Lysine - Its Deficiency Causes Fatigue

Author: Karen Lennox Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

Lysine is an essential amino acid needed for healthy skin and bones, protects against herpes.

Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are the main components of a good diet. Amino acids are a building block of proteins and are the basis of growth , development and maintenance of the body.

The human body is able to synthesize most, but not all, amino acids. Those that cannot be synthesized, known as essential amino acids , must be obtained through food. Lysine is one of these acids - essential and necessary.

The functions of lysine are diverse. The compound, along with another amino acid, methionine , allows the body to produce carnitine , a substance that converts body fat into energy.

Lysine also plays a role in the synthesis of collagen - a substance essential for the skin, bones, tendons and joints.

Women, as well as men, need 1 gram of lysine daily. However, this amount is not enough if there is prolonged physical or sports activity. Without sufficient amounts of lysine, muscles recover more slowly under load, fatigue occurs more quickly , and sprains, burns and cuts heal more slowly and often leave more visible scars .

Lysine affects the strength of calcium absorption and lowers cholesterol.

The amino acid also has a clear protective function . It prevents the replication of herpes viruses , which shortens the infectious process and reduces the chances of further disease.

Lysine deficiency leads to chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness, hormonal imbalance, slow metabolism and an increased risk of developing kidney stones. Severe complications are rare, most often those suffering from lysine deficiency are those who eat mainly semi-finished products and fast food.

The main sources of lysine are: red meat, cod, chicken, eggs, sardines, nuts, dairy products, soy, legumes and bananas. Nutritional supplements containing lysine should be taken only after consultation with a personal physician , as they pose a risk of renal damage and interaction with medicinal products.

Lysine - Its Deficiency Causes Fatigue

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