Lysine

Essential Amino Acid for Optimum Health

L-Lysine is a critical building block for all protein in the body. It is an essential amino acid that cannot be created by the body, so it must be obtained by food or supplements. Grains and grasses are considered inadequate sources of Lysine.  Using L-Lysine supplementation at times of stress is key to calcium absorption, building muscle protein, boosting the immune system and supporting the body's production of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. 

L-Lysine is widely considered as a helpful nutritional supplement for Herpes Virus outbreaks in people. One of the most common diseases of the modern day horse is a disease called Equine Rhinopneumonitis, which is caused by a herpes virus. Rhino causes inflammation of the respiratory tract anywhere between the nose and the lungs. Horses are typically infected at a young age (between 2-4 years), usually during their first respiratory tract infection. Since Rhino is caused by a herpes virus, it lives forever in the horses body and cannot be cured.  Outbreaks may also occur during times of high stress to the immune system (i.e. training, hauling, shows, other disease/infections, ulcers etc.).

Supplementing the immune system with Lysine can be very beneficial to optimal health and performance. This proactive approach will help your horse when exposed to EHV, Strangles, Rhino, West Nile, Lyme Disease and other infectious illnesses while under stress.

Lysine is also recommended to help strengthen brittle hooves and promote a good hair coat. Brewers Yeast and honey/anise flavor are added to make the Lysine more palatable for your horse.

Proper diet has an immense effect on a healthy immune system. Read more in the Nutrition Article in the Health Library, or for a brief overview of Dr. DePaolo’s feed program, check out the Feeding An Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Ingredients To Avoid tools on our website.

It is also important to not over-vaccinate, and in particular to not vaccinate a sick horse or in the face of an outbreak. Read more in the Vaccination articles.

Active Ingredients per 0.5 ounce scoop
L-Lysine Monohydrochloride……………………………11,221 mg

Inactive Ingredients
Brewer’s Yeast, Alfalfa Meal, Diatomaceous Earth, Honey/Anise Flavor

Instructions for use
Loading Dose: One Scoop twice daily for 30 days. Then lower to                      Maintenance Dose: One scoop daily