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L-lysine fights herpes

# Micronutrients | 15. December 2016

L-lysine is an amino acid, a building block of protein which cannot be produced naturally in the body. This is called an essential amino acid which must be absorbed with food. Therefore, L-lysine, also called lysine, is considered as one of the eight essential amino acids. About 9-10 mg per kilogram of body weight is required daily. L-lysine is needed from the body to produce collagen and elastin to keep the skin healthy and firm. In addition, L-lysine is important for strengthening the bones. Too little L-lysine can weaken the immune system. To get adequate amounts of L-lysine, one must consume high protein foods like red meat, legumes, eggs, and dairy products. Certain fish like sardines and cod, nuts, soybeans products like tofu and soybean flour, spirulina, fenugreek seed, and Brewer’s yeast are also good lysine sources.

Studies have shown that with L-lysine, a herpes infection runs much milder and heals faster. In addition, it prevents possible herpes infections! It is important, however, to take a sufficient daily dose: the described effects were achieved only when 1,000 mg of L-lysine was taken 3 times a day. L-lysine‘s presumed mode of action is that it displaces another amino acid, L-arginine, so to speak, which is in competition and prevents some processes in the body. And this is used in the infection with the herpes virus: L-Arginine is needed from the herpes virus for propagation. If L-Lysin is used, the required L-Arginine is withdrawn from the virus. By the way, you should avoid foods with lots of L-arginine if you have a herpes infection: this includes chocolate and nuts!

For those who need additional sources of L-lysine, dietary supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquids may be taken. L-lysine should be taken throughout the day between meals.

Note: L-lysine is sold as a dietary supplement and is therefore not a medicine. The assessment of the quality of food supplements is not easy because only limited controls are required by law. We will be glad to help you find a suitable quality product. Come and visit us at the pharmacy, we will gladly advise you.

Photo: flickr / Manuel Pawellek

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