"Lysine - An Amino Acid 'Essential' For Good Health!"
Lysine is classified as an essential Amino acid. An essential Amino acid is one that must be obtained from the diet as the body is unable to produce it.
Amino acids are the 'building blocks' of proteins in the body.
This Amino acid is needed for the proper growth and bone development of children.
It plays an important role in the production of Carnitine, a nutrient that helps convert fatty acids into energy while helping to lower levels of cholesterol.
It assists with the absorption of calcium and helps to maintain a normal balance of nitrogen in adults. Some researchers feel it may help to prevent bone loss that is associated with Osteoporosis.
Test tube studies suggest, when taken in conjunction with L-arginine, another Amino acid, it increases the activity of bone-building cells.
It plays a key role in the production of collagen; a substance needed for healthy bones and connective tissue.
Because of its capability for building muscle tissue, it is good for individuals that are recovering from surgery and/or sports injuries.
If there is not enough Lysine in the diet, Kidney Stones and other health problems may develop including Nausea, Anemia, Fatigue, Irritability, slow growth, reproductive disorders, bloodshot eyes, and a loss of appetite.
It is extremely rare to have a deficiency of this Amino acid due to insufficient levels in the diet. It usually occurs in vegetarians and athletes involved in vigorous physical activity.
Athletic individuals may need additional supplementation of this Amino acid.
A Useful Treatment For the Herpes Virus
It is well known for its anti-viral capabilities.
It is a valuable treatment for cold sores and the Herpes virus. When taken in conjunction with Vitamin C with bioflavanoids, it may effectively prevent a Herpes outbreak.
Results from a six-month clinical trial involving 50 individuals found it was a more effectual treatment for cold sores than a placebo.
It is also effective in treating Shingles, a condition caused by the Herpes Zoster virus.
Proper diet is necessary for keeping the Herpes virus in remission. Foods containing large amounts of the Amino acid Arginine should be avoided, as this Amino Acid can trigger a herpes outbreak.
Other Uses
Lysine is needed for the production of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.
It may also prove effective in lowering triglyceride levels in the blood.
Good sources of this Amino acid are foods rich in protein, such as red meat, pork, cheese, poultry, nuts, eggs, sardines, cod, soybeans, and brewer's yeast.
Dosage
Your physician can help to determine whether you are obtaining adequate amounts of Lysine from the diet or if supplementation is necessary.
A deficiency of this Amino acid may cause a deficiency of the vitamin Niacin, which, in turn may cause the disease Pellagra.
A deficiency of it usually occurs in individuals that do not consume enough animal proteins.
It comes in a variety of forms including capsules, tablets, liquids, and creams.
The daily recommended dietary allowances (RDA) are listed below:
Birth to 4 months: 103 mg per kilogram of body weight per day
Children from 5 months to 2 years: 69 mg per kilogram of body weight per day
Children from 3 to 12 years: 44 mg per kilogram of body weight per day
13 and older: 12 mg per kilogram of body weight per day
Some experts suggest that adults may need up to 30 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
Older males may need more of this supplement than younger males. One study indicated that older men needed more of it than younger men.
Adults with herpes simplex should take:
As a treatment for symptoms: 3,000 - 9,000 mg per day in divided doses
To prevent recurrences: 500 - 1,500 mg per day
Contraindications
Supplements of these Amino acids are generally considered safe and nontoxic.
Pregnant or breast-feeding women as well as individuals with kidney, liver, cardiovascular or cholesterol problems should consult their physician before taking this Amino acid.
Individuals taking antibiotics should take this Amino acid with caution.
Toxicity of Lysine has yet to be determined, but when taken in very high dosages, Diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort may be noted.
In doses greater than 10 grams a day, it increases the toxicity of medicines such as Gentamicin, Streptomycin, and Neomycin.
It should not be taken while consuming milk.
Lysine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity.
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