Lysine for Cold Sores

"Healthy Foods," Arnaldus
de Villanova (c. 1240-1311)

Lysine is an essential amino acid (meaning the body cannot synthesize it) used in the body’s production of collagen and elastin, and in the production of muscle protein, hormones, and antibodies. Some good food sources of lysine include meat, eggs, beans, parmesan cheese, some fish, and spinach.

Lysine for the Treatment of Cold Sores

Method

Take between 2000 and 6000 mg of a lysine supplement daily during an outbreak, broken into 3 doses each day. Lysine is more beneficial if corn and corn products are avoided during treatment.

Why It Works

Cells need ample amounts of arginine, another amino acid, stored inside to be able to reproduce the herpes virus. Lysine is stored in the same area of cells as arginine, so if the cells are flooded with lysine they cannot store enough arginine to continue to replicate the virus.

Precautions

Lysine is best taken during an outbreak. Taken daily as a preventative, the body will build up a tolerance and will begin to require more and more lysine to have any effect. Do not give lysine to children under 2 years of age. Do not take lysine supplements if you are taking arginine for another condition.

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