L-Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means it is essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. For this reason, L-Lysine must be obtained from food and other sources. L-Lysine has been found to help reduce severity and frequency of Herpes Simplex type 1 outbreaks (common cold sore virus), increase growth hormone production, improve calcium absorption, regulate hormone levels and aid in immune system support and the production of antibodies. Specifically, L-Lysine is involved in the creation of carnitine, which converts fatty acids into energy and can also lower cholesterol levels. Research supports that L-Lysine improves calcium absorption as well as reducing calcium excretion helping with bone strength.

L-lysine and Cold Sores

Herpes simplex-1 (HSV-1) causes herpes (cold sores), the fluid-filled blisters that can appear on and around your lips. It is very common among the general population. Studies support that L-lysine can help decrease the frequency and duration of HSV cold sore outbreaks, by lowering levels of arginine (an amino acid that promotes HSV-1 replication) in the body, consequently suppressing HSV-1 growth. Some individuals with herpes simplex-2 (HSV-2), which causes genital herpes, have reported experiencing similar positive outcomes when using L-lysine supplements.