Lysine is an essential amino acid that our bodies cannot produce on its own. Lysine is important for the production of collagen and elastin, which helps to keep skin, hair and nails healthy. It is also needed for the absorption of calcium and the prevention of osteoporosis. Lysine is found in foods such as meat, fish, dairy, eggs and soy.
The recommended daily intake of lysine is 12 mg per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person weighing 70 kg would need to take 840 mg of lysine per day. However, people who are at risk of lysine deficiency, such as vegetarians or vegans, may need to take more.