Lysine is an essential amino acid with a critical role in the synthesis of connective tissues such as bone, skin and collagen. It also possesses potent anti-viral actions and acts as a key player in cellular energy production.
Lysine is most known clinically for its ability to suppress the activity of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It appears to do so by inhibiting the absorption and actions of arginine, the amino acid necessary for HSV to replicate. Multiple research trials have found that lysine supplementation can reduce the frequency, severity and duration of HSV lesions, especially when combined with a low-arginine diet. Anecdotally, lysine can also be used for the acute treatment of HSV lesions.
Lysine’s ability to generate cellular energy is based on two biochemical actions. First, it serves as the precursor for the amino acid carnitine, which is well-known as the “shuttle” system for long-chain fatty acids to enter the mitochondria of the cell. Once inside mitochondria, fatty acids can be used for ATP production. At the same time, lysine is actually needed to make acetyl-CoA, which is responsible for delivering acetyl groups into the Kreb’s cycle for energy production.
Supplementation with lysine may also have a number of other physiological and clinical benefits. For example, lysine supplementation can improve calcium retention through increased digestive absorption and reduced urinary excretion, suggesting a role in osteoporosis. It has also been shown to significantly reduce the recurrence of canker sores, despite not changing the duration or severity. Finally, Dr. Linus Pauling famously reported success in ameliorating symptoms of angina pectoris with the addition of lysine to high dose vitamin C in a number of case reports.
Cyto-Lysine is a part of the Cyto-Matrix powder series, providing 1.5 grams of stable L-lysine per scoop. Individual amino acids in a powder delivery allow for personalization, dose-specificity and quick-acting results with your patients.
