L-Lysine
- Latin Name: L-Lysine
- Common Name: Lysine
- Category: Essential Amino Acid
- Source: Found in protein-rich foods like eggs, poultry, fish, legumes, and supplements.
What is L-Lysine?
L-Lysine is an essential amino acid required for tissue repair, collagen formation, and immune support. Your body cannot produce lysine on its own, so you must obtain it through food or supplements. This amino acid plays key roles in protein synthesis, maintaining skin structure, and supporting enzyme production throughout your body.
L-Lysine Benefits
Collagen and Skin Health
L-lysine supports collagen production, helping maintain smooth, firm, and resilient skin. This amino acid forms essential cross-links that stabilize collagen fibers and enhance their strength. Regular intake promotes natural wound healing and contributes to a youthful appearance by supporting your skin's structural integrity.
Hair Growth and Strength
L-lysine helps support keratin formation and nutrient delivery to hair follicles through its role in protein synthesis. This amino acid contributes to the building blocks your hair needs for strength and structure. Over time, adequate lysine intake may support thicker, stronger hair when combined with proper nutrition and hair care practices.
Immune Function and Resilience
L-lysine plays a role in maintaining healthy immune defense and tissue integrity throughout your body. This amino acid supports the production of antibodies and immune cells that respond to everyday challenges. Adequate lysine intake helps your body maintain resilient immune function as part of overall wellness.
Metabolic and Weight Support
L-lysine aids protein and fat metabolism, supporting balanced body composition and energy utilization. This amino acid may promote satiety and help maintain muscle tissue during calorie restriction. When combined with proper diet and exercise, lysine contributes to healthy weight management efforts through its role in protein metabolism.
Cold Sore and Skin Barrier Support
L-lysine helps maintain normal skin integrity and comfort in individuals prone to occasional outbreaks. This amino acid supports balanced arginine levels in your body, contributing to skin health. Lysine works by competing with arginine, which some research suggests may help support skin barrier function.
Bone and Tissue Maintenance
L-lysine supports calcium absorption and helps maintain bone strength and density. This amino acid enhances intestinal calcium uptake and improves renal conservation of absorbed calcium. Regular lysine intake promotes healthy connective tissue formation and contributes to skeletal wellness throughout life.
Collagen and Skin Health
Hair Growth and Strength
Immune Function and Resilience
Metabolic and Weight Support
Cold Sore and Skin Barrier Support
Bone and Tissue Maintenance
PureHealth Research Products With L-Lysine
ReGrow
Hair Thickness | Strength | Growth
ReGrow Hair Activation Formula is a supplement with 21 research-backed ingredients that promotes hair growth, thickness, and strength. It promotes scalp health, prevents hair loss, and improves hair texture and shine.
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Youth Switch
Anti-Aging | Vitality | Wellness
Youth Switch contains 8 research-backed ingredients that stimulate cell regeneration, enhance stress & immunity resilience, promote healthy aging and overall well-being. It also improves energy levels, mood, digestion, and skin health.
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Immuno
Immunity | Protection | Wellness
Immuno is a powerful immune-boosting supplement with 11 research-backed ingredients that supports immune system function, protects against harmful environmental factors, nourishes your body on the cellular level, and promotes overall health and wellness.
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ReGrow
Hair Thickness | Strength | Growth
ReGrow Hair Activation Formula is a supplement with 21 research-backed ingredients that promotes hair growth, thickness, and strength. It promotes scalp health, prevents hair loss, and improves hair texture and shine.
Subscribe & Save 10%
Youth Switch
Anti-Aging | Vitality | Wellness
Youth Switch contains 8 research-backed ingredients that stimulate cell regeneration, enhance stress & immunity resilience, promote healthy aging and overall well-being. It also improves energy levels, mood, digestion, and skin health.
Subscribe & Save 10%
Immuno
Immunity | Protection | Wellness
Immuno is a powerful immune-boosting supplement with 11 research-backed ingredients that supports immune system function, protects against harmful environmental factors, nourishes your body on the cellular level, and promotes overall health and wellness.
Subscribe & Save 10%
L-Lysine Dosage for Weight Loss
L-Lysine supports metabolic balance and lean muscle maintenance, which can indirectly support weight management goals. Most adults take 500-3,000 mg per day, divided into one or two servings throughout the day. Taking lysine with meals that include protein may enhance amino acid utilization and support metabolic functions.
L-Lysine alone does not cause weight loss but supports healthy metabolism when paired with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially when using it alongside other metabolic or protein supplements.
L-Lysine Dosage for Cold Sores
L-Lysine helps maintain balanced arginine levels and supports healthy skin and lip tissue. Common dosage ranges from 1,000-4,000 mg per day, divided into smaller doses throughout the day for better absorption. Some people temporarily increase their intake during periods of skin or lip discomfort. For ongoing maintenance support, lower daily doses of 500-1,000 mg are typical. Always follow label directions and consult your healthcare professional before use, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.
Demographic/Purpose
Recommended Daily Intake (mg)
Adults (19-50)
1,000-3,000
Women (51+)
1,000-3,000
Men (51+)
1,000-3,000
Older Adults (65+)
1,000-2,000
Cold Sore Prevention
500-1,000
Cold Sore Outbreak Treatment
3,000-4,000
Weight Management Support
1,000-3,000
Athletic Performance
3,000-5,000
Upper Limit
3,000
Interactions with Other Ingredients
L-Lysine works synergistically with several nutrients for enhanced wellness support.
L-Lysine and Vitamin C work together to support collagen synthesis and tissue repair throughout your body. This combination enhances the production of structural proteins essential for skin health. L-Lysine and Zinc promote immune function and skin health through complementary mechanisms that support natural defense systems and tissue integrity. L-Lysine and Arginine maintain amino acid balance necessary for healthy circulation and muscle wellness. The ratio between these amino acids influences various physiological processes. L-Lysine and Biotin support hair, nail, and skin vitality by contributing to protein structures and keratin formation.
Foods High in L-Lysine
L-lysine is abundant in many protein-rich foods, making it relatively easy to obtain through a balanced diet. Animal sources
- Lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef)
- Fish (tuna, salmon, cod)
- Eggs and dairy products (yogurt, cheese, milk)
Plant sources
- Legumes (lentils, beans, peas, soybeans)
- Seeds (pumpkin seeds)
- Quinoa (one of the few complete plant proteins)
Vegetarians and vegans may need to pay closer attention to lysine intake, as plant sources generally contain less lysine than animal products. Supplementation may be beneficial for those following plant-based diets or with higher protein requirements.
L-Lysine Side Effects
L-lysine is generally well-tolerated within normal dosage ranges for most healthy adults. Some people may experience mild digestive discomfort or nausea if taken on an empty stomach, which can be avoided by taking with food. Rarely, very high doses may cause abdominal cramps or diarrhea. Lysine may increase calcium absorption, so monitor total calcium intake when using supplements. Consult a healthcare professional if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, as lysine can interact with certain treatments.
FAQ
References
When to take L-Lysine, morning or night?
You can take L-lysine at any time of day that works best for your routine. Many people prefer taking it in the morning with breakfast or divided between morning and evening doses. For cold sore support, spreading doses throughout the day may provide more consistent levels. Taking lysine with meals can help reduce potential digestive discomfort and may improve absorption when consumed with other protein sources.
How long does L-Lysine take to work?
The timeframe for L-lysine effects varies depending on your purpose for taking it. For immune and skin barrier support, some people notice benefits within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Collagen-related benefits for skin may take 4-8 weeks as your body rebuilds structural proteins. For bone health support, longer-term supplementation of several months allows for measurable changes in calcium metabolism and bone density markers.
Is it safe to take L-Lysine long-term?
Yes, L-lysine is generally safe for long-term use at recommended doses for most healthy adults. This essential amino acid is naturally present in your diet and required for various bodily functions. Long-term supplementation studies have not shown significant adverse effects when taken appropriately. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is advisable for extended use, especially if you have kidney conditions or take medications that affect calcium metabolism.
Does L-Lysine interact with any medications?
L-lysine may interact with certain medications and supplements. It can increase calcium absorption, potentially affecting calcium supplements or treatments for osteoporosis. Lysine may interact with arginine supplements by competing for absorption. Some antibiotics, particularly aminoglycosides, may interact with lysine supplementation. Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take, including L-lysine, to avoid potential interactions with prescribed medications.