Lysine – what it is, benefits, how it works and contraindications!

Lysine or L- lysine is an essential amino acid which is an amino acid that our body is unable to synthesize and we must get it. This amino acid is important for the proper functioning of our body, since it is one of the essential elements for the growth and synthesis of our cartilaginous structures that work together with vitamin C in its synthesis. It favors the synthesis of antibodies, enzymes and hormones as well as growth and is important for allowing bone calcification.

This amino acid is also essential because it is a precursor of vitamin B3 , whose deficiency causes pellagra. As you can easily guess, this amino acid is very important for our well-being and it is necessary to take it in the right amounts, both by consuming foods that are rich, and by taking specific food supplements. Incidentally, this amino acid is often found in supplements that serve to strengthen hair and prevent hair loss.

What is lysine?

Lysine (also called diaminocaproic acid) is an essential amino acid. Our body cannot produce this amino acid and therefore it must be supplied by the diet. Meat (chicken, beef, pork), fish (cod, sardines), eggs, dairy products, soy flour (tofu), beans , lentils , nuts, corn are rich in lysine . Taking L-lysine significantly reduces the frequency, duration and aggressiveness of the cold sore virus . It also contributes to the growth of bone tissue during collagen synthesis.

It is essential for growth and is involved in many very important processes in our body. We are not able to produce it independently, which is why having a healthy, balanced diet is essential.

How it works:

The main function of amino acids is to combine with each other to produce proteins, nutrients necessary for the structure and function of a series of fundamental elements for our body, such as skin, muscles, blood elements, tissues, hair, nails. Amino acids are also essential for all biological processes responsible for the well-being of the body.

Lysine dosage:

Most do not need a lysine supplement , but vegetarians, the elderly, or athletes may need it. These people should consume between 1.5 and 3 grams a day.

Regarding cold sores or mouth ulcers, the advice is to take about 1 gram of this substance three times a day. Once the focus diminishes, it is advisable to reduce the intake to 0.5 g always three times a day. The healing period lasts from one to two weeks.

Osteoporosis , on the other hand, can be treated with about 400 mg of lysine  a day, combined with 3 g of calcium .

However, it is very advisable to always consult your doctor if you intend to take it. Certainly, he will be able to more accurately guarantee the correct dosage, after having carefully analyzed the particular physical and health conditions of each one, in order to avoid undesirable effects.

Health benefits of lysine:

1. Relieves Headaches:

It  fights various diseases and disorders. Thanks to its presence in the human body, it is possible to treat migraine , but also pathologies such as osteoporosis : lysine , in fact, strengthens the skeletal system, counteracting a decrease in bone mass caused by the loss of calcium .

2. Cosmetic properties:

Lysine is used in hair loss products and therefore to fight alopecia , which can have different causes and remedies. It also helps to strengthen nails.

3. Benefits the bones:

Lysine is very important for the conservation and absorption of the right amount of calcium , a substance that strengthens the skeleton and certainly helps to treat osteoporosis , as it prevents excessive leakage through the urine.

Therefore, people suffering from osteoporosis , which consists of a decrease in bone mass due precisely to a loss of calcium , can significantly benefit from a correct and consistent use.

4. Fights mouth ulcers:

Lysine is also useful against mouth ulcers and cold sores : in fact, several scientific studies have shown that Lysine  is able to fight this virus. In addition, it helps with healthy recovery from injuries or surgical interventions: it actually contributes to the construction of muscle proteins.

5. Prevents osteoporosis by accelerating collagen production:

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bone fragility and therefore an increased risk of fracture. Bones affected by this disease become thinner, more fragile and can break easily. In addition, osteoporosis affects children and the elderly, men and women. It all depends on the quality of the bone matrix and the correct supply of calcium .

Lysine promotes calcium absorption and retention  in the body, reducing its renal elimination. This amino acid appears to stimulate osteoblasts to insert calcium  into the bone matrix. Furthermore, L-lysine is transformed into hydroxylysine, an essential molecule for collagen synthesis and bone formation.

Foods rich in lysine:

In particular, foods that provide a high dose of this substance are those with a high protein content: meat, eggs , cheese , milk, soy , vegetables and many fish such as cod, tuna, anchovies, salmon …

Most people who follow a varied and balanced diet usually do not need a supplement, but some categories of people, such as the elderly, vegetarians, and athletes, may lack, and therefore supplement intake would need to be implemented.

Lysine Deficiency:

Its deficiency can cause heart problems and difficulty recovering after a stroke. This lack also implies the occurrence of angina, rashes, genital or oral herpes , growth retardation, delayed tissue healing, susceptibility to infections, difficulty in collagen production, hormonal disorders, anemia , and fatigue. Lysine deficiency can also occur with sudden weight and hair loss.

Lysine side effects:

Lysine side effects are relatively very low, if the amount that is assumed falls within the normal range. An overdose can cause swelling of the face, tongue and lips, difficulty breathing and severe sore throats.

Excessive consumption of this substance can increase levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol . And triglycerides, which should alert those already suffering from obesity-related cardiovascular disorders.

Even people who suffer from kidney or liver problems are more likely than others to take more serious risks, so taking the product is discouraged, as well as for women who are pregnant, while breastfeeding, or who wish to become pregnant.

Other side effects due to an overdose of  lysine are kidney and gallstones, vomiting, nausea , diarrhea and stomach cramps. lysine  should not be taken with arginine as it can negate its effects.

In case of one or more of the following symptoms, stop taking the medicine immediately and consult a doctor.

Contraindications:

Finally, there are no specific side effects related to taking lysine ; although in some cases severe allergies, breathing difficulties, kidney stones and gallstones, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea , cramping and an increase in cholesterol can occur .

Lysine should then be moderated if there are cardiovascular disorders, diabetes , obesity, kidney and liver disease, pregnancy and lactation. This substance is then not taken with arginine as it can cancel out the effects. However, it is always advisable to seek the advice of your doctor, who will be able to indicate the correct dose.