Question:

Our equine physio suggested putting Woody on Lysine. What do you think of the idea? What does Lysine do again?

Dawn

Answer:

Lysine is an essential amino acid. Essential means that the body doesn't make it, so you HAVE to consume it. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. So, if your body is building a protein, and it gets to a part where it needs a specific amino acid but that amino acid is not there, then the synthesis of that protein just stops. Not good. Lysine is the essential amino acid which is most often lacking. Second is tyrosine. So, supplementing with lysine is good in that you will never run out of lysine. BUT the problem is, then tyrosine becomes the problem, etc. etc. So it makes more sense to give a supplement where all of the essential amino acids are present (eg Sport Horse mix).

Best wishes,
Beryl.