What is the most effective dose of lysine for cold sores?
In our clinical practice, we often get questions about using lysine for treating herpes infection. Prescription drugs for treating herpes are generally expensive (as are all anti-viral medications).
Some people have heard that eating foods high in lysine can help to reduce the severity and frequency of cold sores (caused by the herpes simplex virus or HSV). Indeed, there is some evidence that lysine supplements are effective.
Lysine is an amino acid that seems to inhibit viral replication. Lab studies show this. Many clinical studies, both involving small numbers and large numbers of subjects show significant reduction in frequency of outbreaks and the time for it to heal completely.
Upon reviewing existing clinical studies, the dosage ranges from a low of 0.5 gram once daily all the way up to 1 gram three times daily. Some experts have even suggested dose up to 3 grams three times daily ( 9 g daily). (This high dose is not dangerous as the side effects of lysine is uncommon.)
How is a person to decide?
There are two main factors one can consider when deciding an appropriate dose of lysine to use for treating cold sores.
For cold sores that are not severe or do not happen frequently, a preventative dose of 1 gram daily is suitable. Increase the dose to 1 g three times daily during an outbreak.
For outbreaks that are frequent or severe, a higher dose of 1 g three times daily can be taken for prevention and 3 g three times daily for treatment.
How would we define frequent? Perhaps three or four times a year. Infrequent might be, perhaps, once a year. As for severity, that would be open to interpretation.
Don't forget that if your diet is high in lysine, you can reduce the amount of lysine supplements to take.
For cold sores that are not severe or do not happen frequently, a preventative dose of 1 gram daily is suitable. Increase the dose to 1 g three times daily during an outbreak.
For outbreaks that are frequent or severe, a higher dose of 1 g three times daily can be taken for prevention and 3 g three times daily for treatment.
How would we define frequent? Perhaps three or four times a year. Infrequent might be, perhaps, once a year. As for severity, that would be open to interpretation.
Don't forget that if your diet is high in lysine, you can reduce the amount of lysine supplements to take.
See our detailed and unbiased article Benefits of Lysine to get a complete review along with ratings for each of the health conditions that lysine can be used to treat.
Related Articles and Resources
No comments:
Post a Comment