Lysine

Lysine is one of the 20 most common natural amino acids on Earth. Lysine is directly coded for in DNA. Nutritionally, in humans, lysine is an essential amino acid. Lysine can be used as a nutritional supplement to help against herpes.

What does lysine do?

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. 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.

Where is lysine found?

Brewer’s yeast, legumes, dairy, fish, and meat all contain significant amounts of lysine.

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Structure of Amino Acids
Amino Acid Properties

Classes of Amino Acids
Amino Acid Disorders Screening
Functions and Non-functions in proteins