Is L-Lysine Safe?

Lysine, or L-lysine, is one of the eight essential amino acids, which are amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be supplied in the diet. This means that lysine is not only safe, but necessary.
  1. Lysine

    • Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which facilitate the functions of a cell and are coded by DNA. Food sources like red meat, eggs, poultry, soy beans, common beans, cod, cheese and many others naturally contain lysine, and dietary supplements can provide it as well.

    Significance

    • Lysine is an important amino acid in the production of tendons, cartilage, connective tissue and collagen in the bone.

    Safety

    • Lysine is a safe substance unless you ingest high doses (more than 10 grams a day), which can lead to nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. The recommended dose is 500 mg twice a day.

    Necessity

    • Without lysine, health problems like calcium loss and osteoporosis can develop. Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, anemia, slow growth and reproductive disorders.

    Benefits

    • Lysine may help prevent osteoporosis and treat sores caused by herpes. Because conditions like depression, chronic viral infections, asthma and low levels of thyroid hormones are associated with depleted levels of lysine, the amino acid may play a role in combating them.

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