Lysine Guide

Lysine is an essential amino acid that supports collagen formation and may help reduce recurring cold sores. Learn why it matters, how it supports your health goals, and what to consider when choosing a supplement.

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What is lysine?

Lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning your body needs it but must get it from food or supplements.¹

Can lysine help with cold sores?

Yes. Health Canada recognizes L-lysine for helping reduce the recurrence of herpes simplex infections such as cold sores.¹

Why does lysine matter for collagen?

Lysine helps with collagen formation, which matters for the structure of skin and other connective tissues.

Where does lycopene come from?

Lysine helps with collagen formation, which matters for the structure of skin and other connective tissues.¹

What is lysine?

Lysine is one of the essential amino acids your body uses to build proteins. “Essential” means your body can’t make enough on its own, so you need to get lysine through food or supplements.¹ 

Lysine is involved in collagen formation and muscle protein synthesis and is also used in supplements to help reduce recurring cold sores.¹ 

How does lysine support the body?

Your body uses lysine as one of the building blocks for proteins. It contributes to collagen formation, which helps provide structure to tissues such as skin and connective tissue.¹ 

Lysine may also help people who experience recurring cold sores by reducing how often herpes simplex infections return.¹ That makes it especially relevant when the health goal is cold-sore prevention or supporting healthy tissue formation. 

Which health goals can lysine support?

Immune Support

Lysine may help reduce the recurrence of cold sores, while Jamieson’s current formula also includes zinc and vitamin C for additional immune support.

Beauty

Lysine helps with collagen formation, making it relevant to the structural proteins that support healthy skin and connective tissue.¹

Cold Sore Support

L-lysine can help reduce the recurrence of herpes simplex infections such as cold sores.¹

How can lysine fit into your routine?

Lysine may be especially relevant when recurring cold sores or supporting protein and collagen formation are priorities. 

  • If cold sores keep coming back: Lysine may help reduce recurrence over time.¹ 
  • For collagen support: Lysine contributes to the formation of collagen, which supports skin and connective tissues.¹ 
  • For protein needs: Lysine is an essential amino acid involved in muscle protein synthesis.¹ 
  • Check the whole formula: Jamieson pairs lysine with vitamin C and zinc, adding immune and collagen-related support.

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

What should you look for in a lysine supplement?

Start with your health goal, then compare the amount of lysine and any supporting ingredients.

  • Look for L-lysine: This is the medicinal amino-acid form commonly used in supplements.¹ 
  • Check the amount: Jamieson provides 1,000 mg of lysine per caplet. 
  • Match it to your goal: Cold-sore support requires enough lysine to support the licensed claim. 
  • Check combination ingredients: Jamieson adds vitamin C and zinc for additional immune and collagen support. 
  • Consider protein intake: Lysine also comes from protein-rich foods, so supplementation needs can vary. 
  • Look for an NPN: Choose a licensed Canadian natural health product. 
  • Look for quality: Jamieson products are backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

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FAQs
What is lysine used for?

Lysine is an essential amino acid used for the maintenance of good health, collagen formation, muscle protein synthesis, and helping reduce recurrent cold sores.

Can lysine help prevent cold sores?

Health Canada-licensed lysine products recognize L-lysine for helping reduce the recurrence of herpes simplex infections such as cold sores. 

Why is lysine important for collagen? 

Lysine is involved in collagen formation. For consumers, that matters because collagen is a structural protein found throughout connective tissues, including skin.

Sources

1. Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products Database — L-Lysine, approved uses including collagen formation, muscle protein synthesis, and recurrent cold sores.[Text Wrapping Break]https://health-products.canada.ca/lnhpd-bdpsnh/info?licence=80140892 

2. Health Canada. Compendium of Monographs / Natural Health Products Ingredients Database.[Text Wrapping Break]https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/natural-non-prescription/applications-submissions/product-licensing/compendium-monographs.html