Lysine

Lysine is an essential amino acid. It cannot be synthesized by the human body and thus must be obtained from food. A large quantity is found in the muscles. Only Glutamic Acid and Aspartic Acid are found in equal concentrations in the muscles

=Properties= -Involved in immune system function -Precursor of acetyl CoA, which is responsible for glycolysis into energy (ATP) -Lipopenic -Antiviral -Antiatheromatous

=Precursor of:= -Acetyl CoA -Citrulline -Homoarginine -L-carnitine (w/ methionine)

=Complements= Vitamins B2, B3, B6, C, Iron and Glutamic Acid

=Antagonists= Arginine and Ornithine

If lysine is taken to combat the herpes virus, avoid foods rich in arginine, notably chocolate, peanuts, nuts, seeds, and to a lesser extent wheat that's been stripped of it's germ. These foods can lower the beneficial effects of lysine.

=Therapeutic Indications= -Labial Herpes -Genital Herpes -Cold sores -Osteoporosis

=Contraindications= -Hypocholesterolemia -Renal Lithiasis

=Side Effects= -Diarrhea -Abdominal Cramps

=Food Sources= Meat, fish, eggs and milk products are very rich in lysine, but sufficient quantities are also found in some grains (particularly corn and wheat germ) and in vegetables. Beer yeast and sauerkraut are also good sources.

=Therapeutic Dose= 312-1200mg./day to counteract herpes

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//Medical Nutrition:// • -Essential amino acid • -High amounts in muscles, (not as high as glutamine and aspartic acid) • -Used to make acetyl CoA for the Krebs cycle • -Precursor to carnitine • -Arg and Ornithine are agonists to lysine • -Involved in collagen synthesis – cartilage • -Brain and neurotransmitters made from – without it retardation occurs • -Low intake with vegetarian diet • -Will increase cholesterol • -Involved in Maillard reaction. • -? Kidney stones with deficiency

• RDA – adults- 840mg/d • Children- 44mg/d • Infants- 97mg/Kg • Avg. intake 70-80mg/d • Therapeutic range: .5-4gm/d

• Deficiency: vegetarians –grain, corn, sunflower seeds, peanuts, vegetables- (dec. immunity and growth) Cholesterol?

• Sources: fish/ meat -tuna, turkey, halibut (P.83)

Treatment
1. Herpes-3-9gm/d acute, prevention 500- 1500mg/d (I use olive leaf) • 2. Ca++ metabolism • 3. Aphthous ulcers