Lysine
Description
Lysine is one of the nine essential amino acids vital for human health. It serves as a fundamental building block for proteins throughout the body, contributing to various physiological processes. Unlike non-essential amino acids, lysine cannot be synthesized by the body and must be acquired from dietary sources or supplementation to meet the body's requirements. Its functions are diverse, including supporting healthy growth and development, facilitating the absorption of calcium, and aiding in the formation of collagen, a crucial protein for bones, skin, tendons, and cartilage. Lysine is also involved in the production of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, which are essential for immune function and overall physiological balance. Furthermore, lysine plays a role in energy production, fat metabolism, and may help maintain the integrity of blood vessels. It is particularly recognized for its potential to support the immune system and manage certain viral challenges, making it a valuable component of a healthy diet.
Sources
Meat (beef, pork, chicken)Fish (cod, sardines)Dairy products (cheese, milk, yogurt)EggsLegumes (soybeans, lentils, chickpeas)QuinoaTofuNuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, cashews)
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Optimal Dosage
Minimum1000 mg
Maximum3000 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Goals
Bone Health
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:500–2000 mg
Lysine's dual-action in both mineral handling (calcium absorption/retention) and protein matrix structure (collagen cross-linking) warrants a 'VERY_EFFECTIVE' classification. It directly supports both the hardness and flexibility of bone.
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Hair Health
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:500–1500 mg
L-Lysine plays a significant role in hair health by facilitating the absorption of iron and zinc, two critical minerals for hair growth. Studies suggest that adding L-Lysine to an iron supplement can be more effective at reversing shedding in women with low ferritin than taking iron alone.
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Immunity
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:1000–3000 mg
Lysine competes with arginine, an amino acid that the herpes virus requires to replicate. By increasing the lysine-to-arginine ratio, supplementation can reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of cold sore outbreaks. Its use is specific to this condition, not general immunity.
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Interactions
Positive Interactions
Calcium
Lysine enhances the intestinal absorption of calcium and helps reduce its excretion, thereby supporting bone health.
Vitamin C
Lysine is a critical component for the formation of collagen, a process that relies on Vitamin C as a cofactor, thereby supporting skin, bone, and connective tissue health.
Iron
Lysine can aid in the absorption of iron and its incorporation into hemoglobin, supporting red blood cell health and oxygen transport.
Collagen
As a key amino acid constituent of collagen, lysine is essential for the body's synthesis and maintenance of this structural protein.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$21.95
Median$17.84
Price per serving
Average$0.63
Median$0.40
Price per 100 mg
Average$0.30
Median$0.20
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
L-Lysine Hydrochloride (35) 90
L-Lysine Hydrochloride is a common and highly effective supplemental form of the essential amino acid L-Lysine. It is produced by reacting L-Lysine with hydrochloric acid, resulting in a stable, crystalline powder that is readily soluble in water. This form ensures excellent absorption and utilization of the biologically active L-isomer of lysine by the body, supporting its diverse physiological roles.
Pros
- Highly stable and soluble
- Excellent bioavailability and absorption
- Widely available and well-researched
Cons
- Contains a small amount of chloride, generally not problematic but notable
Per product
Avg$15.43
Med$12.69
Per serving
Avg$0.89
Med$0.16
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.02
Med$0.01
Price distribution
L-Lysine Monohydrochloride (8) 90
L-Lysine Monohydrochloride is the specific chemical designation for L-Lysine Hydrochloride, indicating that one molecule of lysine is bound to one molecule of hydrochloric acid. This form is highly stable and soluble, making it an excellent choice for dietary supplements. It delivers the essential L-isomer of lysine efficiently, which is the biologically active form the body uses for protein synthesis, immune support, and calcium metabolism.
Pros
- High stability and solubility
- Excellent bioavailability and absorption
- Standard and well-documented form
Cons
- Contains chloride, typically not a concern for most individuals
Per product
Avg$17.75
Med$15.55
Per serving
Avg$0.18
Med$0.13
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.03
Med$0.03
Price distribution
Lysine Monohydrochloride (2) 88
Lysine Monohydrochloride is the precise chemical name for Lysine Hydrochloride, where one molecule of lysine is bound to one hydrochloric acid molecule. In the supplement industry, this form almost invariably refers to the L-isomer, which is the biologically active form of lysine. This salt form provides excellent stability and solubility, ensuring efficient delivery and utilization of lysine for various physiological functions, including protein synthesis and immune support.
Pros
- High stability and solubility
- Generally well-absorbed
- Common and reliable form
Cons
- Potential ambiguity if the 'L-' isomer isn't explicitly stated, though usually implied
- Contains chloride
Per product
Avg$25.00
Med$25.00
Per serving
Avg$0.34
Med$0.34
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.07
Med$0.07
Price distribution
L-Lysine (1) 92
L-Lysine in its 'free form' refers to the pure amino acid itself, without being chemically bound to any salt such as hydrochloride. This form is considered highly pure and directly bioavailable, meaning the body can readily absorb and utilize it without needing to separate it from a salt component. It is the natural, biologically active L-isomer, essential for numerous physiological processes including protein synthesis, immune system function, and calcium absorption.
Pros
- Purest form, not bound to a salt
- Excellent direct bioavailability
- No added chloride
Cons
- May be slightly less stable or have different solubility characteristics than HCl forms in some applications
- Potentially less common or more expensive than HCl forms
Per product
Avg$8.40
Med$8.40
Per serving
Avg$0.14
Med$0.14
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.03
Med$0.03
Price distribution
L-Lysine Chloride (1) 90
L-Lysine Chloride is a salt form of the essential amino acid L-Lysine, in which the lysine molecule is chemically bonded with chloride as its counter-ion. This form offers comparable stability and solubility to L-Lysine Hydrochloride, making it a suitable and effective option for dietary supplementation. It efficiently delivers the biologically active L-isomer of lysine to the body, supporting its various metabolic functions.
Pros
- Stable and soluble
- Good bioavailability and absorption
- Provides the active L-isomer
Cons
- Contains chloride, generally not an issue but worth noting
Per product
Avg$52.00
Med$52.00
Per serving
Avg$1.73
Med$1.73
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.27
Med$0.27
Price distribution
Lysine Hydrochloride (1) 88
Lysine Hydrochloride is a widely utilized supplemental form of the essential amino acid Lysine. Although the 'L-' prefix is often omitted in its naming, in the context of dietary supplements, this form almost universally refers to L-Lysine Hydrochloride, the biologically active and absorbable isomer. It is a stable and soluble salt, facilitating its efficient delivery and utilization by the body for various vital functions, similar to L-Lysine Hydrochloride.
Pros
- Stable and soluble
- Generally well-absorbed and utilized
- Cost-effective and widely available
Cons
- Potential ambiguity if the 'L-' isomer isn't explicitly stated, though usually implied in supplements
- Contains chloride
Per product
Avg$8.53
Med$8.53
Per serving
Avg$0.14
Med$0.14
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.03
Med$0.03
Price distribution