Lysine: benefits, dosage, contraindications

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Lysine is an essential amino acid, one of the 20 building blocks of proteins. It is absorbed in the small intestine and transported to the liver via the portal circulation, where it participates in protein biosynthesis and is partially metabolized. The human body cannot synthesize L-lysine, so it is essential to obtain it from the diet. The richest sources of L-lysine are animal proteins such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, and some plant sources such as soy and legumes. Vegetables and cereals contain relatively low amounts of lysine. L-lysine is necessary for the biosynthesis of collagen, elastin, and carnitine. L-lysine supplementation is used to prevent and treat herpes simplex virus (responsible for cold sores). It may also enhance intestinal calcium absorption and reduce renal excretion. Although lysine is popular among athletes, there is not enough reliable information on its clinical effects for this purpose.

Other name(s) 

L-lysine

Family or group: 

Amino acids


Indications

Scoring methodology

EFSA approval.

Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with consistently positive conclusions for the indication.
Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with positive conclusions for the indication.
One or more randomized studies, or several cohorts or epidemiological studies, with positive conclusions for the indication.
Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or conflicting.
No clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.


Sports performance
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During endurance exercise, lysine oxidation increases. People who regularly engage in physical activity generally require more protein to maintain optimal physical performance, although little data are available on this subject. Lysine supplements may be beneficial for athletes seeking to improve athletic performance and promote muscle recovery. Studies have shown that lysine supplementation can help reduce muscle breakdown and increase muscle protein synthesis after exercise, which can improve recovery and muscle growth. However, further research is needed to confirm these effects and to determine optimal lysine supplementation doses for athletes.

Posologie

posologieOral administration

posologie4 - 6 g


Emotional balance
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Studies have suggested that lysine consumption may help reduce stress, improve mood, and manage anxiety. Preliminary clinical research has shown that consuming lysine-enriched wheat reduces stress in women and anxiety in men in populations that typically consume cereal-based diets, compared with the control group. Although the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood, it has been suggested that lysine may affect the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which play a key role in regulating mood and emotions.

Posologie

posologieOral

posologie4 - 6 g


Osteoporosis
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Research has shown that lysine consumption may help increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures in people with osteoporosis. Lysine promotes collagen synthesis, a protein essential to bone structure. Additionally, lysine plays an important role in calcium absorption, a mineral essential for bone health. Studies have shown that lysine supplementation can increase intestinal calcium absorption and reduce its urinary excretion, which may help prevent bone loss.

Posologie

posologieOral

posologie400 - 800 mg


Properties


Metabolic

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Lysine is an essential amino acid, one of the 20 building blocks of proteins. It plays a key role in the formation of collagen, bones, tendons, and blood vessels. Lysine also contributes to the production of enzymes, antibodies, and certain hormones needed for the growth and repair of tissues, particularly muscle tissue. Additionally, lysine supports optimal brain function by supplying nutrients necessary for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which regulates mood and emotions.

Usages associés

Emotional balance, Osteoporosis, Athletic performance

Musculoskeletal effects

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Lysine is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in protein synthesis and muscle protection. By promoting protein synthesis and reducing protein breakdown, lysine helps preserve muscle mass and maintain strength and performance. In addition, lysine stimulates the production of growth hormones such as insulin and IGF-1, which are necessary to promote muscle growth. It also increases muscles' sensitivity to these hormones, which amplifies their anabolic effects. In addition to its beneficial effects on muscles, lysine is necessary for collagen synthesis and may therefore be important for bone health. Studies have shown that supplementation with calcium and L-lysine increases intestinal calcium absorption, while in vitro research has shown that lysine increases osteoblast cell proliferation.

Usages associés

Athletic performance, Osteoporosis

Antiviral

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Lysine is involved in inhibiting viral replication by specifically blocking the enzymes necessary for the synthesis of viral proteins. In vitro, lysine inhibits the growth of the herpes simplex virus.

Usages associés

Herpes


Safe dosage

Adults 18 years and older: 1 g - 3 g

Lysine has been used at doses up to 6 grams per day for 8 weeks. It is most often used at doses up to 3 grams per day for a maximum of 1 year.


Plantes ou autres actifs

Lysine: moderate interaction

Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking lysine with calcium may increase calcium absorption.

Precautions

Breastfeeding women: avoid

Avoid the use of lysine due to insufficient information on its safety during breastfeeding.

Pregnant women: avoid

Avoid the use of lysine due to insufficient information on its safety during pregnancy.