Lysine (full name l-lysine HCL) is an amino acid. Find out more about this essential amino acid and its role in muscle gain and muscle building.
Essential amino acids are amino acids which our bodies can't produce by themselves through any other biological process: we simply must get them via either our diet or specific amino acid supplementation. Since it's very difficult to get adequate amounts of aminos through food (especially without taking on massive amounts of calories!), the easiest way to ensure proper amino acid levels is to use amino acid supplements. L-lysine supplements are one such example, and the only way to make sure you get exact, measurable amounts of this amino.
What does lysine do?
Lysine actually helps the human body produce carnitine, a nutrient which helps muscle tissue use fatty acids for energy. So if building muscle mass, adding size, or retaining your muscle is a key goal, lysine supplementation should be a priority. Almost every bodybuilder, physique athlete and strength/power athlete will already know about the importance of both l-lysine and l-carnitine as supplements.
As well as helping the body use fatty acids for fuel, the amino acid lysine protects the body's stores of calcium (by minimising the amount we lose through urine and boosting the amount we can naturally absorb from other sources). If you take muscle gain seriously, you should also pay attention to bone health. After all, big strong muscles are nothing without a solid frame from which to hang them. Lysine also encourages the body's production of collagen. This should be important to athletes, bodybuilders and anyone looking to build more muscle. As we add muscle, we put strain on the skin, ligaments, tendons and connective tissue. More collagen will help all of these tissues cope as the muscle fascia stretches.
The 101 on lysine supplement
Lysine is an essential amino acid which we must get from food or supplements. It's absolutely crucial for anyone who trains for muscle gain, hypertrophy, size or strength, because it supports bone and tissue health. Lysine helps the body create and absorb calcium and collagen, and assists in the use of fatty acids for fuel.
Tips for smarter use:
- Use l-lysine powder as you would any of your amino acids
- Supplement with l-lysine in powder or capsule form
- Add to your pre or post-workout nutrition along with other aminos, BCAAs, creatine or glutamine
- Use l-lysine consistently; there's no need to load or cycle, but you do need to keep on top of your intake
