L-Lysine
L-lysine
is an essential amino acid. Lysine is marketed as
a nutritional substance as L-lysine monohydrochloride
or as the free base, L-lysine. The molecular weight
of L-lysine is 146.19 daltons and its molecular
formula is C6H14N2O2. L-lysine is also known as
(S)- 2, 6, -diaminohexanoic acid and alpha, epsilon-diaminocaproic
acid It is abbreviated as Lys or by its one letter
abbreviation, K.
Function-
Lysine is well known for its ability in helping
control the herpes virus. It has been estimated
that up to 90% of sufferers will get a significant
decrease in pain, vesicles and symptoms. Many cases
of complete remission with no side effects are not
uncommon. It is VERY important to AVOID arginine
if you have herpes. Once a patient recovers from
the viral infection the virus will settle in nearby
nerves of the spinal ganglia where it is protected
from circulating antibodies and can remain dormant
and in check if the immune system is strong. Herpes
reactivation always occurs at the ganglion then
passes down the nerves and forms blisters over the
effected area. The blisters are thee rim of the
volcano. If you have a cold sore on your lip the
cranial nerve in that area was infected before the
blister arose.
It is a fact that lysine forms carnitine. Carnitine
is useful in transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria
and energy. If carnitine is low it may contribute
to out of balance blood cholesterol ratios.
L-lysine is beneficial to children and adults. L-lysine
is needed for proper growth and bone development
in children. Lysine also plays a vital role in calcium
absorption and should be a consideration any time
there is a concern in preventing osteoporosis or
in a regeneration program. Lysine also helps maintain
a proper nitrogen balance in adults. This amino
acid aids in the production of antibodies, hormones,
and enzymes, and helps in collagen formation and
tissue repair. Because it helps to build muscle
protein, it is good for those recovering from surgery
and sports injuries.
Deficiency-
Common symptoms related to lysine deficiency are
fatigue, dizziness, chronic tiredness, anemia, nausea,
irritability, lack of concentration, hair loss,
poor concentration, enzyme disorders and gastric
abnormalities.
Sources-
Food sources containing lysine are fish, avocadoes,
chicken, beef, lamb, wheat germ, cottage cheese,
egg, soy products, cheese, beans and brewer’s yeast.
Precautions-
Both lysine and arginine are antagonistic to each
other because they compete for transport through
the intestinal wall. If you are deficient in lysine
you should avoid arginine rich foods until balance
is achieved. (Vise versa)
Requirements-
There is no Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)
listed. Individual needs may differ due to clinical
conditions, biochemical individuality and absorption.
All sources of nutrients should be consumed in their
most natural state, in the form of a variety of
foods or supplements when necessary. Free form amino
acid supplements are immediately absorbed by the
body and should be consumed with natural occurring
cofactors for best results. Consulting with a physician
that is properly trained in the natural healing
sciences and amino acid therapy may be needed for
optimum results.
Written by Jerome
Rerucha D.C.
References-
1. Flondin NW. The metabolic roles, pharmacology,
and toxicology of lysine. J Am Coll Nutr. 1997;
16:7-21.
2. Griffith RS, Walsh DE, Myrmel KH, et al. Success
of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes
simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Dermatologica.
1987; 175:183-190.
3. Thein DJ, Hurt WC. Lysine as a prophylactic agent
in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis.
Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1984; 58:659-666.
4. Di Giovanna JJ, Blank H. Failure of lysine in
frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment
and prophylaxis Arch Dermatol. 1984; 120:48-51.
5. Civitelli R, Villareal DT, Agnusedei D, et al.
Dietary L-lysine and calcium metabolism in humans.
Nutrition. 1992; 8:400-405.
6. Kritchevsky D, Weber MM, Klurfeld DM. Gallstone
formation in hamsters: influence of specific amino
acids. Nutr Rep Int 1984;29:117.
7. Leszczynski DE, Kummerow FA. Excess dietary lysine
induces hypercholesterolemia in chickens. Experientia
1982;38:266–7.
8. Flodin NW. The metabolic roles, pharmacology,
and toxicology of lysine. J Am Coll Nutr 1997;16:7–21
[review].
