Lysine is used in biosynthesis of proteins and contains an α-carboxylic acid group (deprotonated −COO− form under biological conditions), α-amino group (protonated −NH3+ form under biological conditions), and a side chain lysyl ((CH2)4NH2) which is classified as a basic, charged aliphatic amino acid. It is encoded by codons AAG and AAA. Similar to other amino acids, α-carbon is chiral and lysine which refers to either enantiomer or racemic mixture of both.
Lysine could not be synthesize by human body so it is essential in humans and should be obtained from diet. In organisms which synthesize lysine have two main biosynthetic pathways such as α-aminoadipate and diaminopimelate pathways which employ various enzymes and substrates and are found in various organisms. It is involved in modifications of histone and impacts epigenome. It is important in various biological processes, deficiency of lysine results several diseases including defective connective tissues, anemia, impaired fatty acid metabolism and systemic protein energy deficiency.
Firstly it was isolated by Ferdinand Heinrich Edmund Drechsel, a German biological chemist in 1889 from protein casein in milk. It is named lysine. Emil Fischer and Fritz Weigert in 1902 determined the chemical structure of lysine by synthesizing it.
Lysine is an essential amino acid that is mainly provided by meat products and is therefore limited in diets where wheat is the primary protein source. Lysine is also the first rate-limiting amino acid in milk-fed newborns for growth and protein synthesis. Lysine is catabolized to glutamate and acetyl-CoA and is also the precursor for the synthesis of carnitine, which is needed for mitochondrial oxidation of long-chain fatty acids. Diets deficient in lysine can impair growth in children and reduce immune function.
Foods that provide Lysine
| Food name | Weight (g) | Lysine (g) | DV% |
| Turkey | 863 | 26 | 777% |
| Soybeans | 186 | 5 | 149% |
| Tuna | 146 | 3 | 89% |
| Winged beans | 182 | 3 | 89% |
| Provolone cheese | 132 | 3 | 89% |
| Lupins | 180 | 3 | 89% |
| Mungo beans | 207 | 3 | 89% |
| Swiss cheese | 132 | 3 | 89% |
| Spirulina | 112 | 3 | 89% |
| Rockfish | 149 | 3 | 89% |
| Salmon | 143 | 3 | 89% |
| Mackerel fish | 146 | 3 | 89% |
| Kidney beans | 184 | 3 | 89% |
| Kielbasa | 370 | 3 | 89% |
| Adzuki beans | 197 | 2 | 59% |
| Muenster cheese | 132 | 2 | 59% |
| Duck | 140 | 2 | 59% |
| Goose | 140 | 2 | 59% |
| Navy beans | 208 | 2 | 59% |
| Colby cheese | 132 | 2 | 59% |
Health Benefits of Lysine
Discussed below are some health benefits of Lysine:
- Cancer prevention
Researches have shown the effects of this compound on cancerous cells. Good amounts of this amino acid are associated to low chances of colorectal cancer. It assists body from preventing damaging effects of chemotherapy and promotes healing.
- Prevent anxiety
Lysine is an amino acid with an effect on hormone production assisting in regulating mood and lowers the levels of stress hormones and lowers symptoms of anxiety.
- Diabetic treatment
Research has shown that increase in amino acid levels helps to lower the presence of some negative compounds in the body. These compounds makes it challenging for pancreas regulating insulin or blood sugar levels so its inhibition eases symptoms of diabetes and improves quality of life.
- Treat herpes
This compound has beneficial effects associated to herpes virus. Research is being carried out on effectiveness of amino acid for treating outbreaks and lowering the re occurrence of the condition. The limitation of flare-ups, lysine supplementation is valuable indeed.
- Density of bones
Lysine aids absorption of calcium in the body. It improves density of bone mineral and prevent onset of osteoporosis but it promotes ability of the body uptake or to metabolize other essential minerals.
- Cure for acne
Variety of treatments is available in the market for skin disorders which include l-lysine. It is due to the compound that stimulates immune system and prevents infections or inflammation through antibodies production.
- Supports digestion
Research has shown that lysine could reduce inflammation in lining of gut preventing oxidative stress and reduce the chances of leaky gut syndrome.
What is the recommended dosage?
Doses from 1 to 3 g regularly are safe to prevent herpes simplex infections.
What happens with deficiency of Lysine?
It is crucial in the body so its deficiency shows signs and symptoms such as stunted growth, loss of appetite, stunted growth and slows healing rate. This amino acid has a role in development of muscles and production of hormones. One might experience off sleep cycle and change in moods.
Lysine Side Effects
Seek for emergency medical help if experienced signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your face, tongue, lips or throat. Diarrhea and stomach pain are the common side effects experienced.
Lysine Interactions
- While taking lysine avoid taking high amounts of calcium as it might increase calcium absorption.
- Drugs or prescription medicines such as vitamins, medicines and herbal products might interact with lysine.
- It is advised to take lysine under the supervision of health practitioner.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lysine
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Lysine
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-lysine-structure-uses-quiz.html
https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/lysine-health-benefits/
https://draxe.com/l-lysine-benefits/