Synthesis

L-Lysine hydrochloride can be synthesisied by microbial fermentation to give?crude L-Lysine , and then purified and synthesized by crystallization in hydrochloric acid.

Biochem/physiol Actions

L-lysine is an essential amino acid in animals and humans. L-Lysine is necessary for protein synthesis in the body and proper growth. L-lysine lowers the cholesterol level by producing carnitine. L-lysine aids in calcium, zinc and iron absorption. Athletes take L-lysine as a supplement for lean mass building and for proper muscle and bone health. L-lysine competes with arginine during viral replication and reduces herpes simplex virus infection. L-lysine supplementation reduces chronic anxiety in human. Lysine reduces viscosity of serum albumin solution for injections.

Safety Profile

iWdly toxic by ingestion. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of HCl and NOx.

Purification Methods

Likely impurities are arginine, D-lysine, 2,6-diaminoheptanedioic acid and glutamic acid. Crystallise the monohydrochloride from water at pH 4-6 by adding 4 volumes of EtOH. At above 60% relative humidity it forms a dihydrate. [Birhbaum et al. J Biol Chem 194 455, 468 1952, Kearley & Ingersoll J Am Chem Soc 73 5783 1951, Beilstein 4 IV 2717.]

Definition and Usage

Lysine Hydrochloride (Lys) is an essential amino acid for humans and animals. It is utilized in various applications, including animal feeds, prevention of herpes simplex recurrence, and cereal fortification in some developing countries.

Usage Quantity

Around 45 tons of Lysine Hydrochloride is utilized in human dietary supplements annually, while approximately 225 thousand tons are used yearly in animal feed.

Therapeutic Potential

Research reports and case histories suggest potential therapeutic uses of Lysine supplements in cardiovascular diseases, stroke, osteoporosis, and stress-induced pathologies, in addition to prophylaxis of herpes simplex recurrence.

Importance in Broiler Diets

Lysine is often a limiting amino acid in standard formulations of broiler diets.
Its dietary supplementation is common to counteract the negative effects of lysine deficiency on growth and feed intake.

Forms and Composition

Lysine Hydrochloride (L-Lysine HCl): It contains a minimum of 78% lysine and is the dominant source of lysine added to poultry diets.
L-Lysine Sulfate: An alternative to L-Lysine HCl, it contains 52% available lysine and is produced through the fermentation process.

Composition Details

L-Lysine HCl: The dried, crystalline form contains about 78.5% free lysine.
L-Lysine Sulfate: Produced using a similar fermentation process as L-Lysine HCl, the product maintains 15% sulfate.

Definition

ChEBI: The hydrochloride salt of L-lysine