Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol 16, Issue 1 7-21, Copyright © 1997 by American College of Nutrition

JOURNAL ARTICLE

The metabolic roles, pharmacology, and toxicology of lysine

N. W. Flodin
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile 36688, USA.

L-lysine monohydrochloride (LMH) is widely available to the public as a nonprescription oral supplement. Most of the pharmaceutical-grade product is used as a suppressant of recurrent herpes simplex infections. Recent publications indicate the possibility of other therapeutic uses, e.g., in cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. These and other potential applications are surveyed and evaluated in this review with suggestions for further study. Data on toxicity are reviewed and recommendations made regarding safety of chronic dosage levels.

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