Lysine is an amino acid, which means it is a building block of proteins. It is also important in keeping nitrogen equilibrium in the body. It is an essential amino acid, which means that it is not produced in the body and as to be taken in the diet.
It seems that lysine is important in processing calcium so it can be absorbed and converted. Lysine plays many roles in the body because it is integrated into proteins which the body needs to function properly. Lysine also inhibits the herpes virus from reproducing and so it is often recommended to treat cold sores or genital herpes. Numerous studies of lysine have been conducted, and the majority, though not 100%, advocate using lysine.
Lysine is found in many foods, including the yeast used to make beer, beans, milk products, seafood, and meat.
The majority of the population does not need to take pure lysine as a supplement because they get enough in their diet. Medical practitioners recommend that people who have herpes take 1000-3000 mg of lysine per day.
by the Harvard School of Public Health
It has been asked by millions of people “If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins?” Not very long ago, the common answer from most experts and professionals would have been an emphatic "no". However, today there's quite a bit of evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes good sense for most adults.
by the Mayoclinic Staff
Given the popularity and availability of “high potency” amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and herbs, it might seem like dietary supplements could replace food as a source of the nutrients the body requires. However, this is not the case.
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