Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid, an organic compound molecule used to make proteins and synthesize hormones. Think of amino acids as chemical building blocks. Essential amino acids cannot be created in the body and have to be obtained through diet and supplements.
Lysine vs. L-Lysine
Lysine and l-lysine are used interchangeably and refer to the same amino acid.
Technically speaking, l-lysine is the specific form of lysine your body can absorb and use. L-lysine is naturally occurring, biologically active. IV infusion is an ideal way to deliver lysine and other nutrients because they go straight into the bloodstream for immediate delivery to all your cells (compared to absorption through the digestive tract, which is not as efficient).
Lysine benefits for stress and anxiety.
The connection between lysine and anxiety has been studied at length, mainly focusing on the relationship between lysine deficiency and increased anxiety. Lysine helps reduce anxiety by blocking specific receptors involved in hormonal stress response. In one double-blind randomized study of 108 healthy adults, the research concluded that taking lysine and arginine supplements for just one week significantly reduced anxiety levels.
What is lysine good for?
Lysine is needed for a range of bodily functions and overall health.
- Aids absorption of important minerals like calcium, zinc, and iron
- Promotes collagen production
- Is used to synthesize antibodies, enzymes, and hormones
- Supports immune system function
- Treat cold sores (herpes simplex virus)
- Treat shingles
- Treat osteoporosis
- Treat high blood pressure
In addition, lysine has important benefits for skin, hair, muscle growth and stress relief.
Lysine and viral infections.
To understand how lysine helps fight viral infections, we need to talk about arginine, another amino acid. Viruses (like herpes and the common cold virus) need arginine to replicate. Lysine has an antagonistic relationship with arginine and reduces its ability to fuel viral reproduction.Studies have shown that in tandem with a low-arginine diet, lysine supplementation can help prevent and treat viral infections by blocking the arginine viruses used to thrive and by so reducing the viral load drastically.
