What Is the Scientific Evidence for Lysine?
When taken in sufficient doses, it appears that regular use of lysine supplements might be able to reduce the number and intensity of herpes flare-ups. 9 One double-blind, placebo-controlled study followed 52 participants with a history of herpes flare-ups. 11 While receiving 3 g of L-lysine every day for 6 months, the treatment group experienced an average of 2.4 fewer herpes flare-ups than the placebo group—a significant difference. The lysine group’s flare-ups were also significantly less severe and healed faster. Another double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study on 41 subjects also found improvements in the frequency of attacks. 12 Interestingly, this study found that 1,250 mg of lysine daily worked, but 624 mg did not. Other studies, including one that followed 65 individuals, found no benefit, but they used lower dosages of lysine. 13,14 Although some are promising, none of these studies are large enough to give conclusive answers. At this point, more evidence is needed to
