What is the Difference Between Lysine and L-lysine?

Lysine and L-lysine are both types of amino acids, sharing the same physical properties. The key difference between them is in the ability to rotate plane polarized light.

Lysine:

• A biologically active, naturally occurring amino acid.
• Can occur in two isomeric forms due to the possibility of forming two different enantiomers, known as L- and D-forms.
• Important for proper growth, carnitine production, and calcium absorption.

L-lysine:

• The form of lysine used in supplements.
• Plays a significant role in the human body, including calcium absorption, muscle protein development, and synthesis of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.
• Produced industrially by a microbial fermentation process using Corynebacterium glutamicum.

Some of the differences between L-lysine and L-forms of amino acids include:

• Taste: L-forms of amino acids tend to be tasteless, while D-forms of amino acids tend to taste sweet.
• Abundance: L-forms of amino acids are usually more abundant in nature.

In summary, lysine is a biologically active amino acid that can occur in two forms, while L-lysine is the specific form used in supplements. Both forms share the same physical properties, but they may have different biological effects and functional properties due to the direction in which they rotate polarized light.

Comparative Table: Lysine vs L-lysine

Lysine and L-lysine are both types of amino acids, sharing the same physical properties. However, there is a difference between them in terms of optical activity, specifically their ability to rotate plane polarized light. Here is a comparison table of Lysine and L-lysine:

In summary, Lysine is a biologically active amino acid that can occur in two isomeric forms (L- and D- forms), while L-lysine is the biologically active form that plays a significant role in various bodily functions. The key difference between the two is their ability to rotate plane polarized light and their occurrence in nature.