High Lysine, Low Arginine Protein Powders & Supplements

Protein supplements are a popular choice for many people looking to boost their protein intake.

Unfortunately, most protein powders contain a high amount of arginine, which may not be suitable for people who suffer from herpes and are prone to cold sore flare-ups.

This is because arginine can trigger the replication of the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Dairy is naturally high in lysine, an essential amino acid that can inhibit the replication of HSV.

As such, whey protein, which is derived from milk, is often the best source of this compound.

Still, not many protein options out there are low in arginine.

And for those with allergies or vegan dietary restrictions, finding suitable products can be challenging.Thankfully, there are lactose-free and cruelty-free options available that produce whey protein from micro-flora through fermentation, without involving any animals.
Below, a list of high-quality protein powders that have a favorable lysine-arginine ratio.

Best High Lysine, Low Arginine Protein Powders

1. Ancient Nutrition Grass Fed Whey Protein

Ancient Nutrition Grass Fed Whey Protein is a premium protein powder designed to support your fitness goals while being easy on the gut.

Each serving provides approximately 2706mg of lysine and only 733mg of arginine, giving it a favorable lysine-to-arginine ratio of about 3.69:1.This product delivers 23 grams of high-quality protein sourced from grass-fed whey and organic A2/A2 milk, promoting lean muscle growth and overall strength.

Additionally, it includes a clinically-studied superfood blend featuring organic ceylon cinnamon and ashwagandha root extract, which may help boost metabolism, burn calories, and reduce body fat percentage.Ancient Nutrition Grass Fed Whey Protein is versatile and can be easily mixed with water or milk, or added to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt for a nutritious boost.

2. EHP Labs OxyWhey Lean Wellness Protein

EHP Labs OxyWhey Lean Wellness Protein is a lean wellness protein that is consistently praised for its excellent taste and variety of flavors.

And the best thing - it contains approximately five times more lysine than arginine.In fact, you will get around 2500mg of lysine and around 500mg of arginine per serving.

The amino acid content varies according to flavor, but it is always around this.

Chocolate flavors contain slightly more arginine than this at circa 600mg, but that's still excellent.

Just pick the flavor you like the most.OxyWhey Protein is sourced from 100% pure, lean, non-GMO whey protein, has zero added sugar, and contains probiotics that promote gut health.This makes it a great choice for those looking to increase their lysine intake while keeping their arginine intake low.OxyWhey Protein can be mixed with water or milk and consumed as a shake, or it can be added to foods like oatmeal or yogurt.

3. Levels Nutrition Grass Fed Whey Protein

Levels Nutrition Grass Fed Whey Protein is a high-quality protein supplement that is high in lysine and low in arginine.Specifically, the unflavored version contains 2210mg of lysine and 680mg of arginine per serving, giving a lysine to arginine ratio of approximately 3.25:1.

This means that for every serving, you get more than triple the amount of lysine compared to arginine.Flavors containing chocolate have a slightly higher amount of arginine.

The worst offender is the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor, which contains 2010mg of lysine and 800mg of arginine per serving.

However, the lysine to arginine ratio is still quite high at approximately 2.51:1, meaning you will get more than double the amount of lysine for every serving.It is sourced from 100% grass-fed, hormone-free dairy cows, which creates a higher concentration of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients.

It is gluten-free, soy-free, antibiotic-free, rGBH/rBST hormone-free, and contains no artificial flavors, no so-called “natural flavors”, no artificial sweeteners, and no GMOs.This makes it a great choice for those looking to increase their lysine intake while keeping their arginine intake low.Levels Nutrition Grass Fed Whey Protein can be mixed with water or milk and consumed as a shake, or it can be added to foods like oatmeal or yogurt.

4. Wild Whey Protein

Wild Whey Protein is a low carb protein powder that is high in lysine and low in arginine.Specifically, it contains 10.489g of lysine and 2.84g of arginine per 100g.It is sourced from 100% grass-fed cows, is gluten-free, has no added sugar, and is biologically active.This makes it a great choice for those looking to increase their lysine intake while keeping their arginine intake low.Wild Whey Protein can be mixed with water or milk and consumed as a shake, or it can be added to foods like oatmeal or yogurt.

5. Natreve MOOLESS Animal-Free Whey Protein Powder

Natreve MOOLESS Animal-Free Whey Protein Powder is a unique product that is animal- and cruelty-free, despite being a dairy product.

It is a great option if you are looking for a protein powder that is both made of whey and vegan-friendly while being high in lysine and low in arginine.Unfortunately it may not be suitable for those with milk allergies as it is not dairy free, but it does not contain any lactose, so if you are lactose intolerant, this is an option.This protein supplement contains approximately 7.41g of lysine and 1.48g of arginine per 100g, that's almost six times more lysine than arginine.

The protein powder can be mixed with water or plant-based milk and consumed as a shake, or it can be used in cooking and baking.

6. Pure Label Nutrition Vanilla 100% Grass Fed Whey Isolate

Pure Label Nutrition Vanilla 100% Grass Fed Whey Isolate is a high-quality protein powder that is rich in lysine and low in arginine.

Specifically, it contains 2348mg of lysine and 435mg of arginine per serving.

This means it has approximately 5.4 times more lysine than arginine.

This protein powder is sourced from 100% grass-fed cows, making it a great choice for those looking to increase their lysine intake while keeping their arginine intake low.

Pure Label Nutrition Vanilla 100% Grass Fed Whey Isolate can be mixed with water or milk and consumed as a shake, or it can be added to foods like oatmeal or yogurt.