Lysine: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications

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Lysine is an essential amino acid, one of the 20 building blocks of proteins. It is absorbed in the small intestine and transported to the liver through the portal circulation, where it participates in protein biosynthesis and is partially metabolized. The human body cannot synthesize l-lysine, so it is essential to obtain it through diet. The richest sources of l-lysine are animal proteins such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, and some plant sources like soy and legumes. Vegetables and cereals contain relatively little lysine. L-lysine is necessary for the biosynthesis of collagen, elastin, and carnitine. L-lysine supplementation is used to prevent and treat the Herpes simplex virus (responsible for cold sores). It may also promote intestinal calcium absorption and reduce its renal excretion. Although lysine is popular among athletes, there is not enough reliable information on its clinical effects for this purpose.

Other name(s) 

L-Lysine

Family or group: 

Amino Acids


Indications

Rating methodology

EFSA approval.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, including a significant number of patients (>100) with consistently positive outcomes for the indication.
Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, and including a significant number of patients (>100) with positive outcomes for the indication.
One or more randomized studies or multiple cohorts or epidemiological studies with positive outcomes for the indication.
Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or contradictory.
Lack of clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.


Sports Performance
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During endurance exercise, lysine oxidation increases. People who regularly engage in physical activity generally require more proteins to maintain optimal physical performance, though little data is available on this topic. Lysine supplements may be beneficial for athletes looking to enhance their sports performance and promote muscle recovery. Studies have shown that lysine supplementation can help reduce muscle breakdown and increase muscle protein synthesis after exercise, which can improve recovery and muscle growth. However, further research is necessary to confirm these effects and determine optimal lysine supplementation doses for athletes.

Posologie

posologieOral

posologie4 - 6 g


Emotional Balance
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Studies have suggested that lysine consumption can help reduce stress, improve mood, and manage anxiety. Preliminary clinical research has shown that consuming lysine-enriched wheat reduces stress in women and anxiety in men belonging to populations that generally consume cereal-based diets, compared to the control group. Though the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood, it is suggested that lysine may affect the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which play a key role in mood and emotion regulation.

Posologie

posologieOral

posologie4 - 6 g


Osteoporosis
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Research has demonstrated that lysine consumption can help increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures in people with osteoporosis. Indeed, lysine promotes collagen synthesis, an essential protein for bone structure. Moreover, lysine plays an important role in calcium absorption, an essential mineral for bone health. Studies have shown that lysine supplementation can increase intestinal calcium absorption and reduce its urinary excretion, which can help prevent bone loss.

Posologie

posologieOral

posologie400 - 800 mg


Properties


Metabolic

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Lysine is an essential amino acid, one of the 20 building blocks of proteins. It plays a key role in the formation of collagen, bones, tendons, and blood vessels. Lysine also participates in the production of enzymes, antibodies, and certain hormones, which are necessary for growth and tissue repair, especially muscle tissue. Additionally, lysine contributes to optimal brain function by providing the necessary nutrients for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which regulates mood and emotions.

Usages associés

Emotional Balance, Osteoporosis, Sports Performance

Musculoskeletal Effects

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Lysine is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in protein synthesis and muscle protection. By promoting protein synthesis and reducing its breakdown, lysine helps preserve muscle mass and maintain strength and performance. Moreover, lysine stimulates the production of growth hormones such as insulin and IGF-1, which are necessary for stimulating muscle growth. It also increases the sensitivity of muscles to these hormones, enhancing their anabolic effects. In addition to its beneficial effects on muscles, lysine is necessary for collagen synthesis and may therefore be important for bone health. Studies have shown that calcium and L-lysine supplementation increases intestinal calcium absorption, while in vitro research has shown that lysine increases the cellular proliferation of osteoblasts.

Usages associés

Sports Performance, Osteoporosis

Antiviral

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Lysine is involved in the inhibition of viral replication by specifically blocking the enzymes necessary for viral protein synthesis. In vitro, lysine inhibits the growth of the herpes simplex virus.

Usages associés

Herpes


Safety dosage

Adult from 18 years old: 1 g - 3 g

Lysine has been used at doses up to 6 grams per day for 8 weeks. It is most often used at doses up to 3 grams per day for up to 1 year.


Plantes ou autres actifs

Lysine: moderate interaction

Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking lysine with calcium can increase calcium absorption.

Precautions

Lactating women: avoid

Avoid the use of lysine due to insufficient information on its safety during breastfeeding.

Pregnant women: avoid

Avoid the use of lysine due to insufficient information on its safety during pregnancy.