From the Guidelines
Lysine is not a recommended treatment for HSV, and standard antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir should be used instead. The evidence for lysine's effectiveness in managing HSV symptoms is limited and mixed, and it should not replace established antiviral treatments. According to the guidelines for prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected adults and adolescents, daily anti-HSV therapy with oral acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir is effective in preventing recurrences of genital herpes 1.
Some key points to consider when managing HSV include:
- Daily anti-HSV suppressive therapy can prevent recurrences and decrease HIV concentration in plasma and anal and genital secretions 1
- Suppressive therapy with valacyclovir should be 500 mg twice daily in HIV-infected persons, or twice-daily regimens with acyclovir or famciclovir should be used 1
- Lysine supplements may have some effect on reducing the frequency, severity, and healing time of cold sores or genital herpes outbreaks, but the evidence is not strong enough to recommend it as a primary treatment
- Reducing intake of arginine-rich foods and increasing lysine consumption may potentially enhance the effectiveness of lysine, but this is not a recommended treatment strategy
- Side effects of lysine are generally mild but can include stomach discomfort and diarrhea, and its safety is not well-established in certain conditions like kidney disease or pregnancy
It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before considering lysine or any other supplements for HSV management, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are pregnant. The primary treatment for HSV should be based on established antiviral medications, and lysine should not be used as a replacement for these treatments.
From the Research
Lysine and HSV
- L-lysine has been studied as a potential treatment for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, with some studies suggesting it may be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of outbreaks 2, 3.
- A 1987 study found that L-lysine supplementation reduced the frequency of HSV infections by an average of 2.4 episodes per 6 months, and also reduced the severity and healing time of outbreaks 2.
- Another study from 1984 found that L-lysine supplementation decreased the recurrence rate of herpes simplex attacks, but only at a dose of 1,248 mg per day 3.
- A 2017 review of the evidence found that L-lysine supplementation appears to be ineffective for prophylaxis or treatment of herpes simplex lesions at doses of less than 1 g/d, but may be effective at higher doses 4.
Comparison to Other Treatments
- Other studies have investigated the use of antiviral medications such as valacyclovir and acyclovir for the treatment and suppression of HSV infections 5, 6.
- These medications have been shown to be highly effective in suppressing the frequency and quantity of genital HSV shedding, and are generally well-tolerated 5, 6.
- In contrast, the evidence for L-lysine as a treatment for HSV is largely based on smaller, earlier studies, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and limitations 2, 3, 4.