Best Lysine Supplements (2026)

L-lysine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own, making supplementation important for people who may not get enough through diet. Lysine plays a critical role in collagen production, calcium absorption, immune function, and cold sore prevention. It is one of the most widely studied amino acids for supporting lip and skin health, with research showing particular benefits for reducing the frequency and severity of herpes simplex outbreaks.

Quick Comparison

Product	Dosage	Form	Best For	Rating
L-Lysine 1000mg Free Form	1,000 mg	Capsules	Best Overall	9.5/10
NOW Foods Double Strength L-Lysine	1,000 mg	Tablets	Best Trusted Brand	9.4/10
Pure Encapsulations L-Lysine	500 mg	Capsules	Best Premium	9.3/10
Quantum Health SuperLysine+	1,500 mg	Tablets	Best Immune Complex	9.2/10
L-Lysine Gummies 1000mg	1,000 mg	Gummies	Best Gummies	9.1/10
Bronson L-Lysine Defense Complex	1,500 mg	Capsules	Best Defense Formula	9.0/10
Solgar L-Lysine 1000mg	1,000 mg	Tablets	Best High Count	8.9/10

1. L-Lysine 1000mg Free Form – Best Overall

This high-strength L-lysine supplement delivers 1,000mg of free-form L-lysine per serving, designed for optimal absorption and bioavailability to support eye health, lip care, and immune function.

The free-form designation means the lysine is not bound to other amino acids, allowing faster absorption in the digestive tract. Each bottle provides a generous supply of capsules at the clinically relevant 1,000mg dosage that research supports for cold sore prevention and immune health. The formula is straightforward with minimal additional ingredients, keeping the focus on pure L-lysine delivery. Manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility with quality testing standards.

• Pros:
• Free-form L-lysine for superior absorption
• Full 1,000mg clinical dose per serving
• Supports eye health, lip care, and immune function

• Cons:
• Capsule form may not suit those who prefer tablets or gummies
• Standard packaging without extended supply options

Best for: Anyone seeking a potent, well-absorbed lysine supplement at the research-backed 1,000mg dose

2. NOW Foods Double Strength L-Lysine 1000mg – Best Trusted Brand

NOW Foods has been a family-owned supplement company since 1968, and their Double Strength L-Lysine delivers twice the standard dose at 1,000mg per tablet with pharmaceutical-grade quality.

Each bottle contains 100 vegan tablets of L-lysine hydrochloride. The formula is soy-free, non-GMO, vegan/vegetarian, nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and kosher. NOW’s manufacturing facilities hold an NPA A-rating for GMP certification, meaning every aspect of production is third-party examined. Lysine HCl is the most common and well-researched form of supplemental lysine, supporting collagen synthesis, immune health, and cardiovascular function.

• Pros:
• A-rated GMP certified manufacturing with third-party verification
• Vegan tablets free from all major allergens
• Trusted brand with over 55 years in the supplement industry

• Cons:
• Tablets are quite large and may be difficult to swallow
• Only 100 tablets per bottle at a 1-2 per day dosage

Best for: Consumers who prioritize established brand reputation and stringent manufacturing standards

3. Pure Encapsulations L-Lysine – Best Premium

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Pure Encapsulations sets the gold standard for hypoallergenic supplements, delivering L-lysine HCl in their signature clean capsule formulation backed by over 30 product-specific clinical studies.

Each bottle contains 90 capsules of 500mg L-lysine, providing a 45-day supply at the standard two-capsule dose of 1,000mg. Pure Encapsulations is one of the most recommended supplement brands by healthcare practitioners, known for rigorous quality testing and the absence of unnecessary additives, fillers, coatings, and common allergens. The formula includes ascorbyl palmitate, a fat-soluble form of vitamin C that may enhance lysine absorption. Every batch is tested for potency, purity, and integrity.

• Pros:
• Practitioner-recommended hypoallergenic formula
• Over 30 clinical studies on Pure Encapsulations products
• Free from GMOs, artificial additives, and all major allergens

• Cons:
• 500mg capsules require taking two per day for a full 1,000mg dose
• Premium pricing compared to standard lysine supplements

Best for: People with sensitivities or allergies who want a practitioner-grade, hypoallergenic lysine supplement

4. Quantum Health SuperLysine+ – Best Immune Complex

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Quantum Health’s SuperLysine+ goes beyond basic lysine by combining 1,500mg of L-lysine with vitamin C, echinacea, licorice, bee propolis, and garlic in a comprehensive immune support blend.

The 180-tablet bottle provides a 60-day supply of this advanced immune formula. The addition of vitamin C (133mg) enhances both lysine utilization and immune response, while echinacea and garlic extract provide additional antimicrobial properties. Bee propolis contributes natural antiviral compounds, and licorice root has demonstrated activity against herpes simplex virus in research studies. This multi-ingredient approach makes SuperLysine+ more than just a lysine supplement — it functions as a complete cold sore defense system.

• Pros:
• Comprehensive immune blend with six active ingredients
• Higher 1,500mg lysine dose per serving
• 180-count bottle provides excellent value

• Cons:
• Multiple tablets per serving required
• Contains bee propolis — not suitable for those with bee allergies

Best for: People specifically targeting cold sore prevention who want a multi-ingredient immune defense formula

5. L-Lysine Gummies 1000mg – Best Gummies

These L-lysine gummies deliver a full 1,000mg dose in a chewable berry-flavored format, making lysine supplementation enjoyable for those who dislike swallowing pills.

Each serving provides 1,000mg of L-lysine formulated with immune support ingredients for cold sore and lip health. The natural berry flavor makes daily supplementation feel more like a treat than a chore. The gummy format also tends to be easier on the stomach compared to large tablets, and the chewable delivery may improve absorption timing since digestion begins in the mouth. Suitable for adults who prefer a convenient, taste-friendly supplement format.

• Pros:
• Pleasant berry flavor makes daily supplementation easy
• Full 1,000mg clinical dose in gummy form
• Includes immune support ingredients for cold sore defense

• Cons:
• Contains added sugars typical of gummy supplements
• Higher cost per dose compared to capsule forms

Best for: Anyone who struggles with swallowing pills or wants a more enjoyable way to take daily lysine

6. Bronson L-Lysine Defense Immune Support Complex – Best Defense Formula

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Bronson’s L-Lysine Defense packs 1,500mg of L-lysine alongside olive leaf extract, garlic, vitamin C, and zinc into a targeted immune support complex for comprehensive viral defense.

Each bottle contains 90 vegetarian capsules providing a 30-day supply at three capsules daily. The zinc and vitamin C additions are particularly noteworthy — zinc supports immune cell function and has independent antiviral properties, while vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis (a key function of lysine itself). Olive leaf extract provides oleuropein, a compound studied for antimicrobial activity. Bronson has been manufacturing supplements in the USA since 1960 with non-GMO, vegetarian formulations.

• Pros:
• High-dose 1,500mg lysine with zinc and vitamin C
• Olive leaf extract adds antimicrobial support
• Vegetarian, non-GMO formula from an established brand

• Cons:
• Requires three capsules per daily serving
• Only 30-day supply per bottle

Best for: Those seeking an all-in-one immune defense supplement combining lysine with zinc, vitamin C, and herbal antivirals

7. Solgar L-Lysine 1000mg – Best High Count

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Solgar delivers 250 tablets of 1,000mg L-lysine per bottle, providing one of the longest-lasting supplies available and exceptional long-term value for daily lysine users.

Solgar has been a trusted name in the supplement industry since 1947, with a commitment to science-based formulations. Each vegetable-based tablet provides 1,000mg of L-lysine in free-form for enhanced absorption and assimilation. The formula promotes integrity of skin and lips while supporting collagen production and amino acid balance. Solgar’s products are non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and manufactured without artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. The 250-count bottle can last over 4 months at one tablet daily.

• Pros:
• 250 tablets per bottle — outstanding long-term value
• Heritage brand with 75+ years in the supplement industry
• Vegan, non-GMO, and free from artificial ingredients

• Cons:
• Large tablet size common to 1,000mg lysine products
• Single-ingredient formula without added immune support

Best for: Long-term lysine users who want the best value per tablet from a trusted heritage brand

8. 2-Pack Lysine Gummies 1000mg – Best Multi-Pack Value

This two-pack of lysine gummies provides double the supply at a discounted per-unit price, delivering 1,000mg of L-lysine per serving with immune support for lip and oral health.

Each bottle in the two-pack contains a full supply of berry-flavored lysine gummies, making this bundle ideal for households with multiple users or for stocking up on a long-term supply. The gummies combine L-lysine with immune-supporting ingredients targeted at cold sore treatment and oral health. The pleasant flavor and chewable format ensure consistent daily compliance. Buying the two-pack typically offers significant savings compared to purchasing individual bottles.

• Pros:
• Two-pack bundle offers savings over individual purchases
• Full 1,000mg lysine dose in enjoyable gummy form
• Immune support blend targeted at lip and oral health

• Cons:
• Gummy form contains added sugars and calories
• Larger upfront purchase commitment

Best for: Families or long-term users who want to stock up on lysine gummies at a discounted bundle price

How to Choose the Best Lysine Supplement

The most important consideration is dosage. Research on lysine for cold sore prevention and immune support typically uses doses between 1,000mg and 3,000mg daily. For general health maintenance, 1,000mg per day is the standard recommendation. Those actively managing cold sore outbreaks may benefit from higher doses up to 3,000mg daily during active episodes, then returning to a maintenance dose.

L-lysine HCl (hydrochloride) is the most common and well-absorbed form of supplemental lysine. Free-form lysine is another designation that indicates the amino acid is unbound and ready for immediate absorption. Both forms are effective, and most quality supplements use one or both of these designations. Avoid products that do not specify the form of lysine used.

Consider whether you want a standalone lysine supplement or a complex formula. Standalone lysine is ideal for those who already take other immune-support supplements separately. Complex formulas like Quantum Health SuperLysine+ combine lysine with vitamin C, zinc, and herbal antivirals for a more comprehensive approach. The complex formulas typically cost more per serving but may replace multiple individual supplements.

Form factor is largely a matter of personal preference. Capsules and tablets are the most cost-effective options. Gummies taste better but contain added sugars and cost more per dose. Powder forms are available for those who prefer mixing into beverages. Whichever form you choose, look for GMP-certified manufacturing, third-party testing, and clean ingredient profiles free from unnecessary fillers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is L-lysine and what does it do?

L-lysine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot synthesize on its own. It must be obtained through food (meat, fish, dairy, eggs, legumes) or supplementation. Lysine is critical for collagen production, calcium absorption, enzyme and hormone formation, immune function, and the production of carnitine (which converts fatty acids into energy). It is most widely known for its role in preventing and reducing cold sore outbreaks caused by herpes simplex virus.

How much lysine should I take daily?

For general health maintenance, 1,000mg per day is the standard dose. For cold sore prevention, research supports 1,000-1,500mg daily as a maintenance dose. During active cold sore outbreaks, some practitioners recommend increasing to 2,000-3,000mg daily until symptoms resolve, then returning to the maintenance dose. The general daily upper limit suggested in studies is around 6,000mg.

When is the best time to take lysine?

Lysine is best absorbed on an empty stomach, ideally 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after eating. However, if it causes stomach upset, taking it with food is perfectly acceptable and still effective. For cold sore prevention, consistent daily supplementation is more important than precise timing. Some people split their dose into morning and evening for more sustained levels throughout the day.

Are there any side effects of lysine supplementation?

Lysine is generally very well tolerated at recommended doses. Some people may experience mild digestive symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea, particularly at higher doses. Lysine can theoretically increase calcium absorption, so those with hypercalcemia should consult a healthcare provider. Very high doses over extended periods may rarely be associated with gallstone formation or kidney issues in susceptible individuals.

Can I take lysine with other supplements?

Lysine pairs well with most supplements. It works synergistically with vitamin C for collagen production and immune support. Zinc is another beneficial pairing for immune health. However, lysine competes with arginine for absorption, so taking them simultaneously may reduce the effectiveness of both. If you supplement with both, consider taking them at different times of day. Lysine is safe to take alongside multivitamins, probiotics, and most other common supplements.

How long does it take for lysine to work?

For cold sore prevention, many users report noticing a reduction in outbreak frequency within 2-4 weeks of consistent daily supplementation. During active outbreaks, higher doses may help reduce duration within a few days. For general immune support and collagen benefits, consistent supplementation over 4-8 weeks is typically needed before noticeable improvements occur. Results vary based on individual factors including diet, immune status, and overall health.