L Lysine is one of the essential amino acids that the body needs to build proteins. Found mostly in meats, vegetarians are at fairly high risk of Lysine deficiency. The body needs a good supply of all the essential amino acids in order to properly create, build and use proteins. Should one be deficient in any one amino acid, it will decrease the efficiency of all the others. So for those who generally do not eat meat or are otherwise not getting the right amount of Lysine, supplements are available.

Even people who are getting the right amount of Lysine from foods, deficiency may still occur. Lysine in foods can be destroyed by cooking at too high a temperature, for example. How can you tell if you are suffering from Lysine deficiency? Symptoms include bloodshot eyes, loss of energy, inability to concentrate, loss of appetite and even hair loss. Should these symptoms arrive, take care and get supplements sooner rather than later, as deficiency can lead to greater problems such as anemia, reproductive disorders and, in younger ones, delayed growth.

In most health stores and pharmacies, Lysine supplements are easily found and sold at 500 milligram and 1000 milligram dosages. There are two different kinds of supplements from which to choose, though it is recommended to take L-lysine as it is easier to take. These supplements are available in tablets, capsules, creams and liquids, so go right ahead and take your pick! For children aged 2 to 12, on average it is recommended to take 23 milligrams a day, or 10 milligrams per pound of body weight daily. For adults 13 and older, taking 12 milligrams a day is usually sufficient.

Because side-effects may occur when interacting with other medications, Lysine and all other dietary supplements should only be taken while supervised by a knowledgeable health care provider. Only a doctor can decide the proper amounts a patient should take on a daily basis after diagnosing them with Lysine deficiency.