Effectiveness of Lysine Supplements for Depression Symptoms

Fleeting moments of mental disconnection or sadness are relatively common among healthy adults; however, if you experience sensations of sadness, anxiety or depression for extended periods of time then you may have a more serious depression problem. According to the National Institute of Mental health, those with depression often experience a decrease in the quality of their life as well as detrimental effects to their work and interpersonal lives.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that nearly one in every ten American adults suffer from clinical depression. While the treatment of depression typically involves prescription medications and therapy, if you wish to combat your depression naturally the use of lysine may be beneficial. Prior to starting a lysine supplemental routine, talk with your doctor to determine its safety and effectiveness.

What is Lysine?

Lysine is an essential amino acid, and among its many responsibilities within your body, lysine aids in the formation of collage as well as supporting the internal production of proteins. Although lysine is essential for a properly functioning body, this compound is not made naturally within your body, thus you must consume this amino acid through supplements or dietary sources.

Effects of Lysine on Depression Symptoms:

According to the most recent scientific journals, there is a direct connection between lysine levels in your body and depression symptoms. Although the majority of studies focus on the effects lysine has on anxiety, these studies may be applied to those with depression as anxiety is often accompanied with depression.

The Bastyr Center for Natural Health outlines a research study found in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences where researchers studies men and women among regions where lysine deficiency is common. Researchers then gave villagers wheat that was fortified with lysine. After the conclusion of the study, men who ate the fortified wheat experienced a significant decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms; however, women did not showcase any anti-anxiety/depression benefits from the lysine-fortified wheat.

According to the informational side LifeExtension, the amino acids found in lysine works as a serotonin receptor site antagonist, thus if you do not consume ample lysine you may be more prone to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Dosage:

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should consume 12 milligrams of lysine per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Using this formula, a 180 pound man should consume 972 milligrams of lysine every day. Lysine may be found in a wide variety of dietary sources such as eggs, red meats, fish and soy. However, you may also obtain lysine through supplements.

References Used:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/what-is-depression.shtml

National Institutes of Mental Health: What is Depression?

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/dsDepression/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: An Estimated 1 in 10 U.S. Adults Report Depression

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lysine-000312.htm

University of Maryland Medical Center: Lysine

http://bastyrcenter.org/content/view/641/

Bastyr Center for Natural Health: Anxiety Caused by Lysine Deficiency

http://www.lef.org/protocols/emotional_health/anxiety_01.htm

LifeExtension: Anxiety