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Lysine is an essential amino acid needed for growth and to help maintain nitrogen balance in the body. (Essential amino acids cannot be made in the body and must be supplied by the diet or supplements.)

Lysine appears to help the body absorb and conserve calcium.1 Lysine has many functions in the body because it is incorporated into many proteins, which are used by the body for a variety of purposes. Lysine interferes with replication of herpes viruses and is therefore often prescribed by doctors to people with cold sores or genital herpes. A review of the research trials investigating the effects of lysine on people with cold sores shows that most, though not all, trials support the use of lysine.2

Where is it found? Brewer’s yeast, legumes, dairy, fish, and meat all contain significant amounts of lysine.

Who is likely to be deficient? Most people, including vegans (vegetarians who also avoid dairy and eggs), consume adequate amounts of lysine. However, vegans whose diets contain large amounts of grains and only minimal amounts of beans could become deficient in lysine. Athletes involved in frequent vigorous exercise have increased need for essential amino acids, although most diets meet these increased needs. The essential amino acid requirements of burn patients may exceed the amount of lysine in the diet.

How much is usually taken? Most people do not require lysine supplementation. Doctors often suggest that people with recurrent herpes simplex infections take 1,000–3,000 mg of lysine per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions? In animals, high amounts of lysine have been linked to increased risk of gallstones3 and elevated cholesterol.4 At supplemental amounts, no consistent problems have been reported in humans, though abdominal cramps and transient diarrhea have occasionally been reported at very high (15–40 grams per day) intakes.5

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