{"id":626867,"date":"2024-02-17T15:22:41","date_gmt":"2024-02-17T20:22:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626867"},"modified":"2025-07-09T18:44:24","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T22:44:24","slug":"best-time-to-take-lysine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-time-to-take-lysine\/","title":{"rendered":"Best time to take lysine"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lysine, also called <\/span>L-lysine<\/span><\/a>, is an essential amino acid, meaning your body needs it to function properly. It is the building block of protein and is present in many protein-rich foods, but your body cannot make it on its own. Therefore, you need to get lysine via supplements or foods containing lysine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lysine works to help you maintain your health in a variety of areas, and taking it at the optimal time increases absorption and ensures that you are getting the most benefit from this amino acid. However, there are several considerations when deciding when to take <\/span>lysine<\/span><\/a> and whether to take a lysine supplement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\tLysine 500 mg (30 Tablet)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$6.71\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$6.71\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Lysine prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n

The best time to take lysine<\/span><\/h2>\n

The adage among many professionals is that the best time to take a medication is when you can take it consistently without missing a dose. That said, \u201cResearchers and supplement companies typically recommend taking lysine between meals with water for the best absorption,\u201d says <\/span>Sara Chatfield, RDN<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Yelena Wheeler<\/span><\/a>, a registered dietitian nutritionist, recommends taking it just before bedtime since that\u2019s when people are less likely to eat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are several considerations when it comes to when and how much lysine to take. \u201cTaking large amounts of lysine can interact with other amino acids such as arginine. Lysine also interacts with aminoglycosides, which are a group of antibiotics. Taking lysine supplements while on these antibiotics can lead to kidney issues,\u201d says Wheeler. If you need to take this type of antibiotic temporarily, you may need to adjust your lysine supplement intake.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The role of lysine in the body<\/span><\/h2>\n

People need lysine for a variety of purposes, depending on their particular health needs and conditions. Lysine is \u201cimportant for proper growth, energy, and bone and connective tissue health,\u201d Chatfield says. \u201c<\/span>Lysine may increase the absorption of some minerals<\/span><\/a>, including calcium and iron.\u201d This can be a good thing if you need more calcium and iron in your diet.<\/span><\/p>\n

The size of the human body and whether or not they\u2019re getting lysine through other means determines how much lysine someone might need to take. The average person needs 800\u20133,000 milligrams (mg) of lysine per day, depending on their individual needs. This averages to about one gram (g) a day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since it\u2019s hard to know whether you\u2019re getting enough lysine, it\u2019s advisable to check with your healthcare provider for professional advice based on your dietary needs. Most people do not need more than they get through food when eating a well-balanced diet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLysine deficiencies are not common,\u201d Chatfield says. But if they occur, symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability, difficulty concentrating, hair loss, anemia, or red eyes. However, many health conditions can cause the same symptoms, so it\u2019s important to consult your healthcare provider to rule out other health conditions. You may need a different course of treatment, and lysine may or may not make it better or worse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Natural sources of lysine<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lysine is found in many protein sources. These include animal-based sources such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n