Introduction
Lysine is an essential amino acid as the human body cannot produce it, so it needs to be obtained from food. The primary sources of L- lysine are fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products. For vegetarians, the good sources of this amino acid are wheat germ and legumes. L- lysine is the L isomer of lysine. It is defined as the building block of the body which helps in average growth and muscle development. It also acts as a food preservative and is essential in immunotherapy. An optimal level of lysine in plasma is 120 to 318 µmol/l. An adequate amount of lysine shows effective results in the human body.
What Are the Sources of L-Lysine?
The primary sources of L- lysine are animal products such as meat and dairy food items. Legumes and wheat germ are the best sources of these amino acids for vegetarians. Tempeh, soymilk, soybeans, tofu, quinoa, rolled oats, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds are also vegetarian alternate rich sources of lysine.
What Are the Health Benefits of L-Lysine?
For the healthy functioning of the body, lysine is necessary. It is an essential component of proteins that helps grow and repair body tissues. Following are the critical benefits of L- lysine:
1. Calcium Absorption - Lysine improves the absorption and retention of calcium in adequate amounts. In the gut, absorption of calcium takes place, whereas the kidneys are responsible for the retention of this mineral. In a study performed on 30 women, out of which 15 were healthy and 15 had osteoporosis, it was seen that calcium was being lost in the urine when the women were supplemented with calcium and lysine as well. When the women were given 3 gm of calcium only, the loss of calcium in the urine was reported. In contrast, in combination with 400 mg of lysine, the calcium was not lost in the urine as the kidneys helped in retaining some. This process helps prevent the risk of calcium buildup in the body. Lysine also helps protect the bones and transport calcium to the target organs. This amino acid, lysine, absorbs other minerals like zinc and iron.
2. Wound Healing - Lysine helps in wound healing by becoming more active at the site of injury and increases the process of repairing. It is vital for the formation of collagen, that is, a protein necessary for framing the structure of skin and bones. It is a binding agent that increases the number of new cells in the wound and helps develop new blood vessels. In a study, it is seen that the combination of lysine and the other amino acid arginine helps increase the healing of fractures.
3. Reduces Anxiety - Lysine helps in reducing anxiety. It has been found that lysine blocks stress-inducing receptors. One week's study was conducted on 50 people with no health issues, augmented with 2.64 grams of lysine and arginine. It was seen that stress-induced anxiety decreased due to a reduction in the levels of a stress hormone called cortisol.
Lysine helps reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia, a mental disorder in which the person loses the inability to understand reality.
4. Helps in Cold Sores - Cold sores or fever blisters are usually seen on the lips and corners of the mouth. These are caused by Herpes simplex virus 1 ( HSV-1). This virus usually lies in the spine and, in times of low immunity, gets activated and triggers the maturation of cold sores. Lysine supplements prevent the replication of Herpes simplex virus-1 by blocking the functioning of another amino acid called arginine. Arginine is responsible for the multiplication of the virus. In a study performed on 100 persons more prone to cold sores, it was seen that only 26 persons showed the occurrence of cold sores on their lips and the corners of the mouth when supplemented with daily administration of 1000 mg lysine. In another study, it has been observed that blood lysine level above 165 nmol/l is responsible for reduced cold sores.
5. Lowers Blood Pressure - Studies have shown that lysine helps lower the blood pressure of people taking an adequate amount of this amino acid in their diet. But experts need more research to conclude whether lysine can help patients with high blood pressure.
6. Enzymatic and Hormonal Production - Lysine is helpful in the production of enzymes such as 5- aminovalerate is produced from L- lysine with the help of L- lysine monooxygenase and 5- amino valeramide amidohydrolase. Some studies have shown that L- lysine can help in the production of hormones also. Fifteen male volunteers were administered two amino acids, including arginine and lysine. They showed the production of growth hormones like somatropin and insulin. But other evidence showing the production of hormones by L- lysine is not clear.
7. Supports the Immune System - L- lysine supplements are recommended to improve the body's immunity. It is associated with providing both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. Studies have shown the production of anti-glucagon antibodies by poly L- lysine in guinea pigs.
8. Managing Diabetes - A small study was conducted on 12 healthy individuals, and blood glucose levels decreased in those individuals after eating. But more research needs to be done to prove the effectiveness of L-lysine in treating diabetes scientifically.
9. Supplemental Benefits- L- lysine also helps the human body in the following ways :
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It enables bodybuilders to maintain muscle bulk or mass.
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Prevents the loss of lean muscle mass.
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Promotes the well-being of the skin.
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Supports hair growth.
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Prevents potential movement loss diseases in older individuals with ageing.
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Prevents the accumulation of plaque in human arteries.
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It prevents bone loss and osteoporosis as it absorbs calcium.
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Helps athletes in recovering after a vigorous workout.
Conclusion
L- lysine is an essential cationic amino acid having a positively charged R group. This molecule plays an anabolic and biological role as well. The biological properties include cellular proliferation in vitro and providing cell-mediated and humoral immunity in vivo in inducing angiogenic responses and wound healing in both acute and chronic wounds in humans and animals. Lysine rich foods can be advocated by the nutritionist or the dietician in accordance with the patients dietary needs and systemic health condition.
