Providing enough Lysine for children is an issue that needs attention because this is an essential amino acid for the body, especially children in the development stage. We can supplement Lysine for infants from 3 months old. However, how to supplement Lysine for children and what should be noted?
Lysine, also known as L-Lysine, is an essential amino acid that makes up protein for the body. Lysine plays an important role for children, helping the body absorb calcium, iron and zinc, promoting collagen production, helping to produce enzymes, antibodies and stimulating factors that support the immune system.
If not provided with enough Lysine, children may experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, slow growth, nausea, red eyes, hair loss, fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, anemia.
If there is a lack of Lysine, children may experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, slow growth, fatigue, poor concentration, etc.
1. How to supplement Lysine for children?
If the diet provides enough protein, children will receive all the necessary amino acids, including Lysine. However, many studies have suggested the need to maintain adequate Lysine supply for children as well as Lysine supplementation for school-age children if necessary to ensure development appropriate to their age.
Lysine in particular and amino acids in general are often available in single or combined forms. Lysine is also part of multivitamins, proteins and dietary supplements, prepared in the form of tablets, solutions or granules, powders. Lysine is usually supplemented orally, preferably before meals, on an empty stomach. Lysine supplementation for infants and children is at the following doses:
- Infants from 3 to 6 months old: 97 mg/kg body weight.
- Children from 11 to 12 years old: 44 mg/kg body weight.
In developed countries, children usually get enough Lysine without having to adjust their diet. However, for children who do not eat meat, fish, milk, eggs, it is necessary to ensure that they get enough Lysine from plant sources and other sources such as cereals, beans.
2. Side effects that can occur when children overdose on Lysine
Lysine supplementation for children is very safe and has almost no side effects. However, if abused and overdosed, it can cause digestive problems such as stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea.
Some reports also show a link between overdose of Lysine supplementation and kidney problems, gallstones and increased cholesterol levels in the blood.
3. Notes when supplementing Lysine for children
Lysine can interact with arginine, an amino acid that supports the circulatory system. Taking large amounts of Lysine can reduce the mobility of arginine in the circulatory system.
Lysine interacts with the aminoglycoside antibiotics (streptomycin, neomycin, often prescribed to treat serious infections) which can damage the kidneys. In addition, Lysine also increases calcium absorption, so it is necessary to monitor the amount of calcium intake when supplementing Lysine for children.
Supplementing Lysine in particular and amino acids in general in single form can affect metabolism and cause problems with growth. Therefore, Lysine should not be supplemented in high doses for a long time.
