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Classified as an essential amino acid, l-lysine is not produced by the body, but is easily supplied by eating the right foods. Some proteins are high in l-lysine while some others are not. The proteins in cereals and grains are often low in l-lysine, but while wheat is low, wheat germ has a good supply. Small quantities of l-lysine are found in vegetables and their juices and fermented foods such as yogurt.

L-lysine supplements are believed to have a counter effect on the herpes simplex virus, and they have been used for many years to treat the condition and decrease its occurrence. Preliminary studies indicate that l-lysine may also produce anti-osteoporotic activity.

A semi-essential amino acid, L-arginine is found in proteins within all living things. L-arginine is needed conditionally for certain life activities. In most cases, the human body can produce enough L-arginine to meet the demand.

This is not always the case in special conditions. Young children especially need l-arginine, but there are some genetic disorders that impair the body's synthesis of the amino acid.

When the body is stressed, the amount of l-arginine produced can drop. This is the time when it is needed most, and supplements are often necessary or a dietary change.

Trauma associated with heavy burns or surgery will increase the need for l-arginine. It is critically important to get the amino acid for the increase in physiological demands during those situations.

L-arginine aids in detoxification of ammonia, which is produced by nitrogen catabolism that takes place in amino acids by way of the formation of urea. It has also been determined that l-arginine is a precursor of the formation of creatine, l-glutamate, polyamines, and nitric oxide to name a few.

High doses of l-arginine stimulate the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Additionally, it does the same with pancreatic and prolactin release of insulin and glucagon. The amino acid is taken intravenously to aid the evaluation of growth and height problems that may be attributed to deficiency of growth hormone.

L-lysine and L-arginine and Anxiety

Tests have shown that people with low l-lysine intake often have chronic anxiety, and supplemental additions of the amino acid have improved conditions in test subjects. The combination of l-lysine and l-arginine has been shown to normalize the hormonal stress responses of some individuals, especially those with a trait for anxiety.

The Japanese study took place with the aid of 180 adult healthy subjects and consisted of one week of oral treatment of 2.64 grams per day of both amino acids. The findings were that state and trait anxiety were significantly reduced in both male and female subjects. In male test subjects, there was a decrease in the base levels of chromogranin-A and salivary cortisol.

The test was a double blind and placebo controlled one, which supported previous tests on animals and humans. These findings clearly indicate that the combination of the two amino acids serves as a deterrent for individuals who have tendencies towards mental stress and anxiety.