Lysine for Cold Sores Dosage Recommendations
Lysine for cold sores dosage recommendations?
Experts agree, based on clinical studies, that lysine supplements can help to reduce the risk of cold sores (herpes) outbreaks. Some experts also believe that eating foods high in lysine can be as effective.
Moreover, this essential amino acid also can reduce the severity and recovery time of existing herpes outbreaks when taken at a higher dose.
The article Benefits of Lysine reviewed all the health benefits of this essential amino acid so we won't mention them here.
Continue reading to find out the various doses suggested by experts in the field...
Best dosage of lysine for cold sores - What the studies show
It is a known fact that the presence of high concentration of lysine inhibits viral multiplication.
Most clinical studies used lysine supplements (rather than from their diet) since they can accurately determine and control the amount of lysine given to the volunteers. (However, for many people, eating lysine-rich foods may provide enough lysine that supplements may not be needed.)
The typical dosages used range from a low of 500 mg (0.5 g) daily to 1,000 mg (1 g) three times daily. Some experts have even suggested dose as high as 3,000 mg (3 g) three times daily for severe outbreaks.
Fortunately, the side effects of lysine are uncommon, mostly limited to stomach discomfort and diarrhea (and we are talking about dose above 40 grams daily!) It is even safe to use in children.
Dose for Infrequent or mild cold sores outbreaks...
There are disagreements between experts on the most effective dose to use. Obviously it will depend significantly on many factors, two of which are frequency of outbreaks and severity of each outbreak.
As well, the definition of mild or severe and frequency generate will vary depending on which expert you consult.
Some people get cold sores once a year (infrequent) while others get them four or five times a year (frequent).
We suggest using 1 g of lysine daily for prevention and 1 g three times daily during outbreak for individuals who gets cold sores infrequently.
Dose for Frequent or severe cold sore outbreaks...
For frequent or severe outbreaks of cold sores, use a higher dose of 1 g three times daily for prevention and 3 g three times daily for treatment.
Summary of lysine for cold sores dosage recommendations
| Summary |
Preventative Dose |
Treatment Dose |
| Mild & Infrequent |
1 g daily |
1 g three times daily |
| Severe & Frequent |
1 g three times daily |
3 g three times daily |
| Note: Including foods high in lysine reduce the amount of lysine supplements you need to take. |
What about eating foods high in lysine?
Many foods are a rich source of lysine.
The article Foods High in Lysine gives you a comprehensive table with a list of foods that you can eat to increase lysine intake from your diet.
Bottom Line
The dosage ranges from a low of 500 mg daily up to 3,000 mg three times daily for the prevention of cold sores outbreaks.
The frequency and severity of the cold sores outbreaks will determine the best dose to use.
See Benefits of Lysine to discover all the other benefits of this natural amino acid.
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