Every day, our bodies are besieged by microbes. It must continually ward off these infections – be it a stubborn fungal Candida infection or bacterial Borrelia (the culprit behind Lyme disease). Defending against these microorganisms requires the full force of our immune system. From the white blood cells to antibodies, our immune system relies on essential amino acids to build new cells, new antibodies, and to fight infection.

Two amino acids, in particular, have substantial antibacterial and antifungal properties: Lysine and Histidine. There’s a reason you find both amino acids in SUPREMEplex™.

L-Lysine

Lysine (or L-lysine) is a potent antimicrobial agent. Alone, it appears to alter bacterial genetic structures, preventing the growth of certain bacteria. However, when linked together, lysine becomes an “antimicrobial peptide” (AMP). These are natural molecules that help the immune system fight off viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Linking 25 lysine molecules together creates epsilon-poly-L-lysine, an effective antibacterial and antifungal agent that can be used as a food preservative.

Lysine is also put to good use in the human body. AMPs like cathelicidin are rich in lysine, which allows it to find microbial membranes, leading to cell death. Other examples include defensins, histatins (antifungal agents found in saliva), and human neutrophil peptides.

L-Histidine

Histidine (or L-Histidine), on the other hand, is central to the inflammatory response. It is the precursor of histamine, a molecule often implicated in allergic reactions. However, histamine is vital for our antibacterial response. It helps white blood cells reach infected tissues and causes increased stomach acid release (a first-line defense against microorganisms).

Histidine alone disrupts the cell membranes of microbes, making it easier to break down. Like lysine, it’s also contained in AMPs, such as histatins, which are found in the saliva and target fungal pathogens.

References

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