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How do I Choose the Best Lysine Tablets?

Angela Crout-Mitchell
Angela Crout-Mitchell

It is important to consider all of the factors related to taking lysine tablets, including what the supplement is, the beneficial uses in the body, and the correct dosage. Lysine is considered an essential amino acid, meaning the body must have it for proper function. It is not produced by the body and must be acquired through food or supplement use. Fortunately, there are very few problems or reactions associated with the use of this supplement, especially when it is taken in the appropriate dosages. Many groups of people can benefit from taking lysine tablets, including athletes, vegetarians, and vegans.

Lysine tablets contain healthy amounts of an essential amino acid the human body uses for a variety of functions. Choosing an appropriate lysine supplement offers the body some of the necessary starting blocks for protein production, calcium absorption assistance, and collagen development. Not only is collagen important to the skin, it is also a crucial factor in bone, cartilage, and connective tissue health. It has also been discovered that lysine helps lower cholesterol and convert fat acids to energy by producing carnitine, an important nutrient. Too little lysine in the system can result in adverse symptoms such as bloodshot eyes, reproductive system problems, and anemia.

The structure of lysine.
The structure of lysine.

It is not unusual for consumers to choose lysine tablets to treat a host of common problems, as well as to improve fitness and bodybuilding routines. One of the most common uses for lysine is as a herpes treatment, as it is believed that regular use of lysine limits both oral and genital herpes outbreaks. Many people also take lysine to prevent and treat common cold sores. It is thought that the protein building power of lysine is beneficial for athletes and bodybuilders. With the correct amounts of lysine working in the body, muscle tissue is able to repair and grow quicker with the aid of this amino acid.

Lysine tablets are sometimes taken to improve bodybuilding routines.
Lysine tablets are sometimes taken to improve bodybuilding routines.

Proper dosing is very important when taking lysine tablets or any other form of this substance. As with any dietary supplement or medication, the person's age and weight must be taken into consideration. Children ages two to 12 are recommended to take 10 mg of lysine daily. Adults and adolescents 13 years and older are advised to take 12 mg of lysine daily. People experiencing herpes or cold sore breakouts are encouraged to increase the dose of lysine as recommended on the product package until symptoms subside.

Discussion Comments

bluedolphin

If anyone is shopping for a l-lysine supplement right now, I urge you to get the capsules. I bough the tablets last week and I can't even swallow them. They're too big.

I would actually buy it as a powder if I could find it. But I can only find capsules and tablets, so I'm getting the capsules.

discographer

@ddljohn-- I'm not a doctor or pharmacist so it might not be right for me to answer this. But I take a 500mg lysine supplement when I have a cold sore and I have not experienced any negative side effects.

Lysine is not a supplement that you want to take all the time, unless you were directed to use it that way by your doctor due to a deficiency or some other reason. I take lysine for cold sores. I take it for about a week until the cold sore disappears. If I take it early enough, I can prevent a blister altogether. I take 500mg, sometimes twice a day depending on how bad the blister is. But I always stop taking it after the cold sore is gone.

So I think the dose and duration depends on what you're using it for. If you're going to use it for cold sores, you can use it in higher doses since it will be for a short time. If you need to take it for longer, then you probably need a lower dose, especially if you eat meat, eggs, dairy, etc. which also contain lysine. Ask your doctor for the best advice.

ddljohn

Adults are advised to take 12mg of lysine daily?! Lysine pills I've seen come in 500mg and 1000mg doses. Aren't these doses too much? Will I experience side effects if I take a 500mg lysine supplement?

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    • The structure of lysine.
      By: Bioreg images
      The structure of lysine.
    • Lysine tablets are sometimes taken to improve bodybuilding routines.
      By: Csák István
      Lysine tablets are sometimes taken to improve bodybuilding routines.
    • Lysine tablets may be taken to treat and prevent cold sores.
      By: uwimages
      Lysine tablets may be taken to treat and prevent cold sores.
    • Too little lysine may cause bloodshot eyes.
      By: JGade
      Too little lysine may cause bloodshot eyes.