From the Research
Lysine supplements are primarily used to prevent and treat cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, with a recommended dosage of 1,000-3,000 mg daily, divided into multiple doses, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Key Points
- Lysine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through diet or supplements.
- It works by inhibiting arginine, another amino acid that the herpes virus needs to replicate.
- Besides cold sore management, lysine supplements may support calcium absorption, collagen formation, and protein synthesis in the body.
- Food sources of lysine include meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and legumes.
- People with herpes infections, those with diets low in lysine, or individuals with specific health conditions may benefit most from supplementation.
- Side effects are generally mild but can include gastrointestinal discomfort, and those with kidney or liver disease should consult a healthcare provider before taking lysine supplements, as noted in 2.
Dosage and Administration
- A typical dosage ranges from 1,000-3,000 mg daily, divided into multiple doses, with 1,000 mg taken at the first sign of a cold sore outbreak and continued for 7-10 days.
- Doses in excess of 3 g/d appear to improve patients' subjective experience of the disease, as reported in 1.
Mechanism of Action
- Lysine inhibits the replication of the herpes virus by suppressing the production of arginine, which is necessary for viral replication, as demonstrated in 3.
Special Considerations
- Patients with cardiovascular or gallbladder disease should be cautioned and warned of the theoretical risks of lysine supplementation, as noted in 1.
- Those with kidney or liver disease should consult a healthcare provider before taking lysine supplements due to the potential for nephrotoxicity, as mentioned in 2.