meanwhile Research results The global nutritional supplements market has already seen explosive growth in 2021, with a valuation of over $152 billion, and the industry shows no signs of slowing down. in fact, 1 report The global market is expected to reach a staggering $300 billion by 2028.
Although dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, Same with food and medicine – And many popular supplements have been found to be ineffective or dangerous when taken in large doses. Most supplements sold in the industry are generally considered safe when taken as directed.
One of the most commonly taken supplements is L-lysine, but dietitians typically recommend supplements with L-lysine unless you have a medical condition or dietary restrictions, and unless you can’t get enough L-lysine naturally through your diet. We do not emphasize the need to take lysine.
What is L-lysine?
L-lysine, or lysine, is an amino acid, an organic compound that combines to form proteins. Lysine is essential This is because the body needs amino acids but cannot produce them. “Lysine is a necessary building block for proteins found in every cell in our bodies,” says Dr. Walter Willett, a physician and professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Lysine is not produced by the body and must be obtained from dietary sources. Fortunately, “few generally healthy Americans are protein deficient,” Willett says. This means that protein-forming amino acids (including lysine) are abundant in most protein-rich foods, including meat such as eggs, pork, beef, chicken, and fish, and dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. This is because it is Willett says lysine is also found in whole plant foods such as wheat and beans.
In other words, if you eat a balanced diet, your body is already getting enough lysine and other amino acids that it needs.
At the same time, taking L-lysine as a dietary supplement may be recommended for people with certain medical conditions or on restricted diets that are low in protein.
As a supplement, L-lysine is available in tablet, powder, liquid, and cream form.
What is L-lysine good for?
Lysine has many important functions and health benefits. Helps the body absorb calcium. This is important for bone health. Supports a healthy immune system by aiding in the production of antibodies. Research results By lowering cortisol levels, it may reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. It also plays an important role in protein synthesis, helping to produce enzymes and hormones, and supporting tissue growth and repair. Lysine is important for skin health as it also helps form collagen production.
But then again, most people simply eat a wide variety of healthy foods and reap all the benefits that come with it.
According to Dr. Denise Milstein, a women’s health expert and director of the Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine Clinic in Arizona, lysine is the most commonly recommended supplement as a supplement to prevent cold sore outbreaks, especially cold sores. Masu. However, according to research, the strengths of lysine are: prevent outbreak,” and there is little data to support its use as a treatment. active Lysine is helpful in this way because it has antiviral effects that block the activity of arginine, which promotes the replication of herpesviruses. Mount Sinai Hospital In New York.
Lysine’s role in improving muscle and bone structure is “one of the reasons why lysine supplements are often touted as helpful for bodybuilding,” says Willett, but lysine cannot be taken as a supplement for that purpose. There is no research to support this.
Lysine supplements are also often touted for boosting a healthy immune system, although some animal studies have shown a potential mechanism for this effect. “It’s not proven,” Milstein explains.
Is it okay to take L-lysine as a supplement?
Although there is little scientific evidence to support taking lysine as a supplement, which has been shown to improve athletic performance, improve skin quality, prevent disease, and many other benefits, it is recommended that up to 3,000 milligrams (3 grams) of lysine be taken daily. ) is generally considered safe for most people.
Milstein said lysine supplements can cause harmful digestive problems such as upset stomach and diarrhea if taken in excess, Willett said, although there are long-term side effects. It says there may be more serious risks to ingesting it. Not well researched. ”
“Other than using it to prevent herpes outbreaks, getting L-lysine from food sources of protein is probably sufficient,” Milstein added.
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