5 Best Lysine Nutritional Supplements 2024: Top Brand Reviews
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- Written by Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
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Life Extension L-Lysine 620 mg
- One-year money-back guarantee
- Complimentary, personalized guidance from healthcare professionals
- Certificate of Analysis is available for every Life Extension product
- Multiple buying options to save money
NOW L-Lysine 1000 mg
- Dairy-free
- Affordability
- Purchases support local and worldwide charities
- Prioritizes environmental sustainability
Pure Encapsulations L-Lysine
- Multiple buying options for increased savings
- Includes vitamin C in the ingredients
- Vegan-friendly
- Smaller serving allows for a more personalized dose
The human body depends on amino acids to support many of its functions as they are the building blocks for protein. Our body can produce some of these amino acids on its own, but others, called essential amino acids, must be obtained from food.
For example, lysine is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in immune support and the growth of our muscles. Many people rely on supplements, but what is the best lysine supplement to boost your intake of this essential amino acid?
Best L-Lysine Nutritional Supplements On The Market In (May. 2024)
- Life Extension L-Lysine 620 mg – Editor’s Choice
- NOW L-Lysine 1000 mg – Best Lysine supplement for cold sores
- Pure Encapsulations L-Lysine– Best serving size to personalize your dose
- Thorne L-Lysine – Most thoroughly tested
- Vitacost L-Lysine 1000 mg Tablets – Best L-lysine with vitamin B6
What Is Lysine?
Lysine is an essential amino acid and a building block for proteins involved in many important bodily functions. It is essential for proper growth, and it is critical in the production of carnitine which is important for converting fatty acids into energy and lowering cholesterol. It appears that lysine also plays a role in calcium absorption and collagen formation, meaning it is essential to your connective tissues and bone health.
Growing research supports the idea that lysine may offer other benefits and play a role in the treatment plans for many chronic conditions such as diabetes[1], high blood pressure[2], as well as the herpes simplex virus.
Insufficient lysine intake may result in symptoms such as
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Slow growth
- Dizziness
- Reproductive disorders
- Agitation
- Anemia
Because your body cannot produce lysine and you must obtain it from food, it is considered an essential amino acid. Lysine can be found in various foods, the primary sources being animal products such as meat and dairy.
Common foods rich in lysine include
- Red meat
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Beans
- Lentils
- Fish
- Nuts
- Soybean
- Wheat germ
Most people get enough lysine through their diet alone, but lysine supplementation may be beneficial for those who do not. Your body can utilize lysine in the form of L-lysine, which can be naturally found in food and is the commonly used form in dietary supplements.
Who Should Take L-Lysine Supplement?
L-lysine is the form of lysine used in supplements as it is the nutrient’s biologically active form and the form your body can utilize best. Those who are unable to meet their lysine needs through whole food sources alone may consider taking an L-lysine supplement. Athletes and vegans frequently fall short of their daily needs, each for their own reasons.
Athletes have an increased need for this amino acid because of the increased demand their training puts on their bodies. Vegans may find it challenging to consume enough lysine in their diet due to its limited availability in vegan foods.
If your lifestyle presents similar concerns, you might consider taking an L-lysine supplement. Your trusted medical professional can help you navigate your lysine needs and determine which product is the best lysine supplement for you.
5 L-Lysine Nutritional Supplements Of 2024
Life Extension L-Lysine 620 Milligrams
Life Extension L-lysine provides the powers of the nutrient paired with the support of quality customer service. Along with 620 milligrams (mg) of lysine, you also receive personalized guidance from their team of health professionals.
- One-year money-back guarantee
- Complimentary, personalized guidance from healthcare professionals
- Certificate of Analysis is available for every Life Extension product
- Multiple buying options to save money
- Large capsule size
Life Extension saw a need in the market for an L-lysine supplement for those who have trouble meeting their needs through diet alone. Its ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, and made with non-genetically modified organisms. This product contains L-lysine in the form of L-lysine HCL.
Life Extension’s product is unique because it comes with extensive customer service and a full, one-year money-back guarantee.
In addition, you have access to medical doctors and other healthcare professionals that offer personalized guidance for supplemental nutrition that fits your specific needs. Life Extension recommends taking one capsule of their L-lysine supplement one to three times per day, on an empty stomach or as advised by your healthcare provider.
It is important to take individual amino acids on an empty stomach so there is no competition between the absorption of proteins.
NOW L-Lysine 1000 Milligrams
NOW L-lysine 1000 mg tablets provide the essential amino acid with the intent to support collagen synthesis and healthy immune function. Your purchase of this lysine supplement also supports various charities and a company’s mission for environmental sustainability.
- Dairy-free
- Affordability
- Purchases support local and worldwide charities
- Prioritizes environmental sustainability
- Large tablet size
One to two tablets daily of this pharmaceutical-grade essential amino acid can help in the body’s production and maintenance of proteins. NOW’s L-lysine product is dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, and nut-free, and it is considered appropriate for vegans, vegetarians, and those who follow kosher and halal diets.
In addition to providing its customers with exceptional amino acid supplementation for immune support, NOW also shares its success with its local community and worthy causes worldwide. Each purchase supports its mission to help support a variety of charities. Furthermore, NOW is also very focused on eco-friendly sustainability in its manufacturing process.
Pure Encapsulations L-Lysine
This L-lysine supplement from Pure Encapsulations comes in 500 mg servings, allowing consumers to tailor their dosage in small increments to their individual needs. Each serving also provides vitamin C in the form of ascorbyl palmitate.
- Multiple buying options for increased savings
- Includes vitamin C in the ingredients
- Vegan-friendly
- Smaller serving allows for a more personalized dose
- Must take twice daily, unless otherwise directed by your doctor
The L-lysine capsules from Pure Encapsulations provide the nutrient in the form of L-lysine HCL. Each tablet provides 500 mg of the nutrient responsible for many health functions. Lysine is frequently used together with arginine as taking them together[3] enhances bone synthesis and the production of collagen.
The smaller serving size of this lysine complex, compared to other brands of lysine supplements, allows for a more personalized dose. Furthermore, this supplement contains ascorbyl palmitate, an oil-soluble form of vitamin C that is made by combining ascorbic acid and palmitate acid. Ascorbyl palmitate can act as an antioxidant and stimulates collagen production.
Thorne L-Lysine
Thorne Research offers their customers the same level of lysine supplements as they do to their professional athletes and fellow research medical professionals. As a result, you have access to some of the best lysine supplementation on the market, backed by science and continued research.
- Smaller serving allows for a more personalized dose
- Free from most major allergens
- Connection to Mayo Clinic for research
- Products undergo four rounds of testing
- Least servings per container
- High-cost per serving
Thorne Research is the only supplement company collaborating with Mayo Clinic on wellness research and content. Thorne Research also partners with 11 United States Olympic teams and many professional athletes. Furthermore, they prioritize working with suppliers that emphasize quality, environmental responsibility, and science in their practices.
Their lysine complex is gluten-free and vegan-friendly and does not contain most of the major allergens. In addition, Thorne adamantly refuses to use ingredients that can inhibit absorption, so consumers can trust that they are getting the most for their money.
Vitacost L-Lysine 1000mg Tablets
Vitacost L-lysine tablets provide 1000mg of lysine and 25mg of vitamin B6, supporting cellular growth and immune function.
- Contains added vitamin B6
- Small tablet size
- Autoship savings available
- Low cost per serving
- The added 25 mg of vitamin B6 is approximately 50%[4] of the recommended tolerable upper limit
Each serving of Vitacost’s 1000 mg L-lysine tablets includes 1000 mg of the amino acid in the form of L-lysine HCL and 25 mg of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is essential to many-body systems, including your immune system. It is necessary for the proper functioning of your nervous system and the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
While meeting your vitamin B6 needs is important, it should be noted that this lysine supplement contains approximately half of the recommended upper tolerable limit for adults. Therefore, this should be considered carefully, especially if you take other vitamin supplements or eat foods high in B6. Excessive B6 can cause a lack of muscle coordination and painful skin lesions.
Vitacost guarantees your satisfaction and takes pride in its manufacturing processes. They operate under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs). As a result, they manufacture their products to high potency, efficacy, and purity standards. Plus, with 250 servings per bottle, you can support immune health at an exceptional value.
How We Decided The Best Lysine Supplements
When comparing some of the best lysine supplements on the market, it may be difficult to differentiate between high-quality products. We considered many different factors when choosing the best lysine supplements for this article. During our research, we looked for products that contained the proper type of lysine and were offered in the correct dosage.
We also considered current customer reviews regarding each supplement’s safety, quality, and effectiveness. Additionally, we evaluated the ingredients used in the supplements, such as artificial flavors, synthetic additives, and added vitamins.
Benefits of L-Lysine
Research has uncovered many impressive health benefits related to lysine and its supplemental form, L-lysine. Some people take L-lysine supplements for general purposes, while others take them for more acute needs. Lysine enhances protein synthesis by adding amino acids, which serve as the building blocks of protein. Furthermore, its role in collagen production helps support muscle tissue, skin health, and wound healing[5]. Some researchers even question if lysine products could help support hair growth.
Additional benefits of L-lysine supplements may include:
- Preventing and treating cold sores
- Treating facial and circumoral herpes, meaning of and around the mouth
- Increasing calcium absorption[6], useful for osteoporosis
- Supporting immune health
- Reducing stress-induced anxiety [7]
- Reducing cancer cell growth[8]
- Reducing blood pressure
- Helps muscle tissues recover after stress
Additional research regarding many of these claims is needed, but the potential benefits to your overall health appear to affect many bodily systems.
Side Effects of L-Lysine
Taking lysine supplements is generally considered safe as they do not seem to cause many significant side effects in the average, healthy person. However, if taken in excess, lysine may cause:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Increased absorption of calcium which may lead to gallstones
- Renal failure[4]
Before adding lysine capsules or lysine powder to your dietary routine, it is important to discuss any potential side effects or medication interactions with your doctor. Also, you should get your doctor’s approval before starting a lysine supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lysine supplements are not intended for breastfeeding or pregnant women.
Dosage
So, you’ve worked with a medical professional and decided that supplemental lysine would benefit your health, but how much L-lysine should you take?
Unfortunately, there is no standard dose for lysine. Whether you’re taking L-lysine capsules, lysine powder, or lysine tables, it is important to discuss your dosage with your medical provider. Do not consume more than the recommended dose on the product’s label unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The researched tolerable upper level for safety[9] recommended for lysine is six grams per day. The typical dietary guideline for lysine is one gram per day.
Final Thought
While the average person can meet their lysine needs through their diet, adding a lysine supplement to your routine may be beneficial if you follow a vegan diet or have increased requirements secondary to an active lifestyle. Supplemental lysine comes in many forms, including lysine powder and lysine capsules.
Increasing your lysine intake can help prevent cold sores, heal cold sores, improve calcium absorption, and boost your immune system. When choosing the best lysine supplement for your individual needs, you might consider its ingredients. Some options contain synthetic additives and artificial flavors, while others contain just lysine. If your immune system has reacted poorly to any additives in the past, you might consider a herbal-based product.
How much lysine you need is dependent on potential chronic health conditions, activity level, and immune function. Working closely with your medical provider can help you choose the safest and best l-lysine supplement for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The body utilizes L-lysine most efficiently. You can find L-lysine in capsule and powder form.
Yes, lysine products are considered safe for most people. However, it is always recommended that you speak with your doctor before adding a new supplement to your routine. You should not take lysine if you are on gastrointestinal medications or are taking calcium supplements.
Some of the best L-lysine brands include Thorne Research, Pure Encapsulations, NOW, Life Extension, VitaCost, Quantum Health, Superior Labs, and Solgar L-lysine.
Lysine is the basic amino acid while L-lysine is the biologically active form of lysine.
+ 9 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- Kalogeropoulou, D., LaFave, L., Schweim, K., Gannon, M.C. and Nuttall, F.Q. (2009). Lysine ingestion markedly attenuates the glucose response to ingested glucose without a change in insulin response. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, [online] 90(2), pp.314–320. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2008.27381.
- Vuvor, F., Mohammed, H., Ndanu, T. and Harrison, O. (2017). Effect of lysine supplementation on hypertensive men and women in selected peri-urban community in Ghana. BMC Nutrition, [online] 3(1). doi:10.1186/s40795-017-0187-6.
- Mount Sinai Health System. (2014). Lysine Information | Mount Sinai – New York. [online] Available at: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/lysine
- Nih.gov. (2017). Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin B6. [online] Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-Consumer/.
- Spallotta, F., Cencioni, C., Straino, S., Sbardella, G., Castellano, S., Capogrossi, M.C., Martelli, F. and Gaetano, C. (2013). Enhancement of lysine acetylation accelerates wound repair. Communicative & Integrative Biology, [online] 6(5), p.e25466. doi:10.4161/cib.25466.
- Sinha, S. and Goel, S. (2009). Effect of amino acids lysine and arginine on fracture healing in rabbits: A radiological and histomorphological analysis. Indian Journal of Orthopaedics, [online] 43(4), p.328. doi:10.4103/0019-5413.55972.
- SMRIGA, M., ANDO, T., AKUTSU, M., FURUKAWA, Y., MIWA, K. and MORINAGA, Y. (2007). Oral treatment with L-lysine and L-arginine reduces anxiety and basal cortisol levels in healthy humans. Biomedical Research, [online] 28(2), pp.85–90. doi:10.2220/biomedres.28.85.
- Payen, V.L., Porporato, P.E., Danhier, P., Vazeille, T., Blackman, M.C.N.M., May, B.H., Niebes, P. and Sonveaux, P. (2017). (+)-Catechin in a 1:2 Complex with Lysine Inhibits Cancer Cell Migration and Metastatic Take in Mice. Frontiers in Pharmacology, [online] 8. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00869.
- Hayamizu, K., Oshima, I. and Nakano, M. (2020). Comprehensive Safety Assessment of l-Lysine Supplementation from Clinical Studies: A Systematic Review. The Journal of Nutrition, [online] 150(Supplement_1), pp.2561S2569S. doi:10.1093/jn/nxaa218.
Written by:
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
