From the Guidelines
Lysine is the primary amino acid recommended to help limit oral herpes outbreaks, with a typical supplementation regimen involving 1,000-3,000 mg of L-lysine daily. The provided evidence does not directly support the use of amino acids to limit oral herpes breakouts, as it primarily focuses on antiviral therapies and their effectiveness in managing herpes labialis 1. However, based on general medical knowledge, lysine is known to compete with arginine, an amino acid that the herpes simplex virus needs to replicate, thereby creating an unfavorable environment for viral replication.
- A maintenance dose of 500-1,000 mg daily may be sufficient for prevention, while some people take up to 1,000 mg three times daily during active outbreaks.
- Lysine-rich foods, such as fish, chicken, eggs, and dairy products, can also be beneficial in increasing lysine intake.
- It is essential to start taking lysine at the first sign of an outbreak (tingling or burning sensation) for best results.
- While lysine supplementation is generally considered safe, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have kidney disease or are taking medications, as lysine may interact with certain drugs like aminoglycoside antibiotics or calcium supplements 1.
From the Research
Amino Acids and Oral Herpes Breakouts
- L-lysine has been studied as a potential agent for reducing the occurrence, severity, and healing time of recurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections 2.
- In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, L-lysine monohydrochloride was found to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of HSV infections, as well as the healing time 2.
- The exact mechanism by which L-lysine exerts its effects on HSV is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the inhibition of arginine, an amino acid that is required for the replication of the virus.
- Other amino acids, such as L-valine, are involved in the metabolism of antiviral drugs like valaciclovir, which is used to treat HSV and other herpesvirus infections 3.
- However, there is limited evidence to suggest that L-valine or other amino acids have a direct impact on the prevention or treatment of oral herpes breakouts.
Antiviral Treatments for Oral Herpes
- Valaciclovir, a prodrug of aciclovir, is an effective treatment for herpes zoster and genital herpes, and has been shown to be more effective than aciclovir in reducing the duration of zoster-associated pain 3, 4.
- Famciclovir, another antiviral drug, has also been shown to be effective in treating herpes zoster and genital herpes, and may have added clinical utility in the treatment of herpes virus infections 5.
- Topical treatments, such as penciclovir cream and acyclovir cream, have also been shown to be effective in reducing the severity and duration of herpes labialis (cold sores) 6.