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What is L-Lysine HCl?

Lysine is an essential free-form amino acid and is one of 20 most common natural amino acids that the body needs for growth and tissue repair. Lysine is an essential amino acid because it cannot be manufactured in the body. The term "essential" when referring to amino acids means that the body cannot create it and it must therefore be found in other sources such as food or supplements. A balanced diet will supply your body with all the essential amino acids required and these essential amino acids are crucial if you wish to maintain a healthy body. For years, lysine has been used in the treatment of herpes and cold sores, and quite recently, it has been getting attention as a possible addition to the fast-growing list of health and muscle-building supplements.

Lysine benefits many of the body's vital functions including the production of antibodies, assisting in proper tissue growth and aiding in better concentration. Lysine is one of the essential amino acids that the body needs for synhesizing proteins. RNA is able to make different proteins out of these amino acids by arranging them in different sequences. That is why each amino acid is an important and integral part of whole body function. Good sources of lysine are foods rich in protein including meat (specifically red meat, pork, and poultry), cheese (particularly parmesan), certain fish (such as cod and sardines), nuts, eggs, Brewer's yeast, legumes, soybeans (particularly tofu, isolated soy protein, and defatted soybean flour), spirulina, and fenugreek seed. The soy-based products are particularly beneficial to vegetarians, who may find it hard to get lysine from their diets since vegetables are generally a poor source of lysine, with the exception of legumes (beans, peas, lentils). Lysine is also available as L-lysine acetylsalicylate (LAS), Lysine clonixinate (LC), and L-lysine monohydrochloride (LMH or L-Lysine HCl).

L-Lysine HCl supplies hydrochloric acid, a naturally occurring stomach acid that helps break up fats and proteins for quicker digestion in the small intestine. Stomach acid also helps make the absorption of nutrients through the walls of the intestines easier so it can go into the blood and delivered where it is needed. Gastric acid also aids in guarding the gastrointestinal tract from harmful bacteria. A normal level of gastric acid in the stomach, which is 100,000-1,000,000 times more acidic than water, is sufficient to kill bacteria, but a low level increases the possibility and severity of some bacterial and parasitic intestinal infections. A unique property that lysine has is that it does not alter its nitrogen with other circulating amino acids. Like all amino acids, lysine primarily acts and functions as a building block for proteins. It's also a key player in the production of various enzymes, hormones, and disease-fighting antibodies.

L-Lysine is a necessary building block for all proteins in the body and it plays a major role in calcium absorption, building muscle protein, recovering from surgery or sports injuries, and the body's production of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Lysine helps the body absorb and conserve calcium and reduce its excretion, and because of this, lysine is crucial in bone development and could play a crucial part in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Lysine has many functions in the body because it is integrated into many proteins, which are used by the body for a variety of functions. Lysine works with other essential amino acids to maintain growth, lean body mass, and the body's store of nitrogen, and with respect to this, it has made its way in many sports and bodybuilding supplements. Lysine also hinders the replication of herpes viruses and as such it has been often prescribed by doctors to patients with cold sores or genital herpes. A review of studies that look into the effects of lysine on people with cold sores shows that most, though not all, trials favor the use of lysine.

What is L-Lysine used for and who uses it?

Lysine is an essential amino acid necessary to produce carnitine, another amino acid which helps to convert fatty acids into energy and also helps to maintain the blood cholesterol in the human beings. It is also a vital amino acid for growth. Lysine helps the body absorb and retain the calcium in the body, and it plays an important role in manufacturing collagen, a substance needed for strong bones and connective tissues including skin, tendon, and cartilage. Because it helps to build muscle protein and repair tissues, lysine is particularly beneficial for those recovering from surgery or sports-related injuries. Athletes involved in frequent vigorous exercise, burn patients, older people, and those suffering from herpes and cold sores have an increased need for essential amino acids like lysine.

Lysine is an essential building block for all protein, and is needed for proper growth and bone development in children. It helps in the absorption of calcium and also maintains the correct nitrogen balance in the body to prevent obesity. Furthermore it is necessary to produce antibodies, hormones, enzymes, collagen formation as well as repair of tissue. It is also essential for patients recovering from injuries and recovery after operations in helping them avert muscle wasting or atrophy as Lysine helps in the building of muscle proteins. Lysine is also well known for its antiviral properties. It is beneficial in fighting herpes and cold sores, and is needed for hormone production and the growth and maintenance of bones in both children and adults. Certain types of lysine integrated to anti-inflammatory drugs may help relieve the pain following an episiotomy (a procedure performed during labor that involves cutting the vaginal area to enlarge the vaginal opening and facilitate delivery). These forms of lysine may also alleviate pain associated with migraine headaches and painful periods.

Lysine is involved in the production of antibodies for a strong, healthy immune system, which may be part of the reason it is so effective at fighting herpes viruses. Lysine also inhibits the body’s absorption of the amino acid arginine, which the herpes virus must have in order to replicate. Studies have demonstrated that supplemental L-lysine in conjunction with vitamin C and flavonoids can effectively fight herpes outbreaks or even prevent it at the onset. Overall data of a six-month trial involving more than 50 people has shown that lysine is much more effective than a placebo in preventing cold sores. Lysine supplements have also been proven useful in avoiding eruptions of shingles, a blistering condition brought about by the herpes varicella-zoster. Lysine also helps heal herpes and cold sores in a shorter amount of time. This amino acid stimulates the formation of both collagen and muscle protein, and may help speed recovery from surgery and sports injuries as well.

Lysine is most beneficial and effective in managing and preventing painful and unsightly herpes sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Genital herpes is a disease that causes a painful rash on the sex organs. It's caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2, which a person gets by having sexual contact with an infected person. Lysine interferes with replication of herpes viruses by blocking the arginine in the body and prevents the herpes virus from reproducing and spreading. Arginine helps the herpes simplex virus multiply and replicate, and lysine can help break down arginine and decrease its absorption in the body. A group of researchers administered lysine supplements to people showing the symptoms of a herpes attack. After just a few days, the symptoms for more than 90 percent of the patients disappeared. For this reason Lysine is therefore often prescribed by doctors to people with cold sores or genital herpes.

How pure is your L-Lysine?

This pharmaceutical grade amino acid L-Lysine Monohydrochloride (commonly referred to as Lysine or L-Lysine) is assayed by the manufacturer to be 99.4% product. You will receive a double sealed labeled bulk polyethylene bag containing this white granular powder product. It contains no fillers, taste additives, or anti-caking agents. The remaining 0.6% by weight are inactive byproducts of the extraction.

Most people get sufficient lysine from their food intake, but there have been recorded cases of lysine deficiency, mostly those that have a low-protein diet or eating disorder. Symptoms of lysine deficiency include of bloodshot eyes, hair loss, difficulty or inability to concentrate, irritability, lack of energy, poor appetite, reproductive disorders, retarded growth, and weight loss. Lysine is required for tissue repair and growth, and is utilized in the production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones. Too little lysine in the diet may manifest itself in kidney stones. Lysine helps in the improved absorption of calcium and lessens the loss of calcium through the urine, thus helping the body build muscle protein, and repair tissues. For these reasons, it must be supplied either from the diet or from supplementation.

What is the daily suggested dose of L-Lysine?

Recommended L-Lysine Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults is 12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, however, adults may need up to 30 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, depending upon individual needs. That works out to about 830 milligrams L-Lysine per day for a 150 pound adult. By consulting the green Bulk Density Analysis table above you'll notice that a level 1/2 teaspoon corresponds to approximately 1,354 mg by weight. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for L-Lysine HCl here. It is generally recommended to take L-Lysine supplementation with meals to reduce the chances of gastric upset with larger doses than 2 to 3 grams in a single dose.

When choosing lysine supplements it is recommended that you choose L-Form amino acids instead of D-Forms. This is because L-Forms are easier to take and are more in balance with the natural human body composition. One point to keep in mind is that the body needs a supply of all the amino acids in order to effectively create and utilize proteins so if you intend to supplement any of the amino acids it is of paramount importance that you have a balanced intake of all the other amino acids. Being deficient in even one amino acid will lower the efficiency of all the other amino acids in your body.

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

Lysine Deficiency, Contraindications, and Potential Side effects

A deficiency in lysine can result in a deficiency in niacin (which is a B Vitamin), which can consequently lead to the disease pellagra. In the tissues, lysine readily converts its carbon to carbon dioxide, helping to form glutamic acid. L-Lysine also acts as a precursor for other amino acids, including L-carnitine, which is needed for fat metabolism. Carnitine, a nutrient that helps the body turn fat into energy and lowers LDL and triglyceride levels, is synthesized primarily in the liver and kidneys from lysine and methionine. Using iron and vitamin C, L-Lysine is crucial for the formation of collagen as well, a major part of the body's connective tissues, and contributes to energy production when converted to acetyl coenzyme A, one of the principal fuels for the Krebs cycle.

Individuals with cardiovascular disease and people with high cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels should consult a physician before taking lysine supplements. Stomach cramps or diarrhea have been reported at very high intakes of 15 - 40 grams but normal or recommended amounts of Lysine produce no ill effects. In very large doses (10 to 30 grams a day), lysine elevates the toxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin, neomycin, and streptomycin. As with all supplements and medications, it is important to consult your doctor for proper dosage, just to be on the safe side.

Lysine deficiencies occur more often in people who do not eat any animal products (vegans for examples) than in those who do. A lysine deficiency can be possible either by an insufficient dietary intake or by an excessive arginine intake. Lysine deficiency can work against carnitine synthesis and consequently have adverse impact upon fat metabolism to energy. A lysine deficiency may also trigger calcium loss, which could make a person more susceptible at developing osteoporosis. Symptoms of lysine deficiency include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, agitation, bloodshot eyes, slow growth, anemia, and reproductive disorders. Generally, only vegetarians who follow a macrobiotic diet and certain athletes involved in frequent vigorous exercise are at risk for lysine deficiency.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Taste, solubility, and suggested preparation of L-Lysine

This product dissolves quickly in water and has a mildly sour taste. Just mix your usual dose with water or juice and drink.

L-Lysine is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Controlled Labs Purple Wraath, MuscleTech Anabolic Halo, MuscleTech IntraVol, Universal Animal Nitro, MuscleTech Alpha Amino Prototype 216, 4Ever Fit Lysine, Higher Power L-Lysine, NOW L-Lysine, SciFit L-Lysine, 4Ever Fit 4Ever Whey Gainer, Ageless Foundation UltraMAX Gold, All American EFX NF-Pro, All The Whey Whey Protein Concentrate, Beverly Int. GH Factor, Country Life L-Lysine Caps, KAL Amino Acid Complex 1000, LA Muscle LA Whey, MHP Trac, Muscle Asylum Project Mass Impact, MuscleTech Cell-Tech Hardcore, Nimbus Nutrition Performance Post-Workout, NOW Awe-Slim, NOW Pro-GH, NOW Tri-Amino, NRG-X Labs Anabolic Raptor, Olympian Labs Herp-Eeze

References & Further Research

Role of L-lysine HCl in immunopotentiation towards development of suitable tuberculosis vaccination
L-Lysine HCl is being proposed to be a possible biocompatible adjuvant to enhance immune response by virtue of its probable non-specific bridging action and cellular proliferation properties. This proposal has been tried to be substantiated by carrying out experimentation where L-lysine HCl has been used as an adjuvant (various groups based on mode of application and frequency of booster dose were designed) in tuberculosis vaccination experiments with heat killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG). Results were obtained which showed L-lysine HCl as a probable adjuvant in vaccination.

Safety and effectiveness of an L-lysine, zinc, and herbal-based product on the treatment of facial and circumoral Herpes
L-lysine, an essential amino acid, inhibits normal replication of Herpes simplex virus (HSV), shortening the normal course and duration of the disease. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a combination of L-lysine with botanicals and other nutrients in relieving the symptoms of facial and circumoral herpes. Overall data indicated significant improvement in participants by the sixth day of treatment for all but two participants. There were no adverse effects reported during this study.

Thirteen-week oral toxicity study of L-lysine hydrochloride in rats
L-Lysine hydrochloride (Lys) is an essential amino acid in humans and animals, and it is used in animal feeds, in prevention of herpes simplex recurrence, and cereal fortification in some developing countries. This study evaluated toxicological and behavioral effects of Lys during a dosing study with male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. In male and female rats in each concentration group, treatment-related changes were not observed in the clinical signs, body weights, diet consumption, water intake, ophthalmology, gross pathology, organ weights, or histology. No functional, biochemical, or histological changes in renal function were found. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for Lysine was estimated at 5.0% for both genders (male, 3.36 +/- 0.12 g/kg/day; female, 3.99 +/- 0.28 g/kg/day).

Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection: Treatment and prophylaxis
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial of oral L-lysine monohydrochloride for the prevention and treatment of recurrent herpes simplex (HSV) infection was conducted. The treatment group was given L-Lysine monohydrochloride tablets (1,000 mg L-lysine per dose) 3 times a day for 6 months. Overall data indicated that L-Lysine appears to be an effective agent for reduction of occurrence, severity and healing time for recurrent HSV infection.

Lysine as a prophylactic agent in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis
The amino acid lysine is an agent that has been proposed for treating the clinical symptoms of recurrent herpes simplex labialis. This study examined the efficacy of long-term prophylactic lysine supplementation. The results from this study suggest that prophylactic lysine may be useful in managing selected cases of recurrent herpes simplex labialis if serum lysine levels can be maintained at adequate concentrations.

L-Lysine for International Customers

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