L-Lysine

An Essential Amino Acid

Amino acids have many functions in the body. They are the building blocks for all body proteins – structural proteins that build muscle, connective tissues, bones and other structures, and functional proteins in the form of thousands of metabolically active enzymes

Amino acids provide our body with nitrogen that is essential for growth and maintenance of all tissues.

Because our body can't make lysine, we must get it in the foods we eat. In people for whom wheat (breads) is the predominant food staple, lysine deficiency can occur, because only small amounts of lysine are found in grain.

Low dietary lysine may lead to overall protein deficiency symptoms, such as a compromised immune system and failure to grow, and also to heightened levels of stress and anxiety.

In the April 2004 issue of the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences," researchers reported that supplementing cereal-based diets with lysine reduced chronic anxiety and stress in a population that consumed wheat as a primary diet component. This suggests that Lysine supplementation may improve your mental well-being if this amino acid is lacking in your diet.

Though conventional medicine tries to claim there is no proof, many people report great success in using L-lysine to combat the herpes simplex virus that produces common "cold sores" and genital herpes sores. Lysine exerts it's antiviral effects by inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus. By holding the virus in check L-lysine may decrease the number of cold sores or genital herpes outbreaks, and it may also help the sores heal more quickly. Users find that supplementing with 1 to 3 grams of lysine each day may limit recurrences, and taking it as soon as symptoms are noticed may reduce the length of time that herpes outbreaks last.

Since the virusis similar, some practitioners and researchers feel that L-lysine may have a beneficial effect toward reducing outbreaks of herpes zoster or "shingles."

There is also evidence that L-lysine may be helpful in alleviating post-herpetic neuralgia.

L-lysine can help the gastrointestinal tract absorb calcium and reduce how much of this mineral is excreted in urine. Supplementing with both lysine and arginine, another protein-building amino acid, stimulates the cellsthat build new bone tissue. This combination of amino acids can also increase the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein important in maintaining the health of connective tissue, including cartilage, tendons and skin.

It should be noted that arginine is contra-indicated for those with the herpes virus as it can precipitate herpes outbreaks.

L-Lysine 500mg 250 caps # N263 - $19.95

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Supplement Facts:

Serving Size: One (1) Capsule

Servings Per Container: 250

Amount Per Serving %DV: L-Lysine 500 mg **

** Daily Value Not Established. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Other Ingredients: Cellulose, Gelatin Capsule, Stearates (Vegetable Source)

Directions: As a dietary supplement, one (1) capsule daily, or more as directed by your healthcare professional. Keep out of the reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place.

References:

Lysine fortification reduces anxiety and lessens stress in family members in economically weak communities in Northwest Syria. http://www.pnas.org/content/101/22/8285.full

Lysine - University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/lysine