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There are twenty different amino acids used by the body to build molecules of protein. Of the twenty, there are eight essential amino acids, meaning they are not produced by the body and must be found elsewhere. Between those that the body produces and the ones that must be obtained from foods or supplements, there must be a balance.

When sickness or infection attacks the body, it is often necessary to take more of one or more amino acids as a counter attack. L-lysine is one of the amino acids that the body doesn't produce and it is concentrated highly in muscle tissue within the body.

What L-lysine Does

The primary benefits of l-lysine regard growth; therefore it is a very important part of a child's diet. In addition, it is essential in tissue and muscle development, which is a need of athletes. Calcium absorption by the body is assisted by l-lysine.

L-lysine is often used for the treatment of the virus, herpes simplex. It aids in repairing the skin where the viral infection causes sores. The herpes simplex virus may appear as cold or canker sores and it often is evidenced by shingles. This is why shingle sufferers often are asked to take l-lysine along with other medications.

A reoccurring condition in medicine is osteoporosis, which causes the deterioration of bones. L-lysine decreases the loss of calcium that is essential for healthy bones. In this way, the amino acid is a deterrent to further development of the disease and may even reverse its effects.

What Happens with a Deficiency of L-lysine?

Obviously, the bones can suffer a great deal without sufficient l-lysine and may develop osteoporosis if it is not already present, but one of the most debilitating problems is the damage that can be done to the immune defenses of the body. When the body is stressed, one of the first results is a deficiency of l-lysine.

Some of the other problems people have when there is a lack of l-lysine are:

* Kidney disease
* Thyroid disorders
* Parkinson's disease
* Asthma
* Depression

Although not necessarily a cure, l-lysine contributes to improvements for these conditions.

Maintaining L-lysine Levels

As doctors will explain, it is better to get l-lysine and the seven other essential amino acids by way of diet, but this is not always possible. During times when demand is high, supplements may be the best way to acquire necessary amounts. They are available in different forms, including tablets and capsules.

Generally, capsule form is the best way to take amino acid supplements, but they are also available in powder form or liquid. L-lysine is typically given in doses of 500, 1000, or 1500 milligrams per day.

For the body to absorb l-lysine and other amino acids and get the best benefit from them, other nutrients must be present. Metabolism of l-lysine requires glutamic acid, iron, vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B6, and riboflavin.