L-Lysine Antiviral for ME/CFS & Long-Haul COVID
What is L-Lysine?
L-lysine is an amino acid that our body needs for many functions. It helps the body build proteins, including immune cells and is involved in tissue repair. Since the body doesn’t make it, we need to get lysine from food or supplements.
Foods high in L-lysine
poultry
fish
shrimp & shellfish
pork
beef
soy
nuts & seeds
eggs
beans & lentils
L-Lysine’s Role in Fighting Viruses
Research shows that L-lysine may be effective in reducing the activity of some viruses, especially the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It helps slow down the replication of viruses by competing with another amino acid, arginine, which viruses need to grow. This may be true for other herpes family viruses like EBV, HHV6, or CMV—the common viruses that are latent and emergent in those with ME/CFS and long-haul COVID.
The Role of Arginine in Viral Replication
Many viruses, including herpesviruses, rely on arginine to grow and replicate. Arginine is necessary for viruses to produce proteins and enzymes that help them multiply inside the body’s cells. In particular, it plays a role in creating proteins and DNA, which viruses need to make new virus particles. For those fighting chronic viral reactivation, keeping arginine low during times of viral reactivation may be helpful.
Foods High in Arginine
peanuts, cashews
cheese
chicken
salmon
brown rice
black beans
chickpeas
pumpkin seeds
How L-Lysine Competes with Arginine
L-lysine and arginine have a competitive relationship in the body because they use the same transport pathways to enter cells. This means they compete for absorption and utilization. If there’s more L-lysine present, less arginine can get into the cells, which limits the amount of arginine available for the virus to use.
In simpler terms, when you increase your intake of L-lysine, it can reduce the amount of arginine the virus has access to. Since the virus depends on arginine for replication, this slows down the growth and spread of the virus.
The Impact on Viral Infections
For certain viruses, like herpes simplex virus (HSV), this competition between L-lysine and arginine is especially significant. HSV is highly dependent on arginine for its replication process, so by taking L-lysine, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of viral outbreaks because the virus doesn’t have enough of the arginine it needs to replicate effectively.
L-Lysine for ME/CFS and Long-haul COVID Antiviral Protocol
L-lysine supplements can help maintain higher levels of lysine relative to arginine, which might help suppress viral activity.
L-lysine is particularly effective in managing cold sores caused by HSV
Although more research is needed for other viruses (such as Epstein-Barr virus in ME/CFS), the arginine-lysine balance could be helpful in controlling various viruses that rely on arginine for growth.
Consider using L-lysine in combination with other antiviral agents with anti-inflammatory support to reduce symptoms of the Herxheimer reaction.
Load up on lysine-rich foods during periods of viral reaction and limit arginine-rich foods.
Dosage and Safety of L-Lysine
Typical L-lysine doses for managing viral infections range from 1,000 to 3,000 mg per day. Even up to 6g/day has been used safely in clinical trials. However, taking too much may throw off the balance of lysine and arginine and is not recommended long-term. For this reason, it is also not recommended to take L-lysine indefinitely. It should only be used during periods of viral reactivation in ME/CFS and long-haul COVID.
Research shows that dosing under 1g/day is ineffective for its antiviral effects. Those with cardiovascular or gallbladder disease are cautioned about supplementing with high-dose L-lysine.
References
Pedrazini MC, da Silva MH, Groppo FC. L-lysine: Its antagonism with L-arginine in controlling viral infection. Narrative literature review. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2022;88(11):4708-4723. doi:10.1111/bcp.15444
Mailoo VJ, Rampes S. Lysine for Herpes Simplex Prophylaxis: A Review of the Evidence. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2017;16(3):42-46.
Melano I, Kuo LL, Lo YC, Sung PW, Tien N, Su WC. Effects of Basic Amino Acids and Their Derivatives on SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza-A Virus Infection. Viruses. 2021;13(7):1301. Published 2021 Jul 4. doi:10.3390/v13071301
Comprehensive Safety Assessment of ʟ-Lysine Supplementation from Clinical Studies: A Systematic Review. Hayamizu, Kohsuke et al. The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 150, 2561S - 2569S
