Can you take lysine tablets when breastfeeding?

Understanding Lysine and Breastfeeding
Lysine, an essential amino acid, plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including protein synthesis and the production of hormones and enzymes. For breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether to take lysine supplements, particularly in tablet form, is a common concern, especially when dealing with issues like cold sores or dietary deficiencies.
Safety of Lysine Supplements During Breastfeeding
Research indicates that lysine is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Studies show that when lysine is administered, only a small fraction—approximately 0.5% of the administered dose—is excreted into breast milk. This amount is deemed clinically insignificant, meaning it is unlikely to have any adverse effects on the nursing infant. Furthermore, lysine is naturally present in many foods, and dietary sources are typically safe for both mothers and their babies.
However, while the supplementation of lysine is regarded as safe, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to approach this with caution. Experts recommend that any supplementation should ideally be discussed with a healthcare provider, particularly for those who are new mothers or have specific health conditions. This is to ensure that the benefits outweigh any potential risks, even if those risks are minimal.
Dietary Sources vs. Supplements
For mothers looking to increase their lysine intake, focusing on dietary sources is often the best approach. Foods rich in lysine include meat, fish, dairy products, and certain legumes. These natural sources not only provide lysine but also come with a host of other nutrients beneficial for both mother and child.
In contrast, while lysine tablets can be effective for specific health issues, such as managing cold sores, the lack of extensive research on the safety of these supplements during breastfeeding means that caution is warranted. The consensus among health professionals is that while occasional use may be safe, regular supplementation should be carefully considered.
Conclusion
In summary, lysine tablets can be taken while breastfeeding, but it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. The small amount of lysine that enters breast milk is unlikely to pose a risk to infants, but individual health circumstances can vary. Prioritizing dietary sources of lysine is a safe and effective way to meet nutritional needs during this critical period.

Does lysine really prevent cold sores?

One study, published in Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, revealed that lysine supplementation of less than 1 gram per day wasn’t effective at treating or preventing cold sore outbreaks, but higher doses — above 3 grams per day — seemed to have a positive effect on patients.

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.

How fast does lysine work on cold sores?

Another study of 1,543 patients with active cold sore lesions found that 85% of subjects who took 1,000 mg of oral lysine said their lesions healed in five days, compared to 90% reporting lesions taking six to 15 days to heal when they did not take lysine.

Is lysine safe to take while pregnant?

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if lysine is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

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.

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.

Who should avoid 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.

Does L-lysine help with cold sores?

You can take lysine supplements every day to treat or prevent cold sores. Research suggests this is safe for most people, provided you take a reasonable dose. If you’re taking lysine supplements to prevent an outbreak, take no more than 1 gm per day. A dose of 500 mg a day has been shown to be effective.