Lysine
Related Terms
- 3 H-lysine, [3H]lysine, 5-hydroxy-L-lysine, [6-14]lysine, 14C-lysine, 15A8-glycyl-tyrosyl-(N-epsilon-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid)-lysine, 15N-lysine, 24-h [13C]leucine, 320 lysine, 373 lysine, acetone/periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde (PLP), AGEs, alginate-pectin-poly-L-lysine, alginate-poly(L)lysine-alginate membrane, alpha-N-acetyl-L-lysine anilides, alpha-N-acetyl-L-lysine methyl ester, alpha-N,N-bis[carboxymethyl]lysine, amino acid anabolism, amino acids, B lysine residue, bendazac lysine, beta 2 132 lysine, beta 59 (E3) lysine, beta 144 (HCl) lysine-asparagine, beta-lysine, bis-L-tyrosinyl-L-lysine, C6H14N2O2, carbocysteine lysine salt, carboxyethyl lysine, carboxyethyl-lysine, carboxyethyllysine, carboxymethyl lysine, carboxymethyl-lysine, carboxymethyllysine, carboxy-terminal lysine, cdc2 lysine 33, cefuroxime lysine, CEL, CML, C-terminal lysine, dansyl lysine, decarboxylate lysine, desglycinamide lysine vasopressin, di-lysine, dipalmityl lysine group, DNA-lysine, E-N-trimethyl-lysine, epsilon-amino-carbamoyl-lysine, epsilon-diaminocaproic acid, epsilon-DNP-lysine, epsilon(gamma-glutamyl) lysine, epsilon-lysine (poly)peptides, epsilon-N-DL-trimethyl-lysine, epsilon-N(L-furoylmethyl)-L-lysine, epsilon-N-methyl lysine, epsilon-N-trimethyl-lysine, furosine, galactosylated poly-L-lysine, glutamic acid-lysine (EK), glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, H3-lysine, H-D-valyl-L-leucyl-L-arginine 4-nitroanilide, H-D-valyl-L-leucyl-L-lysine 4-nitroanilide, hippuryl-lysine, histone H3 lysine 9, histone H3 lysine 27, histone lysine methyl transfer, homocitrulline, isopeptide, ketoprofen lysine, L-[1-13C]lysine, L-[13C1]lysine, L-[15N2]lysine, lactosylated poly-L-lysine, L-[alpha-15N]lysine, LC, L-lysine, L-lysine amidotrizoate, L-lysine diatrizoate, L-lysine monohydrochloride, L-lysine-alpha-oxidase, L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine, LVP, Lys, Lys-5, Lys-33, (Lys-43), Lys-60f, Lys-63 polyUb chains, Lys-77, Lys-122, Lys-128, Lys-129, Lys-156, Lys-192, Lys-234, Lys-236, Lys-284, Lys-286, Lys-287, Lys K, lysine analog (MK-521), lysine analogs [aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid], lysine epsilon-amino groups, lysine palmitoylation, lysine residue 162, lysine residue 340, lysine salt, lysine (solusprin), lysine-5, lysine-8-vasopressin, lysine-20, lysine-29, lysine-41, lysine-43, lysine-48, lysine-49 phospholipase A2, lysine-49 phospholipase A2 isoform, lysine-50, lysine-54, lysine-60f, lysine-63, lysine-70, lysine-72, lysine-75, lysine-77, lysine-79, lysine-92, lysine-121, lysine-125, lysine-134, lysine-149, lysine-156, lysine-158, lysine-160, lysine-182, lysine-183, lysine-185, lysine-192, lysine-199, lysine-204, lysine-205, lysine-271, lysine-304, lysine 405, lysine-416, lysine-460, lysine-532, lysine-539, lysine-743, lysine-851, lysine-893, lysine-950, lysine-acetyl salicylate, lysine-acetylsalicylate (L-ASA), lysine-acetylsalicylic acid, lysine-aminopeptidase, lysine-clonixinate (CAS 55837-30-4), lysine-decarboxylase, lysine-fosfomycin, lysine-gingipain protease (Kgp), lysine-hydrochloride, lysine-hynic conjugate Fmoc-N-epsilon-(Hynic-Boc)-Lys, lysine-ketoglutarate, lysine-MDA [3-(N epsilon-lysino)propan-1-ol (LM)], lysine-MDA-lysine iminopropene cross-link [1,3-di(N epsilon-lysino)propane (LML) and lysine-HNE [3-(N epsilon-lysino)-4-hydroxynonan-l-ol (LHNE)], lysine-monohydrochloride, lysine-para-isobutylphenyl propionate, lysine-phenylalanine-glutamate-arginine-glutamine (KFERQ), lysine-p-isobutylphenylpropionate, lysine-p-isobutyl-phenylpropionate, lysine-salicylate, lysine-sepharose, lysine-sepharose 4B, lysine-specific cysteine proteinase, lysine-theophylline, Lys-plasminogen, lysyl oxidase, lysyl-L-lysine, mafosfamide lysine (ASTA-Z 7654), malondialdehyde-lysine, (MDA-lysine), MDP-Lys (L18), methylated lysine, methyl-lysine marks, metrecal arginine lysine, muroctasin, N-acetylglycyl-lysine methylesterhydrolase, N2-acetyl-N6-dinitrophenyl-lysine, N2-/(N-acetylmuramoyl)-L-alanyl-D-isoglutaminyl/-N6-stearoyl-L-lysine(MD P-Lys (L18)), N6-(iminoethyl)-L-lysine, N15 lysine, N(alpha)-(5'-phosphopyridoxyl)-L-lysine, N-alpha-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine thiobenzyl ester (BLT), N-alpha-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine thiobenzyl ester serine esterase, N-alpha-Fmoc-L-lysine, N-alpha-(gamma-aminobutyryl) lysine, N-alpha-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethylketone, N-alpha-triglycyl-(8-lysine)-vasopressin and 8-lysine-vasopressin, N-(epsilon)-(1-carboxyethyl)lysine, N-epsilon-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL), N-epsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), N-epsilon-gamma-glutamyl lysine, N-(epsilon)-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine isodipeptide, N-(epsilon)-(gamma-L-glutamyl)-L-lysine (GGEL), N-epsilon-methylated lysine, N-epsilon-[(R)-1-carboxyethyl]-L-lysine (alaninolysine, AlaLys), N-(epsilon)-[(R)-1-carboxyethyl]-N(alpha)-(D-galacturonoyl)-L-lysine, N-iminoethyl-L-lysine, negative lysine decarboxylase, peptidyl lysine, periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde (PLP), phenylalanine-2-lysine-8-vasopressin, p-isobutylphenylpropionate of lysine, PLL, PLP, poly-alpha-lysine (alpha-PL), poly-D-lysine, poly(epsilon-L-lysine), poly-epsilon-lysine (epsilon-PL), polyinosinic-polycytidylic lysine carboxymethylcellulose (poly(ICLC)), poly-L-lysine, poly(L-lysine), poly-L-lysine polymers, poly(L-lysine)-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid carrier, polylysine, polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid-poly-L-lysine complex (poly(ICL)), pronyl-lysine, RN-56-87-1 (lysine), rociverin-lysine acetylsalicylate, (S)-2,6,-diaminohexanoic acid, sepharose-L-lysine, strepronine-lysine salt, tetracyline-L-methylene lysine (Tetralysal), tetra-L-lysine, thiolated poly-L-lysine (PLL), triglycyl lysine vasopressin (glypressin), valyl-leucyl-lysine 4-nitroanilide, xylose lysine desoxycholate agar.
- Note: This summary does not include lysine clonixinate. The terms lysine and L-lysine are used interchangeably throughout.
Background
- Lysine is a type of amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks used to make proteins. Lysine is considered an "essential" amino acid because it cannot be created by the body. Instead, lysine must be supplied by the diet. Common dietary sources of lysine include meat, fish, dairy, eggs, soy, and legumes.
- Lysine comes in two distinct structural forms: L-lysine and D-lysine. L-lysine is the more common form of lysine. L-lysine is also the only form that is active within the body.
- Good scientific evidence suggests that lysine may be useful for treating lysine deficiency and some metabolic disorders. Early research also suggests that lysine may promote calcium metabolism and bone formation, as well as aid in the treatment and prevention of herpes simplex virus. However, more high-quality research is needed in these areas.
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
Strong evidence suggests that lysine is needed for growth and development, protein synthesis, and calcium absorption. The intake of inadequate lysine or excess arginine may both contribute to lysine deficiency. Symptoms of lysine deficiency include anemia (decreased red blood cells), dizziness, fatigue, nausea, bloodshot eyes, loss of appetite, and slow growth. With the exception of vegans and some athletes, lysine deficiency is rare in most people.
|
A |
Strong evidence suggests that lysine is needed for growth and development, protein synthesis, and calcium absorption. The intake of inadequate lysine or excess arginine may both contribute to lysine deficiency. Symptoms of lysine deficiency include anemia (decreased red blood cells), dizziness, fatigue, nausea, bloodshot eyes, loss of appetite, and slow growth. With the exception of vegans and some athletes, lysine deficiency is rare in most people.
|
A |
Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI) is a genetic condition whereby the absorption of various amino acids, including lysine, is impaired. Some evidence suggests that lysine supplementation may improve lysine levels in people with LPI. More high-quality research is needed in this area.
|
B |
Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI) is a genetic condition whereby the absorption of various amino acids, including lysine, is impaired. Some evidence suggests that lysine supplementation may improve lysine levels in people with LPI. More high-quality research is needed in this area.
|
B |
Contrary to popular belief, canker sores are not caused by the herpes simplex virus. Early research, however, suggests that canker sores may be linked to lysine status. Further research is need in this area.
|
C |
Contrary to popular belief, canker sores are not caused by the herpes simplex virus. Early research, however, suggests that canker sores may be linked to lysine status. Further research is need in this area.
|
C |
Some research has examined the effects of lysine on the growth and development of healthy children. Further research is needed in this area before any conclusions may be made.
|
C |
Some research has examined the effects of lysine on the growth and development of healthy children. Further research is needed in this area before any conclusions may be made.
|
C |
Gyrate atrophy is an eye disorder whereby the retina degrades due to an abnormally high level of the amino acid ornithine. Limited research suggests that lysine may reduce excess ornithine. Further research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Gyrate atrophy is an eye disorder whereby the retina degrades due to an abnormally high level of the amino acid ornithine. Limited research suggests that lysine may reduce excess ornithine. Further research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Early research suggests that lysine may be effective in treating and preventing repeated symptom flares of viral herpes. Due to conflicting findings, more high-quality research is needed in this area before any firm conclusions may be made.
|
C |
Early research suggests that lysine may be effective in treating and preventing repeated symptom flares of viral herpes. Due to conflicting findings, more high-quality research is needed in this area before any firm conclusions may be made.
|
C |
Limited research suggests that lysine may play a role in reducing stress and anxiety. Further research is needed in this area before any conclusions may be made.
|
C |
Limited research suggests that lysine may play a role in reducing stress and anxiety. Further research is needed in this area before any conclusions may be made.
|
C |
Some research suggests that lysine may improve blood sugar levels and insulin activity in people with type 2 diabetes. Due to conflicting findings, more high-quality research is needed in this area before any firm conclusions may be made.
|
C |
Some research suggests that lysine may improve blood sugar levels and insulin activity in people with type 2 diabetes. Due to conflicting findings, more high-quality research is needed in this area before any firm conclusions may be made.
|
C |
Robust scientific evidence is currently lacking to support the use of lysine in the treatment of metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis is a type of pH (acid-base) imbalance, whereby the body is too alkaline (basic). Some research suggests that lysine may worsen the alkaline imbalance in people at risk of metabolic alkalosis, such as those being fed via venous injection.
|
D |
Robust scientific evidence is currently lacking to support the use of lysine in the treatment of metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis is a type of pH (acid-base) imbalance, whereby the body is too alkaline (basic). Some research suggests that lysine may worsen the alkaline imbalance in people at risk of metabolic alkalosis, such as those being fed via venous injection.
|
D |
According to available research, evidence is lacking to suggest that amino acid supplementation or increased intake of dietary protein may contribute to enhanced muscle strength and power.
|
D |
According to available research, evidence is lacking to suggest that amino acid supplementation or increased intake of dietary protein may contribute to enhanced muscle strength and power.
|
D | * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Dosing
Adults (18 years and older)
- According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of lysine in adults over 19 years old is 38 milligrams per kilogram of body weight daily. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the RDA is increased to 51 and 52 milligrams per kilogram daily, respectively.
- For the prevention and treatment of canker sores, 500 milligrams and 1,000 milligrams of lysine, respectively, has been taken by mouth daily for an indefinite amount of time.
- For herpes infections, 1,000-3,000 milligrams of lysine has been taken daily for 12 weeks to 12 months by mouth, as either a single or divided dose. For recurring symptoms, an initial 1,000 milligrams once daily has also been taken by mouth, followed by 500 milligrams twice daily until 11 capsules have been used.
- For gyrate atrophy (an eye disorder due to excess ornithine), six grams of lysine has been taken by mouth once daily for one day, followed by two grams of lysine five times daily for seven days.
- For stress, wheat flour fortified with lysine at a ratio of 4.2 grams of lysine per kilogram of wheat flour has been taken by mouth for three months.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
- Lysine may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
- Lysine may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
- Lysine may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, agents that simulate 5-HT4 receptors, amphetamines (agents that simulate the central nervous system), antibiotics, antivirals, aprotinin, kidney-damaging agents, and lipid-lowering agents.
Attribution
-
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Bibliography
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Milman N, Scheibel J, Jessen O. Failure of lysine treatment in recurrent herpes simplex labialis. Lancet 1978;2(8096):942.
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Sulochana KN, Rajesh M, Ramakrishnan S. Insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity in monocytes of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients receiving oral L-lysine. Indian J Biochem.Biophys 2001;38(5):331-334.
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Williams MH. Facts and fallacies of purported ergogenic amino acid supplements. Clin Sports Med 1999;18(3):633-649.
Wright EF. Clinical effectiveness of lysine in treating recurrent aphthous ulcers and herpes labialis. Gen Dent 1994;42(1):40-42.
[The effect of L-lysine added to diet on growth and development of normal children (author's transl)]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 1982;62(1):11-12.