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What Kind Of Kidney Problems Are Associated With L-lysine Intake?
Question: What kind of kidney problems are associated with taking L-lysine?
Brief Answer:
particularly with previous kidney disease
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
High dose lysine can be associated with causing acute kidney failure in some persons or can worsen kidney disease
If there is a prior history of kidney disease then lysine can potentially accumulate because the body is unable to excrete it appropriately.
Acute kidney failure can result in swelling of the legs and abdomen due to fluid accumulation,decrease in urine output, nausea and vomiting, malaise, fatigue,loss of appetite.
Kidney disease can be detected by routine blood tests such as creatinine and BUN.
High doses can also affect cholesterol levels in some persons so you may want to monitor for any changes. Increased levels of cholesterol can result in gallstone formation.
In terms of reducing herpetic outbreaks, it has been shown to be useful in some persons, the effective dose is thought to be 1g three times daily.
It can be found in foods rich in protein whether meat or plant sources (if you are vegetarian).
Summary: high doses can be associated with kidney disease particularly if there is a previous history of kidney disease
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
particularly with previous kidney disease
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
High dose lysine can be associated with causing acute kidney failure in some persons or can worsen kidney disease
If there is a prior history of kidney disease then lysine can potentially accumulate because the body is unable to excrete it appropriately.
Acute kidney failure can result in swelling of the legs and abdomen due to fluid accumulation,decrease in urine output, nausea and vomiting, malaise, fatigue,loss of appetite.
Kidney disease can be detected by routine blood tests such as creatinine and BUN.
High doses can also affect cholesterol levels in some persons so you may want to monitor for any changes. Increased levels of cholesterol can result in gallstone formation.
In terms of reducing herpetic outbreaks, it has been shown to be useful in some persons, the effective dose is thought to be 1g three times daily.
It can be found in foods rich in protein whether meat or plant sources (if you are vegetarian).
Summary: high doses can be associated with kidney disease particularly if there is a previous history of kidney disease
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have been taking 500mg twice per day of L-lysine successfully suppressing herpes outbreaks for ten years. However, recently noticed some slight pain and discomfort in my kidneys, then only my left kidney, but slight pain and discomfort is now in front left side of abdomen as well. Pain and discomfort is mild but concerns me because it is consistent. Do you believe this is likely due to the L-lysine or other diagnoses more likely.
Brief Answer:
may not be due to lysine
Detailed Answer:
HI
There are different types of kidney diseases. Stones in the kidneys or a mass would cause pain but acute kidney failure is not normally associated with pain and this is the main possible renal sequelae of lysine use.
Acute kidney failure is normally associated with the symptoms mentioned, pain is not a common symptom of this condition. The pain that you are experiencing is not likely due to the lysine.
Stones in the urinary tract do cause pain with is severe and cramping. When in the kidneys or ureter, the pain is normally felt from the loin to the groin.
A mass would also cause pain but would normally be associated with additional kidney failure symptoms as well.
Consistent pain on your left side could result from any structure in this area from the skin inwards- skin, muscles and other soft tissue, ribs (if upper abdomen), liver, gallbladder,intestines, kidney.
It would be best to see your doctor for an assessment if possible to determine the source of the pain.
This would require physical examination of the area and possibly blood tests and imaging (the need for any investigations would be determine on examination.)
Please feel free to ask any other questions
may not be due to lysine
Detailed Answer:
HI
There are different types of kidney diseases. Stones in the kidneys or a mass would cause pain but acute kidney failure is not normally associated with pain and this is the main possible renal sequelae of lysine use.
Acute kidney failure is normally associated with the symptoms mentioned, pain is not a common symptom of this condition. The pain that you are experiencing is not likely due to the lysine.
Stones in the urinary tract do cause pain with is severe and cramping. When in the kidneys or ureter, the pain is normally felt from the loin to the groin.
A mass would also cause pain but would normally be associated with additional kidney failure symptoms as well.
Consistent pain on your left side could result from any structure in this area from the skin inwards- skin, muscles and other soft tissue, ribs (if upper abdomen), liver, gallbladder,intestines, kidney.
It would be best to see your doctor for an assessment if possible to determine the source of the pain.
This would require physical examination of the area and possibly blood tests and imaging (the need for any investigations would be determine on examination.)
Please feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX
I have a couple of other questions. I noticed among persons (on-line)who suffer from herpes infection which I understand to be quite a few people in the U. S. (about 1 in 4 or 5), L-lysine seems to be a rather common choice of treatment because of the low cost and it is effective. Fewer seem aware of the similar effectiveness of Zinc in even smaller doses (1 50mg tablet per day). If L-lysine has such serious health concerns established why are these warnings not more publicized? Why is Zinc not more established as an alternative?
I tell you these things partially because I want you and your colleagues to be able to assist more people who are suffering and do not know of these alternatives. I notice when I mention these remedies to doctors (several) they generally seem unaware. Is this because they are unaware or because of their commitment to drug companies?
I have a couple of other questions. I noticed among persons (on-line)who suffer from herpes infection which I understand to be quite a few people in the U. S. (about 1 in 4 or 5), L-lysine seems to be a rather common choice of treatment because of the low cost and it is effective. Fewer seem aware of the similar effectiveness of Zinc in even smaller doses (1 50mg tablet per day). If L-lysine has such serious health concerns established why are these warnings not more publicized? Why is Zinc not more established as an alternative?
I tell you these things partially because I want you and your colleagues to be able to assist more people who are suffering and do not know of these alternatives. I notice when I mention these remedies to doctors (several) they generally seem unaware. Is this because they are unaware or because of their commitment to drug companies?
Brief Answer:
prefer meds with loads of studies
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
At present though there are a lot of patient reported positive outcomes with lysine and herpes, the overall effect of lysine in this condition is unknown.
The medical community would base treatment options only after many studies have shown conclusive effects.
The best kind of medical study is what is called a randomized, double blinded (person does not know what taking and evaluating person also not aware).
Most studies were prior to 2001 and of these, only 7 were of this standard. Out of these, 6 showed some decrease in the frequency of attacks but only 2 of them showed a definite decrease in severity or duration of attacks.
In terms of the kidney function- this ,as mentioned, is likely at high doses or if the person already has a history of kidney disease. Most persons would not have adverse effects.
The warnings are not publicized as much because it is not a traditional medicine. Most protocols regarding stringent testing of medication and establishing side effects, benefits etc, relate only to traditional meds.
Non traditional meds or supplements most often do not require testing before they are used therefore risks are not as clearing documented and revealed.
Most doctors are provided with info on traditional meds because we can safely say what may or may not occur because of the wealth of studies behind the meds before they can reach the shelf.
Because we are not given the same amount of info on non traditional meds then sometimes there is a hesitancy to prescribe or suggest.
It is not related to loyalty to drug companies but reliance on supporting or non supporting data.
Though patient reporting is very important, it is not enough.
More studies may be needed.
Please feel free to ask any additional medications
prefer meds with loads of studies
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
At present though there are a lot of patient reported positive outcomes with lysine and herpes, the overall effect of lysine in this condition is unknown.
The medical community would base treatment options only after many studies have shown conclusive effects.
The best kind of medical study is what is called a randomized, double blinded (person does not know what taking and evaluating person also not aware).
Most studies were prior to 2001 and of these, only 7 were of this standard. Out of these, 6 showed some decrease in the frequency of attacks but only 2 of them showed a definite decrease in severity or duration of attacks.
In terms of the kidney function- this ,as mentioned, is likely at high doses or if the person already has a history of kidney disease. Most persons would not have adverse effects.
The warnings are not publicized as much because it is not a traditional medicine. Most protocols regarding stringent testing of medication and establishing side effects, benefits etc, relate only to traditional meds.
Non traditional meds or supplements most often do not require testing before they are used therefore risks are not as clearing documented and revealed.
Most doctors are provided with info on traditional meds because we can safely say what may or may not occur because of the wealth of studies behind the meds before they can reach the shelf.
Because we are not given the same amount of info on non traditional meds then sometimes there is a hesitancy to prescribe or suggest.
It is not related to loyalty to drug companies but reliance on supporting or non supporting data.
Though patient reporting is very important, it is not enough.
More studies may be needed.
Please feel free to ask any additional medications
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Although I successfully supress herpes outbreaks, I have had very little sexual desire since menopause about 8 yrs. ago. Very busy. Had not had sex for 6 yrs. until a month ago. Is this very unusual? Is it possible to increase desire after menopause? Not married, but now have relationship,but w/ lack of desire for sex & experienced some pain during intercourse.
Brief Answer:
a lubricant would relieve the pain
Detailed Answer:
HI
Libido can diminish to varying extents with menopause. Some women only have minimal changes whereas others experience significant reductions.
The pain may be related to dryness of the vaginal area which can occur as a result of menopause. The use of lubrication would help to alleviate this discomfort.
There is no specific treatment for low sexual desire in women though some doctors may prescribe a formulation of testosterone to see if it has an effect. Both women and men have this hormone, decreased levels can be associated with low libido in both sexes.
You may want to consider speaking to your gynaecologist to discuss your options.
If anything else is unclear, feel free to let me know
a lubricant would relieve the pain
Detailed Answer:
HI
Libido can diminish to varying extents with menopause. Some women only have minimal changes whereas others experience significant reductions.
The pain may be related to dryness of the vaginal area which can occur as a result of menopause. The use of lubrication would help to alleviate this discomfort.
There is no specific treatment for low sexual desire in women though some doctors may prescribe a formulation of testosterone to see if it has an effect. Both women and men have this hormone, decreased levels can be associated with low libido in both sexes.
You may want to consider speaking to your gynaecologist to discuss your options.
If anything else is unclear, feel free to let me know
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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