Amino Acids - Lycine

Lysine is found in most protein food sources but is not as readily available from the grain cereals or peanuts. Lysine is particularly high in fish, meats and dairy products and higher than most other amino acids in wheat germ, legumes and many fruits and vegetables.

Lysine has many functions. It is concentrated in muscle tissue and helps in the absorption of calcium from the intestinal tract, the promotion of bone growth, and the formation of Collagen. Collagen is an important body protein that is the basic matrix of the connective tissues, skin cartilage, and bone. Vitamin C is needed to convert lysine into hydroxylysine, which is then incorporated into collagen.

A deficiency may contribute to reduced growth and immunity along with an increase in urinary calcium. This latter fact suggests that adequate lysine may help prevent osteoporosis through better absorption and utilization of calcium.

Lysine has recently become popular in the prevention and treatment of Herpex simplex infections. Though research has been somewhat contradictory, most studies claimed good success, particularly for cold sores.

Lysine has little or no toxicity.