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Feb 20, 2024 · Based on the available research, supplementing with 1,000 mg daily of lysine may prevent cold sores. Upping the dosage of lysine to 3,000 mg at the onset of a cold sore may reduce its severity and duration.
People also ask
Can lysine help a cold sore?
How fast does lysine work on cold sores?
Can lysine supplementation prevent herpes simplex sores?
- Overview
- How it works
- Dosage for treating or preventing cold sores
- Lysine side effects
- Pregnancy and other precautions
- Outlook for treating cold sores with lysine
Lysine may help reduce cold sore flare-ups, but don’t use it if you’re pregnant, as there isn’t enough research to support its safety. It’s a good idea to ask your doctor before trying any treatment.
Cold sores, or fever blisters, result from a viral infection. These painful, fluid-filled blisters commonly appear on or near the lips in clusters or patches. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1, also known as oral herpes). HSV-1 can be spread through close contact, such as kissing.
There is no cure for a cold sore infection, but this condition can be treated with common antiviral medication, such as valacyclovir (Valtrex) or acyclovir (Zovirax). A medication you might take in addition to antivirals is lysine, an essential amino acid found in protein. It isn’t produced in your body, so you must consume it through an oral supplement or diet.
Common foods rich in lysine include:
•beef
•chicken
In order to replicate in the body, herpes simplex needs a steady source of arginine. This amino acid converts into nitric oxide within your body, a chemical necessary to expand blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Lysine is thought to interfere with arginine being absorbed into your intestine, making the amino acid unavailable for the virus. So even if it may not cure a cold sore infection, lysine can help slow or prevent the HSV-1 replication process.
Lysine is available as an oral supplement and a cream.
To treat a cold sore infection, apply lysine cream to the affected area every two hours for 11 days.
To manage cold sore infections, the recommended dosage for oral supplements is 1 gram three times daily. To help prevent them, the dosage is 1 gram daily.
It’s also recommended that you take a zinc and vitamin C supplement to provide your immune system with an additional boost.
When taken at its recommended dosage, lysine is generally safe. However, it can cause a number of side effects, including:
•diarrhea
•cramps
•abdominal pain
•gallstones
•nausea
There isn’t enough information about the safety or side effects of taking lysine during pregnancy. If you’re breastfeeding or pregnant, this supplement isn’t recommended. When incorporating lysine into your diet, eat foods in moderation to avoid weight gain or developing a health condition.
Before taking lysine or any other supplement, discuss the risks with your doctor. Lysine can interact with other medications you may be taking. It can also increase your calcium absorption, which can in turn weaken your bones and affect organ function.
A cold sore infection can’t be cured, but lysine treatment can reduce its recurrence. Though shown to be effective, lysine isn’t recommended for pregnant women since there isn’t enough information on how safe it is for these women.
Before pursuing treatment, discuss lysine and other alternatives with your doctor to determine the best treatment for your cold sores.
- Kiara Anthony
Mar 13, 2019 · Lysine is not a cure for cold sores, but it may help prevent and shorten the duration of an outbreak. A person should continue to take any antiviral medications a doctor prescribes for their...
Ten trials tested prophylactic lysine to prevent cold-sores or mouth ulcers. Two studies 2 , 12 reported 500 mg/day to be effective for reducing lesion frequency, but neither of these were controlled or statistically tested.
- Venthan J Mailoo, Sanketh Rampes
- 2017
Jul 19, 2024 · Lysine supplements may provide benefits for the following: Cold sores from herpes simplex virus (HSV) Anxiety and stress. Schizophrenia. Blood sugar control. Calcium absorption. Wound healing. The research on many of these benefits is limited.
Jul 7, 2023 · Some studies show that regularly taking lysine can help prevent outbreaks of cold sores. Others show that it can both prevent cold sores and help them go away sooner. One study shows that lysine lessens symptoms, reduces healing time, and prevents cold sores from returning.
Apr 2, 2024 · 1. May protect against and treat cold sores by blocking arginine. Cold sores, or fever blisters, are symptoms of an infection, often appearing on the lip or the corners of...
