L-LYSINE

Lysine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body, with anywhere from a pound to a pound and a half in the average person. Lysine is an essential amino acid which means the body does not metabolize it on its own; it has to come from an exogenous source. It is the building block of collagen and, with the amino acid proline, makes up to a third of the body's connective tissue (ligaments, tendons) of which is eighty percent collagen. Lysine also promotes bone, skin and cartilage formation and it is required for the proper functioning of joints. Lysine can also help protect this same soft tissue from the body's own immune response in the case of chronic inflammation by stopping collagen dissolving enzymes produced by macrophages. Lysine has been used in recent years as an effective treatment for viruses and cancer by once again stopping the collagen dissolving enzymes they produce to spread throughout the body. Studies have shown how Lysine, when combined with L-Proline, can inhibit accumulation of lipoprotein(a) on arterial walls which mixes with fibrigen to form arterial plaque in cardiovascular disease. Lysine should be an integral part of your daily protocol. The benefits cross over into so many areas from anti-aging to preventing cancer and viruses from proliferating to heart and cardiovascular disease.