Amy Richter defines lysine as an amino acid found primarily in animal products. Though more research is needed, it may help with anxiety, cold sore prevention, calcium absorption, and wound healing. Furthermore, Lysine is a protein building block, according to Michael J. Lopez and his colleagues. It is an essential amino acid because your body cannot produce it and must obtain it from food. It is required for normal growth and muscle turnover and is used to create carnitine, a substance found in nearly all of your body's cells. Furthermore, lysine aids in the transport of fats across your cells to be burned for energy.
Lysine is found in naturally high-protein foods such as meat and dairy products, as well as in smaller amounts in plant foods. Beef, chicken, lamb, mussels, prawns, oysters, salmon, cod, tuna, milk, cheese, yogurt, soy, kidney beans, chickpeas, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, and cashews are all high in lysine. Other benefits of lysine include aiding in the absorption of calcium, iron, and zinc, promoting collagen growth, aiding in the production of enzymes, antibodies, and hormones, and supporting the immune system, according to Danielle Dresden of Medical News Today.
People who do not get enough lysine may experience the following symptoms: fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, nausea, red eyes, hair loss, anorexia, inhibited growth, anemia, and reproductive system problems. Lysine can help prevent and treat cold sores by blocking arginine. Cold sores or fever blisters, which commonly appear on the lip or the corners of your mouth, are symptoms of an infection, according to the National Library of Medicine. They manifest as fluid-filled blisters that can cause tingling, pain, and burning. The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes cold sores and can hide in your spine. HSV-1 can cause cold sores in times of stress or when your immune system is weakened. However, the evidence remains inconclusive.
Lysine may help to alleviate anxiety. According to one 2003 study, it blocked receptors involved in stress response. The rats given lysine had lower rates of stress-induced loose bowel movements, according to the researchers. Another older study of 50 people found that supplementing with 2.64 g of lysine and arginine for one week reduced stress-induced anxiety and levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Lysine may also be useful for people suffering from schizophrenia, a mental disorder that causes changes in thought and behavior by disrupting an individual's perception of the outside world. Despite the fact that research is still in its early stages and is mostly based on older studies, lysine may have the potential to improve schizophrenia symptoms when combined with prescribed medication.
According to a 2009 study by Shivam Sinha, lysine may also help your body retain calcium. Lysine is thought to increase calcium absorption in the gut and help the kidneys retain the mineral. An older study of 30 females, 15 of whom had osteoporosis, discovered that calcium and lysine supplementation reduced calcium loss in the urine. More high-quality, recent human research is needed before recommending lysine supplementation to support bone or heart health. Lysine can also help your body heal wounds. Lysine becomes more active in animal tissue at the site of a wound, aiding in the repair process. Wound healing is a complex process that necessitates the use of various minerals, vitamins, and other substances. Lysine appears to play an important role, and wound healing is hampered when there is insufficient lysine. To date, studies have only looked at the effects of oral lysine supplements on wound healing in animals, so more human studies are needed. Furthermore, it is unknown whether it is effective when applied directly to wounds.
Indeed, lysine is an essential amino acid with numerous benefits ranging from cold sore prevention to anxiety reduction and wound healing. It may also have numerous other advantages as a protein building block. Your body may be unable to produce sufficient or appropriate hormones and immune cells if you don't get enough lysine. Lysine is abundant in animal products such as meat, fish, and dairy. Certain legumes, nuts, and seeds can also help you up your intake.
ZDS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
References:
1. 4 Impressive Health Benefits of Lysine
By Sharon O'Brien MS, PGDip — Medically reviewed by Amy Richter, RD, Nutrition — Updated on Nov 15, 2022
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lysine-benefits
2. What are the health benefits of lysine?
Medically reviewed by Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm.D., M.S., FASCP — By Danielle Dresden on December 17, 2018
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324019
3. Biochemistry, Essential Amino Acids
Michael J. Lopez; Shamim S. Mohiuddin.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557845/
4. Cold sores: Overview
Created: July 12, 2018; Next update: 2021
