L-lysine Weight Loss
Introduction
Lysine functions in our bodies as a precursor to carnitine, which helps us lose weight by converting fatty acids into energy. With more energy, it supports workout performance, increases endurance, and aids in the development of lean muscle mass.
Lysine and lysine supplements have several health advantages, such as lowering blood pressure, decreasing the symptoms of lysine shortage, and alleviating cold sores.
One of the necessary amino acids—those that the body cannot produce on its own and that people must get from their diet—is lysine.
This page discusses lysine, examines its advantages and disadvantages, and explains how to use lysine supplements.
Animal products are the primary source of the amino acid lysine. It might aid in lowering anxiety, preventing cold sores, enhancing calcium absorption, and accelerating wound healing, but additional research is required.
Lysine is an important amino acid and a building block of protein. You must get it from food because your body is unable to produce it. Lysine is necessary for:
Growth, muscle turnover, and the formation of carnitine, a material present in the majority of your body’s cells that carries fats between them so they may be used for energy. The type of lysine that your body can use is L-lysine. It is the kind found in supplements and is naturally present in food.
What is lysine?
Many body processes require the amino acid lysine, often known as L-lysine. Since amino acids mix with other substances to generate this macronutrient, they are referred to as the building blocks of protein.
Since the body is unable to produce lysine, unlike certain other amino acids, it is considered an essential amino acid by the medical profession. People must therefore incorporate it into their diet.
These are just four of lysine’s remarkable health advantages.
By inhibiting arginine, it may prevent and treat cold sores.
Fever blisters, also known as cold sores, are signs of an infection and typically show up as fluid-filled blisters on the corners of your mouth or your lip. They can be uncomfortable and cause burning, tingling, and pain.
The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can conceal nerve cells close to the base of your brain, which is how cold sores are caused. During stressful situations or when your immune system is compromised, HSV-1 can cause a cold sore to form.
According to a 2020 review of studies, lysine supplements may help shorten the length of a cold sore and stop HSV-1 from multiplying. Lysine may prevent viruses from multiplying by blocking arginine, another amino acid.
According to one review, cold sores could not be avoided by supplementing with less than 1 gram (g) of lysine daily in individuals who were getting enough arginine from their diet. Nonetheless, the authors propose that daily dosages exceeding 3 g may alleviate cold sore symptoms.
Nevertheless, not every research indicates that lysine might effectively lessen the frequency or severity of cold sores. According to a 2015 evaluation, there is not enough data to support its use in the treatment of cold sores.
By inhibiting stress response receptors, it may lessen anxiety.
Although additional research is required to confirm this, lysine may help lower anxiety.
According to a 2003 study, it inhibited stress response-related receptors. Researchers found that rats administered lysine experienced fewer loose bowel motions as a result of stress.
According to the same researcher’s 2004 study, male volunteers with extremely high-stress levels showed lower anxiety scores when 4.2 g of lysine were added to every kilogram (kg), or 2.2 pounds (lbs.), of wheat flour in Syrian communities. After three months, the female participants’ cortisol levels were also lowered by eating the lysine-enriched flour.
After a week, supplementing with 2.64 g of lysine and arginine decreased stress-induced anxiety and levels of the stress hormone cortisol, according to the same researcher’s 2007 study of 50 participants.
According to a 2022 animal study, lysine may reduce anxiety.
People with schizophrenia, a mental illness that alters a person’s perception of the outside world and causes behavioral and cognitive problems, may also benefit from lysine.
When used in conjunction with prescription medicine, lysine may help alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia, although research is still in its early stages and is primarily based on earlier studies.
Could enhance calcium retention and absorption
By improving intestinal absorption of calcium and assisting the kidneys in retaining the mineral, lysine may help your body retain calcium.
According to a 2018 study, oral calcium lysine has a relative bioavailability of 223.15% in individuals with osteopenia, suggesting that it could be useful as a dietary supplement.
Calcium is essential for good bones, especially as you age. According to a 2022 review of studies, lysine, and other necessary amino acids may benefit bone health in older persons.
However, before lysine supplementation is suggested to promote bone or heart health, additional recent, high-quality research is required.
By assisting in the production of collagen, it can aid in wound healing.
Lysine can help your body heal wounds more quickly. It aids in the formation of collagen, a protein that supports and structures bones and skin by functioning as a scaffold.
Additionally, lysine may function as a binding agent, promoting the growth of new cells in a wound.
In a short study conducted in 2023, researchers found that applying a 15% lysine cream twice a day helped diabetic foot ulcers heal and close faster than either a placebo or the usual treatment. The researchers pointed out that utilizing it in addition to conventional treatment might be advantageous.
The process of wound healing is intricate and involves several vitamins, minerals, and other elements. Without enough lysine, wound healing is hampered, suggesting that lysine plays a crucial function.
More human research is required because the effects of oral lysine supplementation on wound healing in animals have only been examined in these investigations.
Because it preserves muscle mass and speeds up metabolism, the necessary amino acid L-lysine may aid in weight loss.
Benefits of lysine for health
Lysine is necessary for the human body to function properly. It is an essential part of proteins that aid in the growth and repair of damaged body tissue. Additional advantages of lysine include:
- Aiding in the body’s absorption of zinc, iron, and calcium
- Encouraging the formation of collagen and aiding in the production of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies that support the immune system
The following symptoms can appear in people who don’t get enough lysine:
- Weariness and lack of focus
- Anger
- hair loss, red eyes, and nausea
- Growth inhibition caused by anorexia
- Anemia
- issues about the reproductive system
- We go over the potential health advantages of lysine supplements below.
Because of the roles that lysine plays in the body, scientists are curious about how lysine supplements can help with:
Preventing elderly persons’ mobility problems and loss of lean muscular mass
Taking the edge off of anxiety
- curing shingles and assisting the body in absorbing calcium to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis while encouraging healthy skin growth
- regulating blood pressure
- avoiding the accumulation of plaque in arteries
- encouraging the growth of hair
- helping bodybuilders gain muscle and aiding sportsmen in recuperating from strenuous exercise
Adverse consequences
Supplementing with lysine is extremely safe and doesn’t appear to have many negative effects. The majority of persons have no negative side effects when taking up to 3 grams (g) of lysine per day.
When lysine dosage is increased to 10–15 g daily, it may cause digestive problems like:
- nausea and diarrhea
- cramping in the stomach
- Supplementing with lysine has been linked to kidney issues, and research on animals indicates that it may raise the risk of gallstones and elevated cholesterol.
- Purchase L-lysine from India
L-lysine offers a variety of health advantages. An important amino acid, L-lysine is necessary for several bodily processes, including the synthesis of collagen, muscle repair, fat metabolism, and energy production. A lack of lysine in the body can cause anemia, lethargy, nausea, dizziness, and appetite loss. The L-lysine supplement from Zenith Nutrition is easy to take and contains no gluten, yeast, corn, soy, dairy, or other excipients.
- L-lysine improves immunity:
There is encouraging evidence that L-lysine contributes to the immune system’s upregulation, namely for the IgG antibody class. Supplementing with lysine may assist achieve optimal health by strengthening the immune system. Because of its antiviral qualities, lysine fights against viruses that cause herpes and the common cold by stopping them from entering cells and changing how they operate.
- L-lysine aids in the production of collagen:
A protein called collagen aids in giving skin and bones strength and structure. L-lysine is necessary for the synthesis of collagen and, by acting as a binding agent, it can promote wound healing and hasten the healing process. More cells are brought to the wound site by lysine, which also encourages the growth of new blood vessels and speeds up the healing of bone fractures and muscle injuries.
- L-lysine may assist in reducing anxiety:
Studies indicate that lysine may help those who experience stress and anxiety. Lysine impairs the brain’s capacity to react to stressful stimuli by inhibiting stress receptors. Lysine attaches itself to serotonin receptors in the brain, preventing anxiety brought on by stress and promoting relaxation.
- L-lysine enhances the absorption of calcium:
The body’s ability to absorb calcium is its primary function. Although calcium is typically linked to bone health, it also has several other vital roles in the body, including lowering PMS symptoms, enhancing dental health, promoting muscle and nerve health, lowering anxiety, and assisting with weight management. L-lysine improves the body’s ability to absorb calcium, which promotes strong and healthy bones, particularly in those who are susceptible to osteoporosis.
- Fat loss is enhanced by L-lysine:
Lysine serves as a precursor to carnitine in our bodies, which helps us lose weight by converting fatty acids into energy. With more energy, it supports workout performance, increases endurance, and aids in the development of lean muscle mass. Carnitine helps to maintain a healthy heart by lowering blood cholesterol levels through its capacity to burn fat.
Additional possible advantages
Lysine is a building block of protein in your body, much like all other amino acids. These proteins aid in the synthesis of immune cells, hormones, and enzymes. Beyond the previously mentioned advantages, lysine may offer several other advantages.
Additional health benefits of lysine include the following:
- Cancer: According to a 2017 animal study, lysine and the antioxidant catechin inhibited the growth of cancer cells in mice.
- Eye health: Lysine may assist with dry eye, according to a 2022 study.
- Diabetes: According to a 2017 study, lysine may help diabetics with their blood sugar response.
- Blood pressure: Lysine supplements dramatically lowered blood pressure in a trial involving 50 persons with high blood pressure and lysine insufficiency.
- Maintaining your health requires getting enough lysine, and some persons and circumstances may benefit from taking lysine supplements.
The best foods and supplements

Foods that are naturally abundant in protein, such as meat and dairy products, include lysine, while plant foods contain it in smaller amounts.
Foods that contain lysine include the following:
- Meat: lamb, beef, and fowl
- Oysters, prawns, and mussels are seafood.
- Fish: tuna, cod, and salmon
- Dairy goods include cheese, yogurt, and milk.
- Legumes: chickpeas, kidney beans, and soy
- Cashews, pumpkin seeds, and pistachios are among the nuts and seeds.
Using a lysine-containing gel or taking 1 g of lysine daily may be worth a try if you’re prone to cold sores, but it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider first.
Dosage and use instructions
Although lysine is often taken orally, it can also be used topically, for example, for cold sores.
According to experts, lysine works best when taken on an empty stomach with water.
According to research, a person weighing 70 kg needs between 800 and 3,000 mg of lysine daily. How much someone needs depends on their body weight in the following ways:
- 12 mg/kg of adult body weight
- For children aged 11 to 12, 44 mg/kg
- For infants aged 3 to 6 months, 97 mg/kg
Most people in the US and other wealthy nations get adequate lysine without having to change their diet. Nonetheless, those who avoid eating meat, dairy, and eggs should make sure they are consuming adequate amounts of lysine from plant sources.
Higher-than-normal daily consumption of lysine may be beneficial for people healing from burns or other serious injuries as well as those who engage in frequent, high-intensity exercise.
For therapeutic applications, experts are still researching the best dosages. Benefits have been demonstrated in several studies for daily dosages ranging from 100 mg to 4 g.
Taking this amino acid before sleep or exercise may result in better benefits for those who utilize it to enhance their fitness sessions.
Ten health advantages of lysine
These are lysine’s ten health advantages.
- To essential for healthy growth: Lysine generates the nutrient carnitine, which is in charge of turning fatty acids into energy. To create energy, carnitine delivers long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria. It also moves the poisons that are produced out of the cells.
- Promotes wound healing: Lysine is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that gives the skin and bones their structure, and it also accelerates wound healing.
- Prevents herpes simplex virus (HSV): Lysine may help stop cold sores and genital herpes from breaking out. It inhibits HSV replication and possesses antiviral properties.
- Prevents osteoporosis: Lysine reduces the quantity of calcium lost in urine by assisting the body in absorbing calcium. Calcium absorption may help stop osteoporosis-related bone loss.
- Enhances sports performance: Lysine, when taken as a protein supplement, may aid in the recovery of stressed-out muscles in athletes.
- Boosts muscle mass: According to a study, lysine may aid elderly women who are losing muscle and improve their strength.
- Stress relief: Studies indicate that eating wheat supplemented with lysine lowers anxiety and stress. When used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals, lysine may help lower cortisol levels in women and assist manage the symptoms of schizophrenia.
- Pain management: By inhibiting a substance known as cyclooxygenase, lysine acts as an anti-inflammatory.
- Management of diabetes: Research has indicated that lysine may help lower blood sugar, however, there isn’t enough data to support this theory.
- Lowers blood pressure: Lysine supplements were found to lower blood pressure in research involving 50 persons with high blood pressure and lysine insufficiency.
What occurs if lysine intake is inadequate?
The majority of people obtain enough lysine from their diet. On the other hand, athletes and those following special diets could need extra lysine. Insufficient lysine in your body might cause the following symptoms:
- Feeling queasy
- Appetite loss
- The agitation
- Slow expansion
- Anemia
- Disorders of reproduction
- Bloodshot eyes
- Lightheadedness
- Weariness
Which sources of lysine are the best?
Foods high in protein are typically good suppliers of lysine, and these include:
- Some fish, like sardines and cod
- Eggs
- Defatted soybean flour, isolated soy protein, and soybeans, especially tofu
- Spirulina
- Seed of fenugreek
- Meat, particularly fowl, pork, and red meat
- Cheese, especially Parmesan
- Yeast for brewing
- Legumes, such as beans
- Dairy goods
Conclusion
Lysine is a necessary amino acid that has numerous advantages, such as lowering anxiety, accelerating wound healing, and preventing cold sores.
It may have many more advantages as a protein-building ingredient. Your body might not be able to make enough or the right hormones and immune cells if you don’t get enough lysine.
High concentrations of lysine can be found in meat, fish, and dairy products. You can also improve your consumption by eating specific kinds of nuts, seeds, and legumes.
FAQs
How does taking supplements of L-lysine help with anxiety and stress?
Supplementing with L lysine will aid in managing anxiety and stress. After taking lysine supplements, cortisol levels, which are believed to be stress hormones, decrease. Lysine impairs the brain’s capacity to react to stressful stimuli by inhibiting stress receptors. Lysine attaches itself to serotonin receptors in the brain, preventing anxiety brought on by stress and promoting relaxation.
How does taking supplements of L lysine aid in blood sugar regulation?
Patients with diabetes have high levels of AGEs, a type of aging process. By decreasing the pathways of glycation that result in these products and lowering infection, L lysine supplementation helps prevent the production of AGEs in diabetic individuals.
In what ways does L-lysine enhance calcium retention and absorption?
As we age, a calcium deficit causes our bone density to decrease. Lysine facilitates the easy movement of calcium throughout the body. Together, lysine and calcium aid in intestinal absorption of calcium and reduce calcium loss through urination.
Did you know that taking supplements of L-lysine aids in wound healing?
When combined with vitamin C, lysine aids in the healing of surgical wounds and the recovery from poor wound healing brought on by diabetes. Lysine maintains skin and bones and is necessary for the synthesis of collagen. Wound healing requires several vitamins and takes time. Vitamin C and L lysine work together to promote collagen synthesis and wound healing.
In what ways does L-lysine contribute to increased muscle mass?
We begin to lose muscle mass beyond the ages of thirty to thirty-five. By promoting protein synthesis, lysine aids in the growth of muscle fibers. Additionally, lysine aids in the activation of satellite cells, which are the building blocks of muscle cells. Gaining muscle mass can be facilitated by combining L lysine with appropriate resistance training.
In what ways does lysine aid in weight loss?
Lysine serves as a precursor to carnitine in our bodies, which helps us lose weight by converting fatty acids into energy. With more energy, it supports workout performance, increases endurance, and aids in the development of lean muscle mass. Carnitine helps to maintain a healthy heart by lowering blood cholesterol levels through its capacity to burn fat.
What are the benefits of L-lysine for women?
It might aid in lowering anxiety, preventing cold sores, enhancing calcium absorption, and accelerating wound healing, but additional research is required. Lysine is an important amino acid and a building block of protein. You must get it from food because your body is unable to produce it.
What drawbacks does L-lysine have?
Calcium absorption can be accelerated by lysine. When taking heavy doses of calcium and using lysine supplements, exercise caution. Although eating lysine is thought to be safe, taking too much of it can result in gallstones. Renal impairment, such as Fanconi syndrome and renal failure, has also been reported.
Is fat burned by lysine?
L-lysine may also enhance the body’s capacity to metabolize fat, according to research. A faster metabolism and better fat-burning processes may result from this amino acid’s assistance in regulating hormones and enzymes that govern fat metabolism, according to studies.
Reference
- Nutrition, Z. (2019, May 17). L-Lysine 500 mg – 100 Capsules buy l lysine in India. Zenith Nutrition. https://zenithnutrition.com/products/buy-l-lysine-500-mg-100-capsules?variant=20416624525410
- PGDip, S. O. M. (2024, April 2). 4 Impressive health benefits of lysine. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lysine-benefits#The-bottom-line
- What are the health benefits of lysine? (2023, October 11). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324019#how-to-use
- D, D. J. P. (2022a, June 14). What is L-Lysine good for? 10 health benefits & 10 best food sources. MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_l-lysine_good_for/article.htm