L-Lysine - Available in Powder & Capsules, Now Foods

NOW Foods L-Lysine delivers pharmaceutical-grade, free-form essential amino acid support for cold sore management, collagen synthesis, immune function, and calcium absorption — available in a generous 453 g bulk powder or convenient 250-capsule format.

Why

L-lysine is one of nine essential amino acids — the body cannot make it and must obtain it entirely from diet or supplementation. It's best known for its role in managing herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreaks: the virus requires arginine to replicate, and lysine competes directly with arginine for absorption and cellular uptake, reducing the arginine available to the virus. Research consistently shows lysine supplementation reduces the frequency, severity, and duration of cold sore and HSV outbreaks. Beyond that, lysine is a critical building block for collagen — required for the hydroxylation of proline and the cross-linking of collagen fibres that give skin, tendons, ligaments, and bone their structural integrity. NOW Foods' free-form powder is 100% pure with no fillers or additives, offering outstanding value per serve in bulk format, or the same pharmaceutical-grade lysine in a convenient capsule.

Key Benefits

• Competes with arginine to reduce herpes simplex (HSV) replication — supports fewer, shorter, less severe cold sore outbreaks
• Essential for collagen synthesis — supports skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone integrity
• Supports antibody production and immune cell function
• May support mood and stress resilience via serotonin receptor modulation
• Enhances calcium absorption from the gut and reduces urinary calcium loss
• 100% pure, free-form, pharmaceutical-grade — no fillers or additives
• Available in bulk powder (453 g, ~378 servings) or capsules (250 caps)

Formula Highlights

• L-Lysine (Free-Form, Pharmaceutical Grade) – essential amino acid absorbed directly without conversion; free-form ensures rapid uptake
• Arginine Antagonism – lysine and arginine compete for the same intestinal transporters and cellular uptake pathways; higher lysine intake reduces arginine availability to HSV, limiting viral replication
• Collagen Cross-Linking – lysine is hydroxylated to hydroxylysine in collagen fibres, forming the cross-links that give connective tissue its tensile strength; inadequate lysine directly impairs collagen quality
• Calcium Metabolism – lysine enhances intestinal calcium absorption and reduces renal calcium excretion, supporting long-term bone density
• Serotonin Receptor Modulation – research suggests lysine may act as a partial serotonin receptor antagonist, contributing to stress and anxiety resilience

Supplement Facts

Powder: Serving Size: ¼ level teaspoon | Servings Per Container: ~378
Capsules: Serving Size: 1 capsule | Servings Per Container: 250

* Daily Value not established. Exact mg per serving as stated on product label.

Suggested Use

Powder: Take ¼ level teaspoon daily, preferably with meals. Mix into water, juice, or any liquid — virtually tasteless and dissolves easily. Sold by weight, not volume.
Capsules: Take as directed on label, preferably with meals.
For cold sore management, higher doses are commonly used — consult your healthcare practitioner for personalised guidance.

Other Ingredients

Powder: None. 100% pure L-lysine powder, no fillers or additives.
Capsules: Vegetarian capsule. No unnecessary fillers or additives. GMP quality assured.

About NOW Foods

Founded in 1968 and still family-owned, NOW Foods is one of the most trusted names in nutritional supplements worldwide. With over 1,400 products manufactured to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, NOW is committed to making high-quality natural products accessible and affordable. Their use of pure, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and transparent labelling has made them a go-to brand for health professionals and informed consumers for more than 50 years.

Warnings

For adults only. Consult your healthcare practitioner before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, managing kidney disease or impaired kidney function, or taking any medications. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place with lid tightly closed, away from heat and moisture.