Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are needed in several internal functions of the body. They are classified as “essential” or “non-essential”, essential amino acids mean they cannot be manufactured by the body and must be supplied in the diet to maintain good all-round health. A suboptimal intake of the essential amino acids increases the body’s need for the non-essential amino acids either through diet or supplementation. Foods that increase amino acid intake are meat, beans, cheese and eggs.

L-Lysine is an essential amino acid and is found in the muscle tissue. It is also a supplement that is popular with people for seasonal support. Eating a healthy and balanced diet will help achieve good levels of the amino acids we need and taking a supplement may be a convenient way to achieve and maintain our intake of L-Lysine.