L-Lysine
Amino Acid
Also known as: Lysine
B
Grade B💊 500-3000 mg daily🎯 4 primary uses🔗 2 synergies⚠️ Review warnings
Levels upFitness+50 pts
Overview
Essential amino acid important for collagen synthesis, calcium absorption, and herpes virus suppression.
Primary Uses
Herpes preventionCollagen synthesisCalcium absorptionImmune support
Frequently Asked About L-Lysine
How much L-Lysine should I take?
The typical effective range is 500-3000 mg daily. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take L-Lysine?
Any time; increase during outbreak. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take L-Lysine with food?
Optional.
Does L-Lysine interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Aminoglycoside antibiotics. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting L-Lysine.
What does L-Lysine pair well with?
L-Lysine stacks well with Vitamin C and Zinc — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take L-Lysine?
L-Lysine should be avoided or used with caution by people with None. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of L-Lysine?
Most people tolerate L-Lysine well. The most commonly reported side effects are GI upset at high doses. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.
Dosage
Typical range
500-3000 mg daily
Timing
Any time; increase during outbreak
With food
Optional
Duration
Safe long-term
Special Populations
Herpes sufferers, vegetarians
Research & Studies
Search the literature now
We haven’t curated landmark studies for L-Lysineyet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.
Mechanism of Action
- • Competes with arginine for herpes virus
- • Essential for collagen cross-linking
- • Enhances calcium absorption
Evidence Quality
Evidence Grade B
Established for herpes prevention
Safety & Contraindications
Serious Warnings
- • None
Contraindications
- • None
Common Side Effects
- • GI upset at high doses
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Consult healthcare provider
Liver & Kidney Notes
Safe
Interactions
💊 Medications
- • Aminoglycoside antibiotics
🧪 Supplements
- • Competes with arginine
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
- • No interactions
Stacking & Synergies
Pairs Well With
Avoid Combining With
High-dose arginine
Best Goal Synergies
Herpes preventionCollagen
Buying Guide
What to Look For
- • L-form
Standardization Markers
L-lysine content
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
- • Higher doses during herpes outbreaks
- • Competes with arginine
Tags
amino acidessentialherpescollagen
Top Products with L-Lysine
Highest-scored catalog products containing L-Lysine, ranked by our scoring engine.
LysineThorne91
MediClear-SGS™ - VanillaThorne86
Amino Complex - BerryThorne84
Amino Complex - LemonThorne84
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Last reviewed: September 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, September). L-Lysine — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/l-lysine
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.