Lysine

	What is Lysine? Why Lysine? How does Lysine Work? Lysine in Food Lysine Supplements What to Know about Taking Lysine Supplements
	What is Lysine? Lysine (pronounced LIE-seen) is an essential amino acid found in both plant and animal foods. Lysine is necessary for proper growth, so it's especially important to get enough of this amino acid during infancy and adolescence.
	Why Lysine? Lysine Health Benefits Both cold sores and genital herpes are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. After one is infected with herpes simplex, the virus "hides" and reappears at times of stress. Some preliminary studies suggest that lysine supplements (I to 3 grams, divided among meals) can reduce the number of herpes flare-ups, and others propose that lysine helps one recover from herpes attacks faster. A study of 52 people with a history of herpes flare-ups showed that those receiving 3 grams of lysine every day had an average of 2.4 fewer flare-ups over six months than those in the placebo group. The lysine-takers' flare-ups were also considered less severe and healed faster. Test-tube research suggests that lysine fights herpes by blocking arginine, an amino acid that the virus needs in order to replicate. Because of its arginine-blocking effect, lysine may be more effective for herpes treatment when a low-arginine diet is followed. This involves avoiding foods including chocolate, peanuts, tree nuts, and seeds. Not all studies on lysine and herpes suggest that the supplement is helpful-a number of them showed no benefit from taking the supplements. Most of the research on lysine and herpes is small scalelarger studies need to be done.
	Lysine in Food Good sources of lysine include red meat, poultry sardines, cheese, nuts, eggs, and legumes. Cereal grains tend to be low in lysine, which is why in these foods lysine is called the "limiting amino acid"-it's the amino acid that's present in the least amount relative to what's needed for the body to make new protein.
	Lysine Supplements gelöschte dateien wiederherstellen freeware This is one of those amino acids for which a deficiency is very rare, if the diet contains sufficient protein. Signs of a lysine deficiency include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, appetite loss, anxiety, decreased immunity and slow growth. People who have inadequate protein intake, and strict vegetarians (vegans) whose diets lack legumes and don't include a wide variety of foods, may need more lysine-and amino acids in general. In that case, a supplement that provides a combination of amino acids would be a better choice than single amino acid supplements. The chances of creating an amino acid imbalance in the body are greater when taking single amino acids, and imbalances can interfere with the absorption of dietary amino acids. The estimated adult requirement for lysine is 12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Again, as with some of the other amino acids, some experts feel that the requirement is set too low. The National Academy of Sciences acknowledges that the state of knowledge concerning amino acid requirements is "unsatisfactory" and expresses the hope that continuing research in the field will yield additional information for consideration. There is no information on the specific amino acid requirements for pregnant or lactating women, and the requirements for older people are considered to be the same as for younger adults. Lysine supplements appear to be nontoxic, but they're not without side effects-the bittiest one being that they can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. People at risk for cardiovascular disease, or who already have elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, should definitely talk with their doctors before taking lysine. Children should not take lysine supplements.
	What to Know about Taking Lysine Supplements If you have herpes simplex virus and want to try supplemental lysine, consult with your doctor first. - In general, taking single amino acid supplements isn't wise, because they can cause imbalances in the body that may interfere with absorption of dietary amino acids. - Lysine supplements can increase blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. - If you have a medical condition or are pregnant or lactating, consult your doctor before taking any supplement.