Blackmores Institute

<h3><strong>LYSINE as a preventive measure</strong></h3><p>Lysine is an essential amino acid for building protein in our body. L-lysine (the biologically active isomer of lysine, naturally found in food) has been used for treatment and prevention of cold sores.</p><p>While the amino acid arginine is required for the reproduction of HSV, lysine competitively inhibits its synthesis. The imbalance of lysine-arginine in the diet may affect HSV expression.<sup>1</sup></p><h3>Dosing of lysine</h3><p><strong>1-3g a day of lysine has been found to reduce symptoms, healing time and recurrences of lesions greater than placebo.</strong><sup>1,3</sup></p><h3><strong>Other management options for cold sores</strong></h3><h3>Dietary changes – the role of Arginine</h3><p>For those who are prone to cold sores, it’s hard to avoid high arginine foods all the time because this semi-essential amino acid is found in many key foods we eat. It’s also a catch-22 when arginine-rich foods also contain lysine – they both are building blocks of protein, so it makes sense.<sup>4</sup> But it is best to steer clear of these foods, at least during the infection.</p><p>Arginine-rich foods (lowest in lysine) to avoid</p><ul><li>Most nuts and seeds</li><li>Legumes (soybeans, chickpeas, lentils)</li><li>Many wholegrains (wheat, oats)</li><li>Chocolate</li></ul><p>Lysine-rich foods (lowest in arginine) to include</p><ul><li>Animal protein (red meat, chicken, pork, turkey, fish)</li><li>Dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cheese, parmesan cheese)</li><li>Apples, mangoes, apricots, pears and many other fruits</li></ul><h3>Reduce stress</h3><p>Various factors can initiate the HSV virus to become active by causing “stress” on the body. Reducing or coping with these can help reduce cold sore outbreaks:<sup>2</sup></p><ul><li>Tiredness and fatigue</li><li>Emotional upset</li><li>Intense sunlight, wind or cold</li><li>Alcohol</li><li>Colds/flu that make the body less able to fight off infection</li></ul><h3>Immune system support</h3><p>Supporting immune function with nutrients, like vitamin C and zinc, can help strengthen immune responses and prevent infections that can make us more susceptible to a cold sore outbreak.</p><h3>Other tips for assistance<sup>2</sup></h3><ul><li>Putting ice on topically can be soothing</li><li>Lip balms or paw paw ointment may help if your cold sore is dry and help to prevent the cracking once it has crusted over</li><li>Try not to lick, poke or pick at the area, as this can lead to further infection and/or scarring</li><li>Keep the cold sore dry and clean</li><li>Always wash your hands if you touch the affected area</li><li>Try not to share things like cups, cutlery, towels, toothbrushes, razors, flannels and cold sore creams with anyone else</li></ul><p> </p><h3><strong>References</strong></h3><ol><li>Mailoo VJ, Rampes S. Lysine for Herpes Simplex Prophylaxis: A Review of the Evidence. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2017;16(3):42-46.</li><li>HealthDirect. Cold sores. August 2021, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cold-sores</li><li>Griffith RS, Walsh DE, Myrmel KH, et al. Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Dermatologica 1987;175(4):183-190.</li><li>Editor. Lysine-Arginine rations. rel="noopener noreferrer" Just Herpes 2022, https://justherpes.com/herpesremedies/lysine-arginine-ratio-foods-chart/</li></ol><p> </p>

<p>Cold sores are caused by variants of the highly contagious herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is estimated to infect 80-90% of people, lying dormant in nervous tissue until relapse is triggered by stress or immune dysfunction.<sup>1,2</sup></p><p>Antiviral creams, ointments or single-dose tablets from the pharmacy are often used with a cold sore outbreak, when a tingling sensation or a raised sore or blister is first noticed.</p><p>But what are the preventative options? How can we support our body’s immune system to avoid cold sores?</p>

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