L-lysine: beneficial properties, side effects
Did you know that protein can help cope with many ailments, from herpes to cancer? And L-lysine is simply irreplaceable in its formation.
L-Lysine is used to treat the herpes virus and recovery from exercise. However, this acid has many more beneficial properties.
L-Lysine may be useful in many ways, including treating anxiety and diabetes. This amino acid is found in foods and can also be purchased as a dietary supplement.
Pharmacological properties of the drug L-lysine escinate
It has anti-inflammatory, anti-exudative (decongestant) and associated analgesic effects. Escin, inhibiting the activity of lysosomal hydrolases, prevents the breakdown of mucopolysaccharides in the walls of capillaries and the surrounding connective tissue, normalizes increased vascular-tissue permeability, and exhibits anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Increases vascular tone, and also has a moderate immunocorrective and hypoglycemic effect.
Food sources
The most effective way to maintain high levels of lysine in the body is to consume foods rich in this amino acid.
It is worth noting that traditional methods of preparing foods can reduce their nutritional value. These methods include reduction with sugar-containing substances, heating in the presence of yeast or sucrose, and processing in the absence of liquid.
The following products have the highest lysine content:
- Lean beef and lamb - 3,582 mg/100 grams (171% of RDA)
- Parmesan cheese - 3,306 mg/100 grams (157% of RDA)
- Turkey and chicken - 3,110 mg/100 grams (148% of RDA)
- Pork - 2,757 mg/100 grams (131% of RDA)
- Roasted soybeans - 2,634 mg/100 grams (125% of RDA)
- Tuna - 2,590 mg/100 grams (123% of RDA)
- Shrimp - 2,172 mg/100 grams (103% of RDA)
- Pumpkin seeds - 1,386 mg/100 grams (66% of RDA)
- Eggs - 912 mg/100 grams (43% of RDA)
- White beans - 668 mg/100 grams (32% of RDA)
While all of these foods are rich in lysine, we recommend avoiding pork, soy, and shrimp if possible, as they often contain toxins. For other meats, cheeses and eggs, make sure you have high quality organic products on your table.
Indications for use of the drug L-lysine escinate
Post-traumatic, intra- and postoperative edema of any location:
- severe swelling of the brain and spinal cord, including intracranial hemorrhages, increased intracranial pressure, as well as symptoms of edema-swelling;
- swelling of soft tissues with damage to the musculoskeletal system, accompanied by local circulatory disorders and pain;
- swelling-pain syndrome with damage to the spine, trunk, limbs;
- severe disorders of the venous circulation of the lower extremities in acute thrombophlebitis, which are accompanied by edematous-inflammatory and pain syndrome.
Benefit for health
As a natural anti-inflammatory agent, L-lysine helps the human body in several ways, many of which have been studied by scientists relatively recently.
May reduce the incidence of herpes
L-lysine is often mentioned when talking about natural herpes remedies. Herpes occurs as a result of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). About 67% of the world's population under 50 years of age are infected with the virus, even if they have never experienced symptoms.
HSV-2 causes genital herpes, and 85% of carriers of this disease do not even suspect it.
Although the research on this issue is inconsistent, most people who use L-lysine to treat herpes find it very effective. Some studies suggest that L-lysine reduces the incidence of HSV outbreaks, while others suggest that the incidence remains the same, but they have observed a reduction in the flare period of the disease.
Most experts agree that L-lysine may not cure cold sores, but it does help reduce the frequency and/or severity of cold sores.
One study using a cream combining L-lysine, herbs and zinc found that 87% of patients had cleared cold sores by the sixth day of treatment. These results are especially noteworthy because outbreaks typically last about 21 days.
The principle according to which this substance gets rid of herpes is not fully understood. One reason may be an interaction with arginine, another amino acid that is produced in small quantities in the body. Arginine shows an increase in the rate of replication of herpes virus cells, and a large amount of L-lysine in the body reduces the activity of arginine.
L-lysine can act not only on HSV-1, but also on HSV-2, softening the course of genital herpes. However, more thorough research is needed.
May help treat cancer
Scientists are actively looking for natural methods of treating cancer, since traditional treatments (for example, chemotherapy or radiation therapy) have a strong negative effect not only on diseased cells, but also on healthy cells. Scientists have made major breakthroughs in this field, discovering many ways to use nutrients found in food and the environment for therapeutic purposes, particularly to kill cancerous cells while bypassing healthy ones.
In 2007, scientists from Florida State University, USA, studied the effect of "lysine conjugates" on damaged DNA strands similar to those found in cancer. It turned out that this substance can find a damaged thread by identifying the “split” (damaged area) in it and separating the rest of the thread. The cell is usually unable to repair this damage, so apoptosis, cell death, occurs.
The more we learn about lysine, the better we understand how effective it can be in treating cancer. The anti-cancer properties of lysine conjugates are only activated when exposed to certain types of light. This allows scientists and doctors to apply treatment precisely and directly to cancer cells, activating substances where they are actually needed.
Florida State University scientists found between 25% and 90% of cancer cells destroyed. These are amazing results!
The effect of lysine oxidase was studied in 2014 using the example of colorectal cancer in mice. In this study, lysine oxidase injections resulted in zero mortality and a significant reduction in large tumors. The results point to this substance as a promising agent for the treatment of colorectal cancer in the future.
Preliminary research suggests that bone marrow-related cancers, such as leukemia, may also be sensitive to L-lysine treatment. Scientists believe that L-lysine injections help prevent genotoxicity (damage to DNA and RNA) in cells exposed to pro-cancer substances.
Combats anxiety and other psychological symptoms
In addition to consuming foods rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, taking L-lysine can also help relieve anxiety. One of the main principles of treating anxiety with L-lysine is that it promotes the absorption of calcium, which calms the nervous system.
In addition to more efficient absorption of calcium, L-lysine acts as an antagonist of serotonin receptors. This means that it partially binds to serotonin receptors, preventing the development of anxiety.
Thus, one study found that L-lysine helps reduce stress-induced anxiety reactions (including diarrhea).
This is especially important in countries where wheat is the staple food. In such countries, people suffer from L-lysine deficiency much more often.
Scientists believe that dietary modifications in countries with high wheat consumption can help reduce stress-related anxiety and, as a result, diarrhea.
L-lysine may be effective in treating schizophrenia, which is one of the most serious effects of anxiety. Preliminary research results suggest that supplementing with L-lysine along with traditional therapy may reduce symptoms of schizophrenia. However, it is worth noting that the recommended dosage and duration of treatment have not yet been established.
Promotes calcium absorption
Consuming L-lysine is associated with increased calcium absorption, bone protection, and a reduced risk of osteoporosis. To date, there have not been any significant studies examining the relationship between L-lysine and osteoporosis. However, it is logical to assume that by increasing the amount of calcium, L-lysine may be beneficial for bone health.
In fact, calcium is needed not only by bones. Adequate calcium intake is associated with:
- Normal weight
- Cancer prevention
- Relieving PMS symptoms
- Dental health
- Strong muscles
- Healthy nervous system
- Prevention of diabetes
Athletes often take L-lysine as an endurance supplement. This may also be due to the fact that L-lysine promotes calcium absorption.
Beneficial properties of clove oil
Combats complications caused by diabetes
All patients with diabetes face an increased risk of infection and other problems. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the presence of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
These AGEs are involved in the aging process, but are present in particularly high quantities in diabetic patients. They are associated with a variety of ailments caused by diabetes, which has led scientists to search for ways to prevent the accumulation of AGEs in the body.
Research suggests that L-lysine may help slow the formation of AGEs in diabetics by blocking specific glycation pathways that produce them. This will help protect the body from infection. Thus, it is simply necessary to include L-lysine in the form of foods or dietary supplements in a diabetic diet.
Supports Gut Health
Leaky gut syndrome is a very common condition that many people don't even know about. In this disease, the lining of the digestive tract allows larger particles to leave the digestive system and travel to other parts of the body. It causes allergic reactions, loss of energy, joint pain, autoimmune diseases and thyroid problems.
Recently, a form of L-lysine called poly-L-lysine was found to have anti-inflammatory effects on the intestinal surface. Of course, further research is needed to understand exactly how this amino acid can improve intestinal health and prevent the development of leaky gut syndrome.
It is also known that L-lysine suppresses the development of pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas.
Use of the drug L-lysine escinate
The daily dose of the drug for adults is 5–10 ml. This amount of the drug is diluted in 15–50 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution and administered strictly IV (intra-arterial administration is not allowed). In conditions that threaten the life of the patient (acute period of traumatic brain injury, intra- and postoperative edema of the brain and spinal cord with symptoms of edema-swelling, large edema due to widespread injuries of soft tissues and the musculoskeletal system), the daily dose is increased to 10 ml 2 times a day. The maximum daily dose for adults is 25 ml. The duration of use of the drug is usually 2-8 days, depending on the effectiveness of therapy. In children, a single dose is administered at the following rate: 1–5 years - 0.22 mg of L-Lysine aescinate per kg of body weight; 5–10 years – 0.18 m/kg body weight; 10 years and older - 0.15 mg/kg body weight. The drug is administered 2 times a day. The duration of the course is 2–8 days, depending on the patient’s condition and the effectiveness of therapy.
What is Lysine
L-Lysine is an amino acid that is part of protein. It is considered irreplaceable because it is not capable of being synthesized on its own. Can only be obtained through food or dietary supplements. The amino acid exists in two forms: L and D. L-Lysine, which has biological value for the body, is suitable for use. The substance is involved in many vital biochemical processes, so it is important to ensure that it enters the body in sufficient quantities. L-Lysine is needed to create and restore muscle tissue, increase strength and repair bones, transport fats into cells and other processes. Along with other protein amino acids, L-Lysine is needed for the functioning of almost all cells.
Drug interactions L-lysine escinate
Treatment with the drug, if necessary, can be combined with the use of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and analgesic agents. The drug should not be used simultaneously with aminoglycosides, as this may lead to increased nephrotoxicity of the latter. If simultaneous use with anticoagulants is necessary, the dose of the latter should be reduced and the prothrombin time should be monitored. The binding of escin to plasma proteins is reduced with simultaneous use of cephalosporin antibiotics, which may increase the concentration of free escin in the blood with the risk of side effects.
Best L-Lysine Supplements
Almost all popular brands make amino acid supplements. Among the most effective and high-quality ones are:
- L-Lysine from Solgar is a quality source of free form Lysine. It has increased bioavailability. The manufacturer produces the supplement in dosages of 500 and 1000 mg per tablet (it is recommended to choose 1000 mg). The only drawback is the higher price compared to competitors;
- NOW L-Lysine – also available in 500 and 1000 mg tablets. The best option in terms of price and quality ratio. As with Solgar, the 1000 mg package is more economical;
- L-Lysine from Life Extensions is a good option for preventing deficiency and for use for cosmetic purposes. Contains 620 mg per serving and is a great value;
- L-Lysine from Maxler is one of the most popular options for sports. It has a low price and contains 1000 mg of amino acid with high bioavailability.
Side effects
Allergic responses:
- fever;
- hyperemia and itching of lips, facial skin;
- skin rashes (erythema, petechiae, papules);
- anaphylactic shock;
- hives;
- Quincke's edema.
Nervous system:
- short-term loss of consciousness;
- dizziness;
- ataxia;
- tremor of the limbs;
- migraine headache.
Digestive tract:
- increased ALT, AST, bilirubin ;
- diarrhea syndrome;
- vomit;
- nausea.
The cardiovascular system:
- instability of blood pressure ;
- chest pain;
- cardiopalmus.
Respiratory tract:
- bronchial obstruction;
- dyspnea;
- feeling of lack of air;
- dry non-productive cough.
Other reactions:
- chills;
- severe weakness;
- phlebitis at the injection site;
- burning during the procedure;
- feeling of heat;
- hand pain.
If other negative reactions are registered, it is recommended to discontinue the drug.
