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Dietary supplement

L-Lysine 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natural Factors

Capsule Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

L-Lysine 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Natural Factors with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for cold sores (herpes labialis), genital herpes outbreaks, supporting protein and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 1 medication has a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are L-Lysine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Lysine 500 mg by Natural Factors

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: L-lysine at 500 mg per capsule. L-lysine is an amino acid your body needs for protein synthesis and other functions.

The remaining ingredients—vegetarian capsule, rice powder, magnesium stearate, and silica—are inactive additives that help form and stabilize the capsule.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: essential amino acid for growth and tissue repair.
  • We looked for evidence on: Child growth, Herpes labialis (cold sores), protein synthesis, wound healing, collagen formation.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lysine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Herpes labialis (cold sores) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lysine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Child growth.

L-lysine is possibly effective for herpes labialis (cold sores). For other uses listed in our data—child growth, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers—there isn't enough reliable evidence to rate it either way.

If you're considering this supplement for cold sore prevention or treatment, the evidence supports a possible benefit; for other purposes, the data doesn't yet support a clear claim.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lysine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-lysine from food sources is fine, but the supplement safety profile during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been well studied. If you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor before taking this supplement.

At typical doses, L-lysine is generally well tolerated, though some people report abdominal pain, diarrhea, or indigestion. High doses may cause stomach upset, and long-term safety at elevated amounts hasn't been thoroughly studied.

There is also one rare case report of oral lysine linked to kidney inflammation in one person, though this is very uncommon.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lysine

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Lysine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 1 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take a 5-HT4 agonist (drugs that enhance serotonin signaling in the gut), double-check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting L-lysine, as the supplement may reduce its effect.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

L-Lysine 500 mg is possibly effective for cold sores and is generally well tolerated at standard doses. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or take a 5-HT4 agonist, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Talk it over with your healthcare provider if you have questions about whether it's right for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 23, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about L-Lysine 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Natural Factors
Barcode (UPC) 068958028248
Net contents 180 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 23, 2023
DSLD ID 282195
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for L-Lysine 500 mg by Natural Factors, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
068958028248
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Lysine1000 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule, Rice powder, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Seals/Symbols

ISURA Non-GMO Mass Spec Documentation Lab tested

Purity & Potency Guaranteed

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: 2 capsules 3 times per day or as directed by a health professional.

Precautions

Cautions: As with any supplement, consult your health professional before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, or if you are taking medication, have a medical condition, or anticipate a surgery.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is broken.

Formula

L-Lysine is an essential amino acid necessary for growth, development, tissue maintenance and repair. L-Lysine supports a healthy immune system and is one of the nine essential amino acids that the body needs to produce proteins. Natural Factors amino acids are the highest quality pharmaceutical grade products available.

Formulation

Manufactured by Natural Factors to ensure safety and potency in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of the FDA and Health Canada.

Contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, corn, egg, fish, shellfish, animal products, salt, tree nuts, or GMOs.

Suitable for vegetarians/vegans.

Free form amino acid Healthy immune system

Product of Canada

Storage

For freshness, store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Recyclable container and label.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Isura is a trademark of ISURA.

See for yourself

L-Lysine 500 mg by Natural Factors label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Lysine 500 mg by Natural Factors

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Lysine

Interacts with
1 drug
1000 mg per serving Form: L-Lysine Hydrochloride

Lysine is an essential amino acid your body cannot make on its own, so it must come from food or supplements. People most often take extra lysine to t...

L-Lysine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule, Rice powder, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Lysine 500 mg by Natural Factors Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against L-Lysine 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1Drugs
1 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in L-Lysine 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

L-Lysine1 drug type · 1 drug

5-Ht4 Agonists

Theoretically, lysine may reduce the effects of 5-HT4 agonists.
Animal research suggests that L-lysine is a partial serotonin receptor 4 (5-HT4) antagonist and inhibits diarrhea induced by the 5-HT4 agonist, 5-hydroxytryptophane.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for L-Lysine 500 mg, from the product label.

Natural Factors

See all Natural Factors products
Name
Natural Factors Canada
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Lysine 500 mg by Natural Factors: Common Questions

Does L-Lysine 500 mg by Natural Factors interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Lysine 500 mg has a known interaction with 1 medication. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
L-Lysine 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will L-lysine help my cold sores?
Yes, L-lysine is possibly effective for herpes labialis (cold sores) according to the evidence we have. It may help prevent or shorten outbreaks, though results vary between people.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
There isn't enough reliable information on supplement L-lysine use in pregnancy. Talk with your doctor first—lysine from food is fine, but they can advise whether supplementing is right for you.
What side effects should I expect?
L-lysine is generally well tolerated. Some people report abdominal pain, diarrhea, or indigestion. High doses may cause more stomach upset, and long-term safety at high amounts isn't well studied.
Is this safe for long-term use?
At typical doses, L-lysine is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety hasn't been thoroughly studied. If you plan to take it regularly, check in with your doctor or pharmacist about what works best for you.
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
There isn't enough reliable information on L-lysine supplements while breastfeeding. Caution is advised—talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if it's safe for your situation.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if L-Lysine 500 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

L-Lysine 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind L-Lysine 500 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

L-Lysine 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 7 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Lysine 7 references
  1. Thein DJ, Hurt WC. Lysine as a prophylactic agent in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1984;58:659-66. PubMed
  2. McCune MA, Perry HO, Muller SA, O'Fallon WM. Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex infections with L-lysine monohydrochloride. Cutis 1984;34:366-73.
  3. DiGiovanna JJ, Blank H. Failure of lysine in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Arch Dermatol 1984;120:48-51. DOI
  4. Milman N, Scheibel J, Jessen O. Lysine prophylaxis in recurrent herpes simplex labialis: a double-blind, controlled crossover study. Acta Derm Venereol 1980;60:85-7.
  5. Griffith RS, Walsh DE, Myrmel KH, et al. Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Dermatologica 1987;175:183-90. DOI
  6. Lo JC, Chertow GM, Rennke H, Seifter JL. Fanconi's syndrome and tubulointerstitial nephritis in association with L-lysine ingestion. Am J Kidney Dis 1996;28:614-7. PubMed
  7. Smriga M, Torii K. L-Lysine acts like a partial serotonin receptor 4 antagonist and inhibits serotonin-mediated intestinal pathologies and anxiety in rats. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Dec 23;100(26):15370-5.

See these in context on the Lysine monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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