Top Pick
- Gluten-free.
- Non-GMO.
- A hefty dose of lysine.
Although pushing yourself to the max in the gym—often the results don’t seem deserving of your mammoth efforts.
However, using lysine supplements can vastly elevate workout returns—helping you achieve your training goals faster.
This article explains the powerful effects of lysine for the dedicated gym-junkie and the best five products on the market.
The Best Lysine Supplements - Top Five
Here is our selection of the best lysine supplements currently available:
1. Nutricost L-Lysine
If you’re looking for the most potent pure lysine product on the market—this could be one of the best lysine supplements for you. That’s because it packs in a mighty dose of 1000 mg per serving (two pills).
Hence, I would suggest that this product is ideal for those people looking to really maximize their training returns.
This lysine supplement includes 500 capsules, delivering 250 servings—enough to last over eight months. So, if you’re planning on being a long-term user—it may suit.
For peace of mind—this product is made in the USA and is third-party tested for quality and purity.
- Pros
- Gluten and GMO-free.
- A hefty dose of lysine.
- Large supply.
- Cons
- The capsules include gelatin hence this supplement is not suitable for vegans.
2. Pure Encapsulations L-Lysine
I would suggest that if you’re one of those people who unfortunately succumb to allergens—this may be one of the best lysine supplements for you.
This is due to the fact that, as the “pure” name suggests, this product is completely hypoallergenic. Furthermore, this supplement is guaranteed to be free from many of the most common food-induced intolerances, including soy, gluten, peanuts, eggs, and artificial sweeteners and colorings.
Each product contains 270 servings (nine months use) of a solid dose of 500 mg of lysine.
If you’re vegan—you can consume with confidence. The usual gelatin capsule is replaced by vegetable cellulose.
- Pros
- Non-GMO.
- Free from pill coatings, dairy, and magnesium stearate.
- Made in Massachusetts, USA.
- Cons
- Some users found the pill difficult to swallow.
3. Solgar L-Lysine Vegetable Capsules
If tradition is important to you—this may be the ideal supplement. This lysine option comes from Solgar, a company which has been making quality nutritional products since way back in 1947.
Inside the retro-styled brown bottle, there are 250 tablets (eight months use) providing 500 mg of lysine each.
Suitable for vegetarian and kosher diets (although not vegan), this supplement is particularly targeted at enhancing the skin, bodily tissues, and lips. Hence, if you’re looking to promote an outwardly healthy appearance—this may appeal.
The lid on the bottle is a normal “screw-cap”, so if you have inquisitive children it may be best to place out of reach.
- Pros
- Modern science with a retro feel.
- Free of GMO, gluten, wheat, dairy, and sodium.
- Great for outward beauty.
- Cons
- A few customers have indicated it can be a little harsh on the stomach.
4. Superior Labs L-Lysine 100% Natural
If you’re a first-time lysine user and unsure whether it’s going to be the right supplement for you—this could be a good choice.
With just 120 capsules (four months use) you’re not buying a massive bulk of the product—should you decide to discontinue use. That being said, each one of the 120 capsules provides an effective dose of 500 mg of lysine.
Alternatively, if you demand products that have met the ultimate in safety-testing, it might be perfect. These lysine capsules are manufactured in an FDA registered facility and declared safe from pesticides, allergens, and heavy metals.
- Pros
- Free from GMO, artificial colors, and flavors.
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Strict testing procedures.
- Cons
- Pill count may be insufficient for some users.
5. Quantum Health SuperLysine
This could prove to be one of the best lysine supplements for users who demand more than just one ingredient from their products.
On top of the massive dose of 1500 mg of lysine it includes:
- Garlic and echinacea to boost the immune system.
- Propolis to act as an antioxidant.
- Licorice to improve stomach function and health.
Each bottle contains 180 easy-to-swallow capsules. However, as three tablets are required in each serving, this product will only last two months.
It’s guaranteed to be free from yeast, wheat, milk, soy, sugar, and preservatives.
- Pros
- Suitable for people looking for an all-around immune system booster.
- Free of many common allergens.
- Attractively styled bottle.
- Cons
- The 1500 mg dose of lysine may prove too much for some users.
- Inclusion of garlic may promote a taste that isn’t acceptable to all palates.
- Many tablets need to be taken daily.
Informational guide to Lysine Supplements
What Are Lysine Supplements?
Lysine is an essential amino acid—meaning your body cannot manufacture it itself. Hence, obtaining sufficient amounts of this compound has to be done through ingestion. Here’s a quick informative video to explain.
While some plant-based foods include lysine (mainly lentils and beans), it’s most prolific in animal products such as red meat, dairy, and fish. Within humans, lysine plays key roles in both the repair and growth of tissue and bones.
However, often we are lacking in this highly important amino acid. Firstly, people with specific dietary requirements, such as vegans and vegetarians, often find their lysine intake is limited due to the absence of meat.
Secondly, research has indicated that modern food processing methods can actually damage lysine—meaning that despite your best efforts your intake may not be as high as you think.
The simple answer is lysine supplements.
In pill form, these products deliver a pure, clean dose of lysine. Meaning, that you can achieve your daily targets without having to follow a strict nutritional plan. Currently, the recommended dose for adults is 35 mg per kilo (15.9 mg per pound). Hence an average guy weighing 180 pounds needs around 2.8 grams of lysine per day.
What’s more, these products can elevate lysine stores, which, as discussed next in this lysine supplements article, can provide serious exercise and training improvements.
The Benefits of Lysine
Here are the main advantages of ensuring that your lysine reserves are in top form through supplementation.
Builds Muscle
Exercise, especially resistance training, builds mass through muscle protein synthesis. Lifting weights effectively damage the muscles, which then rebuild larger and stronger.
Lysine supplementation has been shown to promote muscle protein synthesis—meaning that training returns are enhanced and size and definition increase—faster than through exercise alone.
Prevents Catabolism
Overtraining can cause catabolism—the breaking down of muscle. If the body has insufficient glycogen it can look to muscles to supply the energy—reducing their size.
Furthermore, during dieting or cutting, a caloric deficit can also push the body into a catabolic state. Thus meaning the months of training to build definition are wasted.
Research has indicated that lysine prevents the utilization of muscle proteins for energy—preserving lean mass.
Boosts Carnitine
Lysine elevate carnitine levels. When lysine combines with iron and vitamin B6—carnitine is produced.
Elevated levels of this important compound result in:
- Faster fat loss.
- Improved brain function.
- Reduced recovery times post-exercise.
- Increased muscle oxygenation—promoting muscle growth and stamina.
Health
In addition to the exercise advantages, lysine is a potent health-enhancer. It can:
- Prevent cold sores.
- Lower stress and anxiety levels.
- Improve calcium absorption.
- Promote healing and recovery.
How to Take Lysine Supplements
Lysine supplements should be taken daily. The dose depends upon your current intake from food and the results you’re trying to achieve—usually this ranges from 500 to 1000 mg.
Generally speaking—children shouldn’t be given lysine. However, if they have particular medical issues or are following a vegan or vegetarian diet—they may be required.
In these circumstances, consult with your medical practitioner for advice first.
Research has indicated that supplementing with lysine supplements is safe—with the only reported side effects being diarrhea and occasional stomach pain.
What to Look for in the Best Lysine Supplements
As all products aren’t the same—it’s important that you select the correct product for your own personal needs.
Here are some features you should consider when selecting your supplement.
Capsule or Pill Count
The supply included in one particular product can range anywhere from one to six months. If you’re committed to using lysine supplements for the long-term—a large pill count would be beneficial.
However, if you’re just dipping your feet into the water and want to see how you feel after supplementing for the first time—a smaller volume may be more appropriate.
Dose
The ideal dose depends upon your current dietary requirements. If you’re receiving too little in your food then a higher amount of lysine is required. Or, if you’re looking for making some serious gains—a high level of lysine may also be more appropriate.
Additives and Source
Depending on current dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances, or social awareness factors—it may be important to consider what else is included in the product and how and where it’s manufactured.
Vegan, vegetarian, and environmentally-friendly products are increasingly available.
Conclusion
Obtaining sufficient lysine from food can prove tough—but lysine supplements can ensure you’re achieving the required daily intake.
While all the reviewed products are leaders in the market—I believe both the Nutricost L-Lysine and Pure Encapsulations L-Lysine stands above the rest.
This is a sole supplement, delivering a hefty load of 1000 mg of potent lysine. Furthermore, it comes as a long 8-month supply, is produced in the USA, and is free from GMO and gluten.
To be fair, other users may find Quantum Health’s SuperLysine attractive if they prefer a multi-ingredient supplement—or the Pure Encapsulations if allergies are an issue.
However, for the ultimate in lysine supplementation—it has to be the Nutricost L-Lysine.
