Does using lysine for HSV reduce the frequency and severity of the cold sores?
Lysine is an essential amino acid that the body uses to build protein. There's good scientific evidence to show that indeed, taking lysine supplements as well as using lysine creams on cold sores may be helpful in reducing the severity and frequency of cold sores outbreaks.
Cold sores virus (caused by the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1) and genital herpes (caused by HSV-2) seem to be inhibited from multiplying in the presence of l-lysine.
Cold sores virus (caused by the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1) and genital herpes (caused by HSV-2) seem to be inhibited from multiplying in the presence of l-lysine.
Lab studies have shown that high levels of lysine seem to inhibit viral reproduction. But what is the evidence from clinical studies to show that this effect can be expected in real-life situations?
Fortunately, there are many clinical trials (trials done in human subjects) that show this to be the case. One study (Dermatologica, 1987) showed that taking 1,000 mg daily of lysine supplement resulted in 2.4 times less outbreaks compared to the placebo group.
Another study (Altern Med Rev., 2005) also showed that an ointment containing l-lysine and zinc resulted in the lesion clearing up in 40% of the volunteers.
A large study involving 1543 volunteers (J. Antimicrob Chemother., 1983) showed that cold sore lesions healed in 6 to 15 days without lysine supplement but healed in only five days or less with lysine.
You can get lysine from your diet by eating foods high in lysine or by taking l-lysine supplements. Either method is an effective method of increasing the amount of lysine that is available to your body. As a matter of fact, by including more lysine rich foods in your diet, you can reduce (and perhaps eliminate) the amount of lysine supplements you will need to take.
Indeed, using lysine for HPV is effective and can go a long way in reducing the frequency and severity of cold sores outbreaks.
What about for HSV that causes genital herpes?
There is some evidence that lysine might be helpful for genital herpes as well, although the studies are less conclusive. It would be a good idea to give it a try anyways, since the side effects of lysine are minimal and the cost of the supplements is reasonable.
What is the best dose of lysine to use?
Our article Lysine Dose for Herpes gives a complete report on the best dose of lysine to take. It ranges from a low of 1 gram daily up to 3 grams three times daily for severe cases.
See Lysine for Cold Sores Dosage for the complete details along with recommendations from our panel of clinical pharmacists.
Related Articles and Resources for Lysine for HPV
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