Last update
3/25/2026
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 6 Researches
6.3
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 6 Reviews
7.9
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
L-Lysine (from 637 mg L-Lysine Hydrochloride)
500 mg
**
Top Medical Research Studies
8
Lysine helps reduce cold sore outbreaks
We examined the effectiveness of long-term lysine supplementation for preventing cold sores, specifically in individuals with a history of frequent outbreaks. Over a 12-month period, twenty-six volunteers participated in a double-blind study, taking daily doses of 1,000 mg of lysine.
Our findings indicated that those taking lysine experienced significantly fewer lesions compared to the control group. Moreover, when participants stopped the supplementation, their outbreaks increased. Maintaining serum lysine levels above 165 nmol/ml appeared crucial for effectiveness, highlighting lysine's potential benefits in managing recurrent cold sores.
Our findings indicated that those taking lysine experienced significantly fewer lesions compared to the control group. Moreover, when participants stopped the supplementation, their outbreaks increased. Maintaining serum lysine levels above 165 nmol/ml appeared crucial for effectiveness, highlighting lysine's potential benefits in managing recurrent cold sores.
Read More
9
Lysine shows potential for herpes relief
We surveyed 1,543 individuals over six months to explore the impact of lysine on herpes infections, including cold sores. Participants averaged a daily dose of 936 mg of lysine. An impressive 84% reported that this supplement either prevented recurrence or reduced the frequency of outbreaks. When comparing symptoms, 79% found them severe without lysine, while only 8% felt the same when using it. Healing times improved dramatically—90% took six to 15 days to heal without lysine, but 83% healed in five days or less with it. Overall, 88% deemed lysine an effective treatment.
Read More
4
L-lysine lacks preventive effectiveness
We explored whether L-lysine can effectively prevent cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Two researchers conducted a thorough literature review, examining various clinical studies.
Despite the interest, our findings indicate that L-lysine supplements, particularly less than 1 g per day, are ineffective for preventing outbreaks. Interestingly, higher doses, exceeding 3 g per day, were reported to enhance patients' overall experience with the condition.
However, we believe more extended studies focusing on higher dosages are necessary for conclusive results, especially for those with specific health concerns.
Despite the interest, our findings indicate that L-lysine supplements, particularly less than 1 g per day, are ineffective for preventing outbreaks. Interestingly, higher doses, exceeding 3 g per day, were reported to enhance patients' overall experience with the condition.
However, we believe more extended studies focusing on higher dosages are necessary for conclusive results, especially for those with specific health concerns.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Quick relief
2 people found this helpful
After just a few doses, my lip sore noticeably reduced. I'm really impressed by the quick results.
Read More
9
Reduced canker sores
1 people found this helpful
Since taking this, my canker sores have decreased. I was surprised how quickly a canker sore that used to take over a week to heal disappeared in a few days. I will keep using it!
Read More
9
Helps canker sores
Taking these tablets helps with canker sores. The smaller package size is convenient as I don’t get them often.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 6 Researches
6.3
- All Researches
9
We examined the effects of L-lysine, paired with botanicals and nutrients, on cold sores caused by the herpes virus. In this pilot study, 30 participants tracked symptoms like itching and soreness, revealing impressive results. By the third day, 40% experienced complete healing, which rose to 87% by day six. While most showed significant improvement, a couple did not respond as well. Importantly, the study had no reported adverse effects, showing that L-lysine could effectively ease cold sore symptoms.
Read More
9
Lysine shows potential for herpes relief
We surveyed 1,543 individuals over six months to explore the impact of lysine on herpes infections, including cold sores. Participants averaged a daily dose of 936 mg of lysine. An impressive 84% reported that this supplement either prevented recurrence or reduced the frequency of outbreaks. When comparing symptoms, 79% found them severe without lysine, while only 8% felt the same when using it. Healing times improved dramatically—90% took six to 15 days to heal without lysine, but 83% healed in five days or less with it. Overall, 88% deemed lysine an effective treatment.
Read More
8
Lysine helps reduce cold sore outbreaks
We examined the effectiveness of long-term lysine supplementation for preventing cold sores, specifically in individuals with a history of frequent outbreaks. Over a 12-month period, twenty-six volunteers participated in a double-blind study, taking daily doses of 1,000 mg of lysine.
Our findings indicated that those taking lysine experienced significantly fewer lesions compared to the control group. Moreover, when participants stopped the supplementation, their outbreaks increased. Maintaining serum lysine levels above 165 nmol/ml appeared crucial for effectiveness, highlighting lysine's potential benefits in managing recurrent cold sores.
Our findings indicated that those taking lysine experienced significantly fewer lesions compared to the control group. Moreover, when participants stopped the supplementation, their outbreaks increased. Maintaining serum lysine levels above 165 nmol/ml appeared crucial for effectiveness, highlighting lysine's potential benefits in managing recurrent cold sores.
Read More
4
We investigated how dietary changes and supplements affect skin conditions, focusing on cold sores. The review highlighted L-lysine’s benefits as a preventive measure, which may help ward off outbreaks. However, we found that it doesn't shorten the healing time of existing lesions. While there's plenty of anecdotal support, rigorous evidence remains limited for many dietary interventions in treating skin issues. Understanding these nutritional influences can guide us toward effective management options for cold sores.
Read More
4
L-lysine lacks preventive effectiveness
We explored whether L-lysine can effectively prevent cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Two researchers conducted a thorough literature review, examining various clinical studies.
Despite the interest, our findings indicate that L-lysine supplements, particularly less than 1 g per day, are ineffective for preventing outbreaks. Interestingly, higher doses, exceeding 3 g per day, were reported to enhance patients' overall experience with the condition.
However, we believe more extended studies focusing on higher dosages are necessary for conclusive results, especially for those with specific health concerns.
Despite the interest, our findings indicate that L-lysine supplements, particularly less than 1 g per day, are ineffective for preventing outbreaks. Interestingly, higher doses, exceeding 3 g per day, were reported to enhance patients' overall experience with the condition.
However, we believe more extended studies focusing on higher dosages are necessary for conclusive results, especially for those with specific health concerns.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 6 Reviews
7.9
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Quick relief
2 people found this helpful
After just a few doses, my lip sore noticeably reduced. I'm really impressed by the quick results.
Read More
9
Reduced canker sores
1 people found this helpful
Since taking this, my canker sores have decreased. I was surprised how quickly a canker sore that used to take over a week to heal disappeared in a few days. I will keep using it!
Read More
9
Helps canker sores
Taking these tablets helps with canker sores. The smaller package size is convenient as I don’t get them often.
Read More
6
Calms cold sores
It is said that consuming it calms cold sores somewhat, and it does seem effective.
Read More
2
No improvement noted
I noticed no improvement on my skin with this product, and it’s not suitable for thin sores.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
4
We investigated how dietary changes and supplements affect skin conditions, focusing on cold sores. The review highlighted L-lysine’s benefits as a preventive measure, which may help ward off outbreaks. However, we found that it doesn't shorten the healing time of existing lesions. While there's plenty of anecdotal support, rigorous evidence remains limited for many dietary interventions in treating skin issues. Understanding these nutritional influences can guide us toward effective management options for cold sores.
4
L-lysine lacks preventive effectiveness
We explored whether L-lysine can effectively prevent cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Two researchers conducted a thorough literature review, examining various clinical studies.
Despite the interest, our findings indicate that L-lysine supplements, particularly less than 1 g per day, are ineffective for preventing outbreaks. Interestingly, higher doses, exceeding 3 g per day, were reported to enhance patients' overall experience with the condition.
However, we believe more extended studies focusing on higher dosages are necessary for conclusive results, especially for those with specific health concerns.
Despite the interest, our findings indicate that L-lysine supplements, particularly less than 1 g per day, are ineffective for preventing outbreaks. Interestingly, higher doses, exceeding 3 g per day, were reported to enhance patients' overall experience with the condition.
However, we believe more extended studies focusing on higher dosages are necessary for conclusive results, especially for those with specific health concerns.
9
Lysine shows potential for herpes relief
We surveyed 1,543 individuals over six months to explore the impact of lysine on herpes infections, including cold sores. Participants averaged a daily dose of 936 mg of lysine. An impressive 84% reported that this supplement either prevented recurrence or reduced the frequency of outbreaks. When comparing symptoms, 79% found them severe without lysine, while only 8% felt the same when using it. Healing times improved dramatically—90% took six to 15 days to heal without lysine, but 83% healed in five days or less with it. Overall, 88% deemed lysine an effective treatment.
4
We conducted a thorough investigation into whether L-lysine could help prevent cold sores by examining 65 patients in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.
Throughout 12 weeks, while some patients received L-lysine, others were given a placebo. Although the overall recurrence rate of cold sores did not change significantly, a notable number of patients remained recurrence-free while on L-lysine compared to placebo, indicating potential benefits for some.
However, L-lysine did not impact the healing rate or appearance of herpes lesions.
Throughout 12 weeks, while some patients received L-lysine, others were given a placebo. Although the overall recurrence rate of cold sores did not change significantly, a notable number of patients remained recurrence-free while on L-lysine compared to placebo, indicating potential benefits for some.
However, L-lysine did not impact the healing rate or appearance of herpes lesions.
8
Lysine helps reduce cold sore outbreaks
We examined the effectiveness of long-term lysine supplementation for preventing cold sores, specifically in individuals with a history of frequent outbreaks. Over a 12-month period, twenty-six volunteers participated in a double-blind study, taking daily doses of 1,000 mg of lysine.
Our findings indicated that those taking lysine experienced significantly fewer lesions compared to the control group. Moreover, when participants stopped the supplementation, their outbreaks increased. Maintaining serum lysine levels above 165 nmol/ml appeared crucial for effectiveness, highlighting lysine's potential benefits in managing recurrent cold sores.
Our findings indicated that those taking lysine experienced significantly fewer lesions compared to the control group. Moreover, when participants stopped the supplementation, their outbreaks increased. Maintaining serum lysine levels above 165 nmol/ml appeared crucial for effectiveness, highlighting lysine's potential benefits in managing recurrent cold sores.
References
- Jamgochian M, Alamgir M, Rao B. Diet in Dermatology: Review of Diet's Influence on the Conditions of Rosacea, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Herpes Labialis, and Vitiligo. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2023;17:152. 10.1177/15598276211026592
- Mailoo VJ, Rampes S. Lysine for Herpes Simplex Prophylaxis: A Review of the Evidence. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2017;16:42. PubMed
- Singh BB, Udani J, Vinjamury SP, Der-Martirosian C, Gandhi S, et al. Safety and effectiveness of an L-lysine, zinc, and herbal-based product on the treatment of facial and circumoral herpes. Altern Med Rev. 2005;10:123. PubMed
- Thein DJ, Hurt WC. Lysine as a prophylactic agent in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1984;58:659. PubMed
- Walsh DE, Griffith RS, Behforooz A. Subjective response to lysine in the therapy of herpes simplex. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1983;12:489. PubMed
- Milman N, Scheibel J, Jessen O. Lysine prophylaxis in recurrent herpes simplex labialis: a double-blind, controlled crossover study. Acta Derm Venereol. 1980;60:85. PubMed
Data last updated:
