Lysine and human nutrition
Cynober, L.
Annales de Biologie Clinique 49(1): 40-44
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-3898 PMID: 1904696 Document Number: 387187
Lysine is one of the 8 essential amino acids, i.e. it is not synthetized by the body. As such, lysine has been the object of controversy for numerous years with regard to recommended daily intake. Initially defined in terms of nitrogen balances, these values have been increased following studies based on stable isotopes. In parenteral nutrition, the supply of lysine is generally between 0.39 and 0.55 g/g of nitrogen, with the exception of products for babies (Primene, Vaminolac) in which values are higher. In the light of the metabolic pattern in pathologic situations and the speed of metabolization of perfused lysine, it would appear that lysine supplies are excessive. In certain states of malnutrition such as in patients with renal failure, large supplies of lysine are not only unnecessary but contra-indicated since this amino acid shows a certain degree of nephrotoxicity. Finally, in spontaneous nutrition, excessive lysine intake would appear to be atherogenic.