What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Benefits of Lysine and Vitamin C
The human body does not make its own lysine or vitamin C. Lysine and vitamin C are both important for joint health and hormone production 3. Both are easily destroyed by heat, making a review of cooking methods essential. Foods rich in vitamin C should be eaten raw whenever possible or tossed in at the end of preparation of a recipe 3. Stir-fry, grill or broil foods rich in vitamin C rather than roasting or toasting them 3.
Enzyme and Hormone Production
Lysine is one of nine essential amino acids that the body needs to make enzymes and hormones. Essential amino acids are ones that the body does not make on its own. One of the enzymes that lysine helps produce -- carnitine -- converts fatty acids into energy and helps to lower cholesterol. Adequate levels of lysine regulate the body's response to stress, while deficiencies raise stress levels and lower disease resistance, according a 2004 study published in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2"
Vitamin C helps the body produce thyroid hormone and metabolize folic acid, tyrosine and tryptophan 3. Vitamin C helps regulate stress by releasing norepinephrine and epinephrine 3.
- Lysine is one of nine essential amino acids that the body needs to make enzymes and hormones.
- One of the enzymes that lysine helps produce -- carnitine -- converts fatty acids into energy and helps to lower cholesterol.
Calcium Absorption
Foods High in Alkaline Phosphatase
Learn More
Lysine helps the body retain and absorb calcium. Roasting or toasting destroys lysine quickly, so eat nuts raw and stir-fry or broil meat instead of roasting. Calcium intake can be challenging for vegans and vegetarians, but plant-based products such as spirulina and soybeans help balance lysine intake.
Collagen Formation and Scurvy Prevention
Both lysine and vitamin C assist in collagen formation, which helps the body build connective tissues such as skin, tendons and cartilage 3. Collagen helps the body repair blood vessels, heal bruises and mend bone fractures.
Vitamin C prevents scurvy, a disruption of collagen manufacturing that causes lack of energy, tooth decay, gum inflammation and bleeding problems 3. The human body needs at least 10 milligrams of vitamin C per day to avoid scurvy 3.
Sources of Vitamin C and Lysine
Vitamins for an Overactive Bladder
Learn More
Related Articles
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lysine
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: Lysine Fortification Reduces Anxiety and Lessens Stress in Family Members in Economically Weak Communities in Northwest Syria
- ExRx.net: Vitamin C
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin C
- Acu-cel.com: Vitamin C Supplementation
Writer Bio
Jane Smith has provided educational support, served people with multiple challenges, managed up to nine employees and 86 independent contractors at a time, rescued animals, designed and repaired household items and completed a three-year metalworking apprenticeship. Smith's book, "Giving Him the Blues," was published in 2008. Smith received a Bachelor of Science in education from Kent State University in 1995.