Last update
5/10/2025
Research Authors

Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Likely Very Effective
Based on 1 Research
9
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 188 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
L-Lysine (from 637 mg L-Lysine Hydrochloride)
500 mg
**

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Lysine aids cold adaptation mechanisms
We set out to uncover how certain amino acids, particularly lysine, help with cold acclimation. Over three months, 20 men were monitored for physiological changes after being exposed to cold.

We found that continuous exposure led to faster cold-induced vasodilation and improved finger temperature. Notably, lysine was the only amino acid that significantly changed and positively correlated with these improvements in cold response.

In mouse trials, lysine supplementation helped maintain core body temperature during cold exposure, indicating its role in supporting metabolic adjustments to the cold.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

7.5
Less outbreaks
60 people found this helpful
My last cold sore was 1.5 years ago. Since I started these supplements, I've experienced very few outbreaks, with the last being minor. I believe this product works, and I recommend taking it daily for anyone who suffers from cold sores.
Read More
9
Life saver
40 people found this helpful
As a cold sore sufferer, this product is essential. I buy both 250 count, 500mg and 100 count, 1000mg bottles. I take one 500mg tablet daily for prevention, and it drastically reduces my cold sore occurrences. If I sense one coming, I increase to 1000mg throughout the day. I've found this routine keeps cold sores at bay during stressful times, although I advise consulting a doctor for personalised dosage recommendations.
Read More
9
Miracle remedy
19 people found this helpful
Best Amino Acid!!! Vitamins work. I’ve had more than five colds and cold sores in the past! This is a miracle remedy! From the very first days, I experience a surge of energy, need less sleep, and my general well-being improves. Scratches and bruises heal better, and my immunity has strengthened. I highly recommend this amino acid!
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Likely Very Effective
Based on 1 Research
9
  • All Researches
9
Lysine aids cold adaptation mechanisms
We set out to uncover how certain amino acids, particularly lysine, help with cold acclimation. Over three months, 20 men were monitored for physiological changes after being exposed to cold.

We found that continuous exposure led to faster cold-induced vasodilation and improved finger temperature. Notably, lysine was the only amino acid that significantly changed and positively correlated with these improvements in cold response.

In mouse trials, lysine supplementation helped maintain core body temperature during cold exposure, indicating its role in supporting metabolic adjustments to the cold.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 188 Reviews
8.1
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
7.5
Less outbreaks
60 people found this helpful
My last cold sore was 1.5 years ago. Since I started these supplements, I've experienced very few outbreaks, with the last being minor. I believe this product works, and I recommend taking it daily for anyone who suffers from cold sores.
Read More
9
Life saver
40 people found this helpful
As a cold sore sufferer, this product is essential. I buy both 250 count, 500mg and 100 count, 1000mg bottles. I take one 500mg tablet daily for prevention, and it drastically reduces my cold sore occurrences. If I sense one coming, I increase to 1000mg throughout the day. I've found this routine keeps cold sores at bay during stressful times, although I advise consulting a doctor for personalised dosage recommendations.
Read More
9
Miracle remedy
19 people found this helpful
Best Amino Acid!!! Vitamins work. I’ve had more than five colds and cold sores in the past! This is a miracle remedy! From the very first days, I experience a surge of energy, need less sleep, and my general well-being improves. Scratches and bruises heal better, and my immunity has strengthened. I highly recommend this amino acid!
Read More
7.5
Effective for cold
13 people found this helpful
I experience severe cold sores that spread across my entire lip and take more than 10 days to heal. After my friend suggested taking Lysine to reduce the duration of cold sores, I began using it regularly. It significantly lessens the size of the cold sores, and I no longer get them. I am incredibly pleased with the results!
Read More
9
Cold-free years
6 people found this helpful
Since starting this supplement, I have not had a cold for five years. It truly does the job for me!
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

10
Fast action
I took 3 tablets daily at the onset of a cold and by the third day, I felt no illness whatsoever. I attribute this to lysine, as I did not take any other medications.
7.5
Effective against herpes
3 people found this helpful
Herpes reoccurred but I recovered quite easily. As I frequently get cold sores, I took 500mg initially. The tingling on my lips prompted me to take it once or twice daily. Unfortunately, the morning after a tiring day, herpes emerged. I realised that the lysine may not have worked fully due to my recent chocolate and nut intake, and I suspect 500-1000mg was insufficient. Research suggests around 30mg per kg of body weight, ideally 1500 to 2000mg daily. I regret not starting treatment as soon as symptoms appeared. However, once I upped my intake to 1500-2000mg as soon as herpes began, the symptoms quickly improved, with little tingling or swelling, drying out by day 3 or 4. I believe lysine is a strong ally for managing herpes!
9
Stops cold sores
1 people found this helpful
It works! I am prone to cold sores after stress or a cold. Since I started taking a daily dose of L-Lysine, I haven't experienced a cold sore. If I run out and forget to replenish, I inevitably get a cold sore when I fall ill. I have taken it for several years.
9
Cold relief
3 people found this helpful
Excellent! My husband often suffers from cold sores. After reading about L-lysine, an amino acid not sufficiently supplied by food, I had him try it. After a month, he no longer experiences colds on his lips. I’m quite satisfied with the results!
10
Stops cold sore
I take this at the first sign of a cold sore, and it stops the sore in its tracks. No more cold sores!
9
Miracle remedy
19 people found this helpful
Best Amino Acid!!! Vitamins work. I’ve had more than five colds and cold sores in the past! This is a miracle remedy! From the very first days, I experience a surge of energy, need less sleep, and my general well-being improves. Scratches and bruises heal better, and my immunity has strengthened. I highly recommend this amino acid!
9
Cold sore relief.
I adore it! I’ve been taking L-Lysine to support my immune health and manage occasional cold sores. It’s been transformative. Within days, I noticed fewer outbreaks and quicker recoveries. It's gentle on my stomach and fits easily into my routine. The capsules are simple to swallow; the results are impressive. I highly recommend it to anyone facing similar challenges!
9
Cold sore relief
1 people found this helpful
This helped immensely during a cold; I took six tablets. A cold usually brings along cold sores, but thankfully, I avoided them this time. I also combined it with proline and omega.
9
No cold sores
3 people found this helpful
This product has been wonderful for managing cold sores. I’ve been using it for years and haven’t had a single cold sore. Before, I would encounter them after sun exposure. I typically take 500 mg daily, but I increase the dosage when I anticipate sun exposure.
10
Reliable brand choice
This brand has been reliable for years. NOW is an affordable, high-quality brand. This L-lysine completely zaps any cold sores I feel are starting to develop. I take 1000 mg three times a day for one or two days, and poof—no cold sore! It's best to take it right when you feel it coming.
9
Lysine aids cold adaptation mechanisms
We set out to uncover how certain amino acids, particularly lysine, help with cold acclimation. Over three months, 20 men were monitored for physiological changes after being exposed to cold.

We found that continuous exposure led to faster cold-induced vasodilation and improved finger temperature. Notably, lysine was the only amino acid that significantly changed and positively correlated with these improvements in cold response.

In mouse trials, lysine supplementation helped maintain core body temperature during cold exposure, indicating its role in supporting metabolic adjustments to the cold.

References

  1. Xue C, Zhu S, Li Y, Chen X, Lu L, et al. Cold exposure accelerates lysine catabolism to promote cold acclimation via remodeling hepatic histone crotonylation. Environ Int. 2024;192:109015. 10.1016/j.envint.2024.109015
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