Lysine
Lysine or L-lysine is what is known as a necessary amino acid. It is needed for good health in humans but the human body cannot produce it. Lysine has to be gotten from supplement or diet. Amino acids such as lysine are the blocks that protein is built upon. Lysine is essential for good growth and it has a vital function in the formation of carnitine - a nutrient that is needed for the transformation of fatty acids to energy and also for helping to keep cholesterol low. Lysine also seems to help the body with the absorption of calcium as well as playing a vital role in the formation of collagen which is a material important for connective tissue as well as bones.
The majority of individuals get enough lysine thru their diet, although athletes, burn patients as well as vegans who do not eat beans may need more. Not getting enough lysine may cause nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, dizziness, agitation, slow growth, bloodshot eyes, and anemia as well as reproductive disorders. For vegans, legumes such as peas, beans and lentils are the best source for lysine.
There are studies which have reported that taking lysine in a regular basis can help to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes and cold sores. Lysine has antiviral properties that block the arginine or activity that promotes HSV replication. One review found that lysine taken orally is more effective for preventing HSV outbreaks than it is at reducing the duration and severity of an outbreak. Another study established that taking lysine at the beginning of a herpes outbreak will not lessen symptoms.
Lysine also helps with the body’s absorption of calcium and drops the quantity of calcium that is excreted in urine. Since calcium is so vital for good bone health, many researchers believe lysine might help in the prevention of bone loss that is associated with osteoporosis. Studies submit that lysine together with L-arginine make cells that build bones more active as well as enhance the creation of collagen. But no studies have researched whether lysine aids in preventing osteoporosis from even beginning in humans.
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