Lysine is an amino acid that is essential to the diet of humans because it is not synthesized naturally within the body. The molecule consists of another amino acid, alanine, plus a propylamine substitute at the second (beta) carbon. The positively-charged amino group of this molecule often participates in enzyme reactions in cell metabolism.http://www.biology.arizona.edu/biochemistry/problem_sets/aa/Lysine.html http://www.biology.arizona.edu/biochemistry/problem_sets/aa/aa.html
Adequate lysine in the diet facilitates calcium uptake, decreases harmful triglycerides and acts as an antiviral for those with herpes simplex virus and shingles.http://www.cs.utah.edu/~spiegel/kabbalah/jkm21.htm Foods that are deficient in lysine are cereal grains such as wheat and corn. ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/repositoryfiles/ca3209p4-62568.pdf Legumes and animal proteins are high in this essential amino acid, so a diet that combines beans and cereals can have a full complement of essential amino acids. http://www.unu.edu/Unupress/food/8F173e/8F173E05.htm
Effects of Lysine deficiencies
Although it is not a normal condition, deficiencies of lysine in the diet can lead to various disorders, including:
- Kidney stones
- Reproductive disorders.
- Slow growth
- Anemia
- Bloodshot eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Agitation
- Nausea
- Fatigue http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lysine-000312.htm
Functions of Lysine in the Body
- It is an essential amino acid in protein synthesis
- It is needed for producing carnitine, which has two functions: helping lower cholesterol and utilizing fatty acids for making energy.
- It helps in the absorption and conservation of calcium. It can help with bone loss associated with osteoporosis.
- It is necessary for making collagen.
- It is necessary for bones, skin, tendons and cartilage. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lysine-000312.htm,/ref>
Amino Acids and Proteins
Amino acids like lysine are the building blocks of protein. There are 20 different amino acids, but their basic structure consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and an amine group which contains nitrogen. Lysine contains two amine groups. The side chain structure in proteins differ to make different amino acids. To make a protein, enzymes attach the amino acids end-to-end, causing the loss of a water molecule. Different amino acid sequences in proteins result in different protein structures and thus different functions. Proteins may be structural such as fingernails, or they may be enzymes, hormones or neurotransmitters.
References
Fast Facts
-
Word origin
The cleavage or lysis of protein derives lysine
-
Essential amino acid
One of the 10 amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize
-
Orientation in protein chains
Buried with only the reactive epsilon amino group exposed
-
Rich sources in the diet
Animal meats and legumes
-
Disorder
Hyperlysinemia, a deficiency of the enzyme that breaks down lysine. An inherited disorder. Lysine leves in the blood and urine are elevated.
-
Primary uses as a health supplement
Getting rid of cold sores / treatment of herpes and shingles; helping prevent osteoporosis
