Can you have lysine while breastfeeding?

Understanding Lysine and Breastfeeding
Lysine, an essential amino acid, plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the production of proteins, hormones, and enzymes. For breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether to include lysine in their diet or as a supplement is a common concern, particularly for those dealing with issues like cold sores, which lysine is often used to manage.
Safety of Lysine During Breastfeeding
Research indicates that lysine is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. When lysine is ingested, only a small fraction—approximately 0.5% of the administered dose—is excreted into breast milk. This amount is clinically insignificant, meaning it is unlikely to affect the nursing infant adversely. Furthermore, lysine is present in breast milk primarily as part of proteins rather than as a free amino acid, which further minimizes any potential risks.
Potential Side Effects
While lysine is deemed safe, some nursing mothers may experience side effects from lysine supplements. Reports suggest that high doses can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as abdominal pain or gallstones. Additionally, although rare, there is a possibility of severe allergic reactions. Therefore, moderation is key, and mothers should consult healthcare providers before starting any new supplement regimen.
Dietary Considerations
For breastfeeding mothers, ensuring adequate lysine intake through diet is essential. Foods rich in lysine include meat, fish, dairy products, and legumes. This natural intake is typically sufficient to meet the body’s needs without the necessity for supplementation. However, for those who may require additional lysine—such as individuals prone to cold sores—supplementation can be a viable option, provided it is done cautiously and under medical guidance.
Conclusion
In summary, lysine can be safely included in the diets of breastfeeding mothers, either through food sources or supplements, with minimal risk to infants. However, it is advisable for mothers to monitor their intake and consult healthcare professionals to tailor their dietary choices to their specific health needs. As always, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for both maternal and infant health during the breastfeeding period.

Can L-lysine cause weight gain?

Lysine supplements significantly increase weight gain, nitrogen retention, and stabilized albumin levels, whereas the withdrawal of the supplement significantly reduced the weight gain.

Should I take lysine every day to prevent cold sores?

Lysine is available as an oral supplement and a cream. To treat a cold sore infection, apply lysine cream to the affected area every two hours for 11 days. To manage cold sore infections, the recommended dosage for oral supplements is 1 gram three times daily. To help prevent them, the dosage is 1 gram daily.

Why does lysine get rid of cold sores?

Lysine may help to slow down or prevent the growth of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is responsible for cold sores. HSV-1 requires arginine, which is another amino acid, to grow. Lysine helps prevent the body from absorbing arginine, making it difficult for HSV-1 to grow and reproduce.

How much lysine should I take to prevent cold sores?

These studies have claimed that lysine helps in healing and preventing cold sores. The recommended daily dose for prevention is between 1500-3000mg. If you feel an outbreak coming on, you will want to increase your dosage to 3000 mg. Continue this dosage until scabbing occurs.

Can you take lysine for cold sores while pregnant?

Certain people — like those who are pregnant or breastfeeding — should avoid taking lysine supplements until research can determine if it’s safe for them.

Is it safe to take lysine while breastfeeding?

Lysine may block the amount of calcium that can be absorbed, so supplements are not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Pregnant women should be able to get the proper amount of amino acids from eating a balanced diet that includes proteins.

What can I take for cold sores while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding and cold sores
Cold sores occur commonly around the time of delivery, so it is important to treat cold sores aggressively to prevent transmission to a newborn baby. Aciclovir cream, aciclovir or valaciclovir tablets are all considered safe while breastfeeding.

Who should not take lysine?

While lysine in the diet is considered safe, excessive doses may cause gallstones. There have also been reports of renal dysfunction, including Fanconi syndrome and renal failure. Talk to your doctor before taking supplemental lysine if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What supplements should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Dietary Supplements and Herbs to Avoid When Breastfeeding

• Answer: Certain herbals, high dose vitamins, and other dietary supplements can be dangerous to breastfed babies through breast milk.
• Aloe latex.
• Ashwagandha.
• Berberine/goldenseal.
• Bilberry.
• Black cohosh.
• Butterbur.
• Dong quai.

What does lysine do for babies?

High splanchnic lysine extraction in preterm infants in their first weeks of life may be necessary to provide amino acids for their high intestinal protein synthesis during a period of rapid adaptation to enteral feeding.