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L-Lysine & Anxiety

Taking an L-Lysine supplement or eating foods rich in L-Lysine, an essential amino acid, may help reduce anxiety. L-Lysine may help improve moods by facilitating the flow of neurotransmitters in the brain.

  1. L-Lysine

    • L-Lysine, which may also be referred to as Lysine, is an amino acid necessary to maintain health. L-Lysine is not produced by the body and must be obtained from food or dietary supplements.

    Source

    • Foods that are high in protein, such as meat, cheese, eggs, nuts and beans, are sources of L-Lysine. L-Lysine is also available as a dietary supplement in tablet, capsule and liquid forms.

    Anxiety

    • According to research published in 2003 in the journal "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America" (PNAS), increased intake of L-Lysine may help reduce “stress-induced anxiety.” Research published in a 2007 issue of the journal "Biomedical Research" finds that L-Lysine as a dietary supplement may reduce chronic anxiety in people who are deficient in L-Lysine.

    Serotonin

    • According to research published in 2002 in the "Journal of Nutrition," a deficiency of L-Lysine inhibited the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin in rats. According to MayoClinic.com, elevated levels of serotonin are associated with good moods.

    Considerations

    • A deficiency of L-Lysine may also cause fatigue, agitation and nausea.

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