Where to get l-lysine

You may not have heard of it, but L-lysine is an essential amino acid that you need to stay healthy. Along with other amino acids, l-lysine is used by your body as a ‘building block’ of protein which means that together with other amino acids it forms the molecules of protein.

L-lysine is known as an ‘essential’ amino acid, meaning that it is among those amino acids that your body does not make it itself so it is very important you consume it in your diet.

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Helping with many important processes in your body, your immune system needs l-lysine to produce antibodies to fight infections, and it has potent antiviral properties.¹ It also helps your body absorb calcium, convert lipids to energy, produce collagen and connective tissue and build muscle.² Research has also shown that l-lysine can be used to help with anxiety symptoms.³

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L-lysine might be able to protect against certain viruses such as those that cause ear infections⁴. This is because it helps fight the amino acid arginine which is known to feed viruses. L-lysine blocks arginine activity which means what with sufficient l-lysine in your body.

Foods that are rich in l-lysine include soybeans, pumpkin seeds, parmesan cheese, meats such as chicken and beef, and eggs.

Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP before trying any remedies.

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Sources

1. [Online] http://aminoacidstudies.org/l-lysine/.
2. [Online] https://www.livestrong.com/article/382745-lysine-function/.
3. [Online] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17510493.
4. [Online] https://www.entuk.org/middle-ear-infections.