Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means you need to get the lysine your body needs thanks to your diet.
Many people take lysine supplements to treat cold pimples, and evidence suggest that this can help reduce symptoms and prevent epidemics.
Because it is generally safe, there is no maximum dose for lysine intake.
Lysine for painful cold epidemics
Lysine is known to inhibit the activity of arginine, an amino acid which promotes the growth of the virus of Herpes Simplex (HSV), the virus which causes cold pimples.
A narrative review published in 2023 in Virus found that taking more than 3 grams of lysine per day has helped prevent HSV epidemics and reduces epidemic symptoms in study participants.
Lysine is generally recognized as safe, although very high doses can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, according to a systematic review published in the Journal of Nutrition.
If you want to take lysine to prevent cold painful epidemics, researchers recommend taking more than 6 g per day to avoid unwanted side effects.
Is a lysine overdose possible?
Because the side effects of too much lysine are not serious, there is no maximum dose.
However, the Journal of Nutrition Review also revealed that taking more than 6 g per day can cause digestive symptoms such as nausea, stomach aches and diarrhea.
Foods rich in lysine
If you consume adequate proteins in your diet, you will probably have enough of the amino acids you need, including lysine.
According to 2020-2025 food directives for Americans, adults should obtain between 10 and 35% of their daily calories from protein.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, these foods are particularly rich in essential amino acids:
- Beef
- Fish
- Eggs
- Poultry
- Soy
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
Because the richest sources of lysine are animal -based foods, remember to speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian if you are a vegetarian or vegan. They can assure you that you get adequate lysine in your diet.
Safety precautions
Additional research is necessary to fully understand the effects of lysine supplements. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States does not regulate food supplements, so that the quality of supplement products may vary considerably.
Always talk to your doctor or a recorded dietician before taking a new food supplement. They can recommend other treatments if you have other health problems.
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