L lysine for a cold sore
L-lysine, also called Lysine or L'lysine, is an amino acid that is often mentioned in relation to cold sores; research on this is limited. L-lysine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own. Therefore, the amino acid must always be obtained from food or supplements. Interest in L-lysine mainly relates to research on herpes infections, of which cold sores are the most common form. In several studies, participants took 1000-3000 milligrams of L-lysine daily; the results are mixed and insufficient to establish an effect on cold sores. If you have a cold sore or it keeps coming back, please consult your doctor or pharmacist for appropriate treatment.
Where is L-lysine found?
As mentioned, the body cannot produce this amino acid itself. Therefore, it's important to obtain it from food or through a supplement. The most common sources of lysine are:
- Meat (beef, lamb, mutton, chicken)
- Fish (tuna, mackerel, sole, trout, salmon, cod)
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt)
- Eggs
- Soy
- Legumes
- Supplements
L-lysine supplement for cold sores
Research on the amino acid and cold sores typically used a dosage of 1000-3000 milligrams per day. These amounts are unrealistic to consume through food, because food contains relatively insufficient amounts of the amino acid. A lysine supplement is not a substitute for treatment of cold sores; for treatment, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
