Meta Information
ID:l-lysine
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/condition/renal-impairment
Target name:
Renal Impairment
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
High doses of L-Lysine have been associated with case reports of nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease.
Actionable advice:
Avoid L-Lysine supplementation if you have any form of kidney disease, unless explicitly approved by a nephrologist.
Target id:
/condition/lysinuric-protein-intolerance
Target name:
Lysinuric Protein Intolerance
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
This rare genetic disorder prevents the proper transport of lysine, arginine, and ornithine; supplementation can lead to severe complications like hyperammonemia.
Actionable advice:
L-Lysine supplementation is absolutely contraindicated for individuals with this genetic condition.
Target id:
/class/antibiotics-long-term
Target name:
Aminoglycoside Antibiotics
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Concurrent use of L-Lysine may potentiate the risk of kidney damage associated with aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking L-Lysine supplements during the entire course of treatment with an aminoglycoside antibiotic.
Target id:
/intervention/l-arginine
Target name:
L-Arginine
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
L-Lysine and L-Arginine are antagonistic and compete for the same cellular transport pathways, reducing the absorption and effectiveness of both when taken together.
Actionable advice:
Separate doses of L-Lysine and L-Arginine by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The safety of high-dose L-Lysine supplementation during pregnancy has not been established, and potential risks to fetal development are unknown.
Actionable advice:
Avoid L-Lysine supplements during pregnancy unless specifically directed by your physician.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is not known if supplemental L-Lysine is excreted in breast milk or what effects it may have on a nursing infant; therefore, it should be avoided.
Actionable advice:
Avoid L-Lysine supplements while breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal (especially high-protein)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0.5
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Taking L-Lysine with food, particularly protein-rich meals, can reduce its absorption due to competition for uptake with other amino acids.
Actionable advice:
For optimal absorption, take L-Lysine at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating.
Target id:
/class/calcium-supplements
Target name:
Calcium Supplements
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
L-Lysine has been shown to increase the intestinal absorption of calcium and may also reduce the amount of calcium lost in urine.
Actionable advice:
Taking L-Lysine with calcium may enhance calcium absorption, but be mindful of total daily calcium intake.
Target id:
/class/5-ht4-agonists
Target name:
5-HT4 Agonist Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
L-Lysine may act as a serotonin 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, which could theoretically reduce the effectiveness of medications that stimulate this receptor (e.g., prucalopride).
Actionable advice:
Separate L-Lysine from 5-HT4 agonist medications by at least 2 hours to avoid potential interference.
Target id:
/intervention/essential-amino-acids
Target name:
Essential Amino Acids (EAA) Supplements
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
L-Lysine is one of nine essential amino acids; taking it in isolation at high doses could theoretically contribute to an imbalance if dietary intake of other EAAs is insufficient.
Actionable advice:
Ensure adequate overall dietary protein or EAA intake when supplementing with high-dose, single amino acids.
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin_c_systemic_healthspan
Target name:
Vitamin C
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for two enzymes that use L-Lysine in the body's synthesis of L-Carnitine, a compound important for energy metabolism.
Actionable advice:
Ensure adequate Vitamin C intake to support the metabolic pathways that utilize L-Lysine.
Target id:
/biomarker/lipid-panel
Target name:
Lipid Panel (Cholesterol, Triglycerides)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Limited and older evidence has suggested a potential link between very high, long-term doses of L-Lysine and increased cholesterol or triglyceride levels, though this is not well-confirmed.
Actionable advice:
Consider periodic monitoring of your lipid panel if taking high doses (>3g/day) of L-Lysine for an extended period.