NOW L-Lysine 100% Pure Powder

quality and value--love the NOW brand

I actually use this for my cats, two of whom have FHV-1 (feline herpesvirus 1). Although the symptoms are quite different, the FHV-1 virus is nearly identical to the unpleasant forms of herpes afflicting humans, and sufferers of both forms may benefit from careful lysine supplementation. Do your research for appropriate dosages as it is possible to have too much in your system at one time, and it should not be taken with foods already high in lysine. I started out using capsules to open and mix into the wet food, but caps often contain an additive to make capsuling easier. Since cats have sensitive systems, we prefer this pure, pharma-grade powder, and it is more convenient--I mix it with other supplements and dose out with a measuring spoon each feeding. It has a very neutral taste that disappears when mixed with even bland food, and if a picky-arsed cat can't tell the difference, chances are your palate won't detect it mixed into your food either. As far as effectiveness, our cats' symptoms (upper respiratory and eye irritation/drainage, fatigue) reduced significantly soon after I began supplementation, and with no detectable side effects. It is not a cure but a way of preventing outbreaks and reducing symptoms, and this it does well. I'm very happy with this solution and so are the cats. I trust NOW implicitly after being consistently impressed with the quality and value of their line.