The rule is, an overdose of anything, even if it is good for us, can have awful side effects and problems. Overdose of lysine is no exception to this rule. Read more on the effects of lysine overdose.
Lysine is an indispensable amino acid, which means our body cannot manufacture it. Therefore, we must get them through our food. Individuals normally get a sufficient dose of lysine from eating certain foods. An average person needs around 1 gram of lysine per day. This seems a relatively small but significant amount.
The body uses more lysine in times of intense physical stress or workout. Athletes and patients during their convalescent period require an extra dose of lysine, therefore, supplements come into the picture. It’s common sense that these supplements are doctor or dietitian recommended, and shouldn’t be taken otherwise. Since the normal dosage being meager, and you are bond to get it from your daily diet, an overdose of the same can lead to problems and side effects.
Lysine is one of the essential amino acids that aid the production of those essential proteins in the body. They are also consumed to prevent bone loss due to osteoporosis and herpes breakout. Lysine also reduces severity of cold sores, helps in calcium absorption, and collagen formation. They are considered as an anti aging factor that helps in the repair of cells, and formation of skin and tissues. The food sources of lysine are beans, legumes, meat, fish, soybeans, beef, milk, eggs, and so on.
Most people include these foodstuffs in their diet, and hence do not require other external add-ons. But others like athletes, patients prescribed for lysine, look at lysine tablets as their source of lysine. These proteins are essential for healthy growth and aid the production of elastin and collagen needed for the formation of the bones, cartilages, skin and tendons. But L-lysine if consumed in excess, the result being lysine side effects or L-lysine side effects.
Can You Overdose on Lysine
Always consult your doctor, obstetrician (in case you are pregnant) or dietitian before you start with your lysine supplements intake. A L-lysine overdose is very very unlikely, but in case it happens, these are the symptoms.
- Too much intake of lysine can cause gallstones. Gallstones are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, bloating or clay-colored stools. If you come across any of these symptoms while on lysine supplements, see your medical provider as soon as possible.
- Consumption of lysine more than the required amount can result in diarrhea. Frequent watery bowel movements are accompanied by bloating and loss of appetite. Chronic diarrhea may increase the risk of dehydration.
- One is also likely to develop acute abdominal cramps.
- Individuals diagnosed with any liver or kidney disease, should keep away from lysine supplements, while will help avoid an overdose, unless otherwise prescribed by a medical professional.
- An overdose of lysine can also shoot up the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood, thus, increasing your chances of heart diseases.
- Swelling of the face, lips and tongue, difficulty in breathing, and closing of the throat, are also some of the serious allergic reactions for certain individuals in case of a lysine overdose.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their obstetrician before the intake of lysine supplements. An overdose of lysine could affect the development of the fetus, and could come up with some unpleasant side effects for the mother-to-be too.
The normal required amount of lysine needed by the body is obtained from your everyday diet. Hence, unless otherwise prescribed by a medical professional, intake of lysine would lead to an overdose, having you to encounter the above unpleasant effects. Though the overdose of lysine is not life-threatening, but definitely calls for immediate medical help.
