Lysine helps with cold sores and can strengthen connective tissue

L-Lysine is an essential amino acid found mainly in animal products. L-Lysine can act as a building block for the production of collagen, and thus help in the formation of connective tissue, cartilage, skin, hair, teeth, bones, tendons, collagen and muscle. Lysine is also involved in the production of enzymes, hormones and the antibodies which are known to combat certain viral infections.

Lysine supports intestinal calcium reabsorption and promotes calcium retention in the bones. Lysine is therefore of particular significance for women during the menopause, and is increasingly used to support those people at risk of developing osteoporosis.

The amino acid lysine can also have an anti-depressive effect, and may considerably reduce susceptibility to stress. Lysine is also considered to contribute to the prevention and treatment of cold sores (herpes). It can be taken to support the treatment of acute outbreaks of herpes and to help reduce the frequency of recurrent infections.

Various studies undertaken by the researchers Dr Matthias Rath and Dr Aleksandra Niedzwiecki in 1996 suggest that, in combination with vitamin C, lysine can often be considered an effective remedial factor in treating hardening of the arteries.

What are the benefits of L-lysine?

• often recommended for to help treat cold sores(herpes)
• acts as a building block for strong connective tissue
• helps wounds to heal
• assists the absorption of calcium and its retention in bones
• promotes strong nails and shiny hair
• important for the formation of new muscle tissue
• helps protect the heart and circulation
• precursor for the body's synthesis of L-carnitine
• helps strengthen the immune system
• Lysine helps to combat herpes

When taken in sufficient quantities, there is evidence that L-lysine may hinder the growth of the herpes virus. Studies suggest that the intake of lysine can reduce the frequency and intensity of outbreaks of genital and oral herpes.

In a study by the Health Sciences department of the University of Southern California, 40 percent of the subjects showed a positive response to treatment with lysine after three days, and 87 percent did likewise after six days.

The results may have been even better if lysine had been used in combination with other nutrients that combat herpes, such as vitamin C, bioflavonoids and zinc.

All these nutrients are mutually supportive and help to suppress outbreaks and strengthen the skin, which according to clinical studies shortens the period of infection and reduces the frequency of outbreaks.

How does lysine combat herpes?

There are two types of amino acid – lysine and arginine – which can have a significant effect on herpes(the virus that causes both cold sores and genital herpes).

While arginine is known to provoke outbreaks and is needed by the herpes simplex virus to reproduce and create the symptoms, lysine helps reduce the number of outbreaks and can accelerate the healing process.

These two amino acids compete against each other. And if arginine gets the upper hand, the likelihood of a herpes outbreak increases.

Studies on tissue cultures suggest that lysine acts by helping to suppress the metabolism of arginine. The herpes virus needs arginine to reproduce and become active.

People who are prone to cold sores may need to restrict their consumption of large quantities of nuts, chocolate, wheat(wholemeal or white), oats or gelatin, which are all rich in arginine, and should perhaps avoid food supplements containing L-arginine.

The recommended dosage of lysine to help prevent an outbreak of herpes is approximately 1200 to 1500 mg. This is the amount that was used to influence the herpes virus in studies. The dosage may be increased to between 1875 mg and 2500 mg from the time a herpes outbreak is apparent until it has disappeared.

An intake of more than three grams per day is not recommended while the symptoms of herpes are present, because the quantity suggested above should be sufficient to tip the lysine-arginine balance and help stop the herpes virus becoming active.

L-lysine helps protect the cardiovascular system

If damage occurs to the vascular wall due to vitamin deficiency, the body tries to repair it by depositing lipoprotein(a), which is formed in the liver, on the vascular wall.

This creates arteriosclerotic plaque and the diameter of the blood vessels gets smaller and smaller. Lysine and proline gather on the lipoprotein(a), which makes it less sticky and thus helps prevent further accumulations.

Lysine and proline can also help dissolve lipoprotein molecules which have already gathered on the artery wall so they can be more effectively broken down by the liver. Existing arteriosclerotic deposits can thus positively benefit from the use of L-lysine.

The formation of this plaque is associated with low vitamin C levels. An adequate intake of vitamin C, lysine and proline should help protect the cardiovascular system and is a significant factor which supports the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Lysine also helps to block collagen-digesting enzymes and thus assists the enzymatic dissolution of collagen (collagenosis), thereby helping to inhibit the spread of arteriosclerotic, inflammatory and carcinogenic processes, which all depend upon this internal mechanism for the dissolution of bodily tissues.

Lysine helps promote strong connective tissue

Together with vitamin C, the amino acids lysine and proline act as significant building blocks for the formation of collagen, and thus strong connective tissue. While proline can be manufactured by the body itself, lysine has to be supplied in food. These days, deficiencies of both vitamin C and lysine are thought to be widespread conditions.

Lysine promotes a healthy immune system

Lysine is a significant factor in the maintenance of the immune system and impaired function is seen to be linked to lysine deficiency. An additional intake of L-lysine can help strengthen the immune system, especially for those who get too little lysine from their food and suffer from a lysine deficiency.

Animal products such as fish, meat, cheese and eggs have particularly high levels of lysine. Grains contain only small amounts of L-lysine, which is why vegans and vegetarians tend to be prone to lysine deficiency.

The benefits of L-Lysine Amino 500:

• provides 500 mg L-lysine per capsule
• supplied in 100% vegetable capsules
• contains no solvents, fillers, dyes, or preservatives
• GMO-free
• suitable for vegans and vegetarians