There are various health benefits of lysine and lysine supplements, including improving cold sores, reducing blood pressure, and preventing the symptoms of lysine deficiency.

Lysine is one of the essential amino acids that the body cannot make and that people need to obtain from dietary sources.

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Lysine, also called L-lysine, is an amino acid necessary for many bodily functions. People describe amino acids as the building blocks of protein because they combine with other compounds to form this macronutrient.

The medical community defines lysine as an essential amino acid because, unlike other amino acids, the body cannot synthesize it. As a result, people need to include it in their diet.

The human body needs lysine for healthy functioning. It is a crucial component of proteins that play a firm roleTrusted Source in:

When people do not get enough lysine, they may experience the following symptoms:

Below, we discuss the possible health benefits of lysine supplements.

1. Treating herpes

Lysine might help control the herpes virus. As a result, lysine supplements may reduce the number and frequency of cold sore outbreaks, for which the herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV) is responsible.

Lysine can also help with the treatment of genital herpes. Some sources recommend that people with a history of herpes infections take at least 1,000 milligramsTrusted Source (mg) of lysine supplements a day. Smaller amounts than this were found to be ineffective.

A 2023 study found that 3 to 5 grams (g) of lysine may help prevent recurrent HSV outbreaks.

2. Lowering blood pressure

According to a 2022 studyTrusted Source, lysine can help reduce high blood pressure and protect the kidneys in people whose dietary intake of this amino acid is insufficient.

However, more research is necessary before experts determine whether or not lysine is an effective treatment for high blood pressure.

3. Treating diabetes

Lysine may be effective in managing and treating diabetes.

A small randomized control trial of 110 subjects used a product called Lysulin, a combination of lysine, zinc, and vitamin C. Patients in the study experienced improved blood sugar regulation and reduced progression of diabetes.

Another 2022 study found that lysine prevents excess sugar from building up in the blood and can improve diabetes in people and rats, although further studies on humans are necessary.

4. Reducing anxiety and stress

A 2022 study found that taking lysine over a long period helped reduce anxiety by increasing 5-HT levels, also known as the chemical messenger serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for mood, behavior, body temperature, sexual behavior, and more.

Lysine is present in many different foods. The primary sources are animal products, such as meat and dairy products. Legumes and wheat germ are good amino acid sources for vegetarians and vegans.

The following foods will help people meet their daily recommended intake of lysine:

Most people, including vegetarians, get enough lysine from their usual diet and do not need to take supplements.

Taking lysine supplements is very safe and does not seem to cause many side effects. Most people can take a daily dose of up to 3 grams (g) of lysine without any side effects.

Increasing the dosage of lysine to 10–15 g a day may result in digestive issues, such as:

Lysine is usually taken by mouth, but a person can also apply it to the skin, for instance, to treat cold sores.

Researchers estimate that a 70 kilogram (kg) person needs around 800–3,000 mg of lysine daily. A person’s body weight affects how much they need as follows:

  • 12 mg/kg of body weight for adults
  • 44 mg/kg for children 11 to 12 years old
  • 97 mg/kg for infants 3 to 6 months old

Most people in the United States and other developed countries get enough lysine without adjusting their diets. However, people who do not eat animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs, should ensure they get enough lysine from plant sources.

People recovering from burns or other severe injuries and those who perform frequent, high intensity workouts may benefit from a higher-than-average daily lysine intake.

Experts continue to research effective dosages for clinical purposes. Some studies have shown benefits for 100 mg to 4 g daily doses.

Lysine interacts withTrusted Source arginine, an amino acid that supports the circulatory system. Taking large quantities of lysine may reduce the body’s ability to move arginine through the system.

As lysine increases calcium absorption, people should monitor how much calcium they take when they use lysine supplements.

Doctors do not recommend lysine supplements for children, pregnant people, or those who are nursing.

People taking lysine supplements should monitor their cholesterol levels due to the potential link with higher cholesterol. Anyone with kidney or liver problems should avoid taking lysine supplements.

What happens if a person takes lysine every day?

Lysine in the diet may have many health benefits, such as lowering stress, anxiety, and blood pressure and helping the body absorb vitamins. However, taking excess lysine may result in digestive and kidney issues.

When should a person take lysine?

A person can take lysine supplements with water at any time.

What should a person avoid when taking lysine?

Lysine can react with arginine, some antibiotics, and calcium. Speak with a doctor before taking any supplements.

Lysine is an essential amino acid. It is one of the building blocks of proteins and is necessary for human health. The body does not make lysine independently, but most people take in enough through their diet to meet basic health needs. Lysine has very few known side effects.

Scientific data on some lysine benefits are not yet conclusive. However, many people are exploring the use of lysine supplements, particularly in athletes and people who do not eat animal products. It is best to discuss the use of any supplement with a doctor.