Lysine versus Arginine

[Bossman]

Here http://www.arginineresearch.com/Clinica ... eLArginine I read that lysine and argine are antagonists and that lysine nullifies the effect of arginine.

In point 13 of the Pauling therapy protocol it is recommended to supplement the treatment with the amino acids taurine, arginine and carnitine. If lysine and arginine are indeed antagonists, wouldn't the addition of arginine to the protocol be counterproductive?

[Dolev]

I've always had an uneasy feeling about the high doses of lysine opposing arginine's health benefits; however, since Pauling didn't worry about it, nor does Levy, Hickey or anyone else seem to worry about it, why should I? If there's a problem, well, I guess there's always Viagra

[ofonorow]

The "antagonism", as I understand it, is at a very low level, perhaps even at the level of DNA. I have been told it has something to do with the "coiling" of DNA making viral infections more prevalent. If lysine prevents viral infections, then arginine may counteract lysine's ability to treat the herpes virus. People have noticed that certain viral outbreaks are more prevalent the more arginine is consumed.

However, most protein foods contain both amino acids.

And there is no evidence that lysine and arginine are antagonists in the treatment and prevention of heart disease. (If anyone can find something different, I would be happy to read the reference.)

[Dolev]

Ah, Owen, I'm sure you're right about lysine and arginine only opposing as to viral infections, not heart disease. Now I seem to remember hearing that arginine feeds virus.

[Bossman]

Owen and Dolev, thank you for your clarification.

It would be interesting to know if arginine also promotes the activity of the swine flu virus.

[T300WbyMag]

I have read many times that if you take L Lysine and L Arginine several hours apart you will not have any problems with one competing with the other.....