Protein - Lysine

Question 1

Lysine:

Answer 1

• Lysine is an essential amino acid.
• It is the sister amino acid to arginine (they compete for absorption).

Question 2

Dietary Sources

Answer 2

• Lysine dietary sources: quinoa, legumes, tempeh, chicken, eggs, dairy, fish, red meats.
• Arginine dietary sources: nuts, seeds, seaweed, meat.

Question 3

Key therapeutic use:

Answer 3

• Herpes Simplex Virus (cold sores) – supplemental L-lysine helps to prevent and fight outbreaks. It is more effective when combined with vitamin C.
• The virus uses arginine to replicate, so increases in lysine can limit viral replication.

Question 4

Functions:
Structure

Answer 4

Functions:
* Lysine forms part of collagen, and subsequently plays a key role in bodily structures, as well as tissue repair.
* Helps to build muscular tissue.
Therapeutic Uses:
* Recovery from muscle injury
* Childhood support
* Osteoporosis

Question 5

Functions:
Absorption

Answer 5

Functions:
* Lysine aids intestinal absorption of calcium, iron and zinc.
Therapeutic Uses:
* Osteoporosis
* Hair loss
* Anaemia

Question 6

Functions:
Glucose-lowering effect

Answer 6

Functions:
* Lysine has been shown to have a glucose-lowering effect.
Therapeutic Uses:
* Hyperglycaemia / diabetes mellitus

Question 7

Supplementation: Dosage

Answer 7

300-3000 mg/day.