Background

• Lysine is a type of amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks used to make proteins. Lysine is considered an "essential" amino acid because it cannot be created by the body. Instead, lysine must be supplied by the diet. Common dietary sources of lysine include meat, fish, dairy, eggs, soy, and legumes.
• Lysine comes in two distinct structural forms: L-lysine and D-lysine. L-lysine is the more common form of lysine. L-lysine is also the only form that is active within the body.
• Good scientific evidence suggests that lysine may be useful for treating lysine deficiency and some metabolic disorders. Early research also suggests that lysine may promote calcium metabolism and bone formation, as well as aid in the treatment and prevention of herpes simplex virus. However, more high-quality research is needed in these areas.

References

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