General Dosage
1-3 g daily, divided into 2-3 doses
Maximum dose: 3-6 g/day has been used safely; very high chronic doses may increase cholesterol in rare cases
L-Lysine Dosage Guide
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Dosage Recommendations
General recommendation: 1-3 g daily, divided into 2-3 doses
Timing: With meals or on an empty stomach; for HSV, consistent daily dosing is key
Dosage by Condition
| Condition | Recommended Dose | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Herpes simplex prevention | 1 g three times daily during outbreaks; 500-1000 mg daily for prevention | Moderate |
| Collagen support | 500-1000 mg daily | Moderate |
| Calcium absorption | 400-800 mg daily | Moderate |
Upper limit: 3-6 g/day has been used safely; very high chronic doses may increase cholesterol in rare cases
Timing & Absorption
With meals or on an empty stomach; for HSV, consistent daily dosing is key
Can be taken with or without food.
References
- Griffith RS, Walsh DE, Myrmel KH, et al. (1987). Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Dermatologica. DOI PubMed
- Civitelli R, Villareal DT, Agnusdei D, et al. (1992). Dietary L-lysine and calcium metabolism in humans. Nutrition. PubMed
- Smriga M, Ando T, Akutsu M, et al. (2007). Oral treatment with L-lysine and L-arginine reduces anxiety and basal cortisol levels in healthy humans. Biomedical Research. DOI PubMed