regulating cholesterol and triglycerides. 1,2,3
Most people who maintain a healthy and balanced natural diet have no need for L-Lysine supplements as their normal food sources contain ample amounts of L-Lysine. Deficiencies happen in people who have a protein lack or need additional L-Lysine for tissue repair. L-Lysine supplements are commonly taken by bodybuilders wanting to build muscle bulk, burn victims who need muscle tissue repair and vegetarians who do not consume protein-rich food. 2
Natural food sources that contain high amounts of L-Lysine are:
Signs of L-Lysine deficiency include:
Aside from natural foods that are the best source of healthy L-Lysine intake, supplements are available in liquid, capsule, tablet and cream forms. 1
L-Lysine Health Uses and Health Benefits
L-Lysine uses are primarily to maintain a healthy and balanced protein level. This builds a strong muscular-skeletal system including healthy skin. Treating skin disorders is a prominent L-Lysine
A healthy diet rarely requires L-Lysine supplements unless a particular disorder arises that L-Lysine is known to treat. 2,3
Some of the common ailments that L-Lysine benefits treat include:
L-Lysine Side Effects and Precautions
There are few L-Lysine side effects if this amino acid is absorbed through a natural diet that contains high protein foods. It’s nearly impossible to take a natural overdose of L-Lysine as the body will naturally metabolize this water-soluble acid. 2
Overdosing on L-Lysine supplements may lead to digestive trouble like nausea, cramping, stomach pain and diarrhea. If taking L-Lysine supplements, limit intake to 12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. 2
Excessive dosages create L-Lysine side effects that lead to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as forming gallstones. 2
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take L-Lysine supplements without consulting their doctor first about possible L-Lysine side effects. 2
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