It is needed for growth and to help maintain nitrogen balance in the body. It also may help the body absorb and conserve calcium. Lysine also helps form collagen which makes up bone cartilage and connective tissues and aids in the production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes. Some studies have shown that lysine may be effective against herpes and is therefore often prescribed by doctors to people with cold sores or genital herpes.

Good sources of Lysine



We have sorted our nutrition database by foods high in lysine. So you can easily see how much is contained in different foods. You can also search through our database using the search box below or browse the Lysine content by food category.

Lysine in foods - by food category

Baby Food      Baked Products
Beef Products    Breakfast Cereals
Cereal Grains and Pasta    Dairy Products
Drinks    Ethnic Foods
Fast Foods    Fats and Oils
Fish    Fruits
Lamb, Veal, and Game Products    Legumes and Legume Products
Meals, Entrees, and Sidedishes    Nuts
Pork    Poultry Products
Sausages and Luncheon Meats    Snacks
Soups    Spices and Herbs
Sweets    Vegetables
Cakes    Fruit Juices
Soy Products      Sauces
Shellfish      Candy
Spreads      Soda
Dried Fruits      Soups
Cookies      Biscuits




Deficiency of Lysine may cause

tiredness
lack of concentration
irritability
loodshot eyes
retarded growth
hair loss
anemia
reproductive problems