Denver's Dew: Altitude AC Stealing Gummy Lysine?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

February 6, 2026

Imagine waking up in Denver, Colorado, with a persistent fatigue that no amount of sleep seems to cure. Your muscles ache, your hair feels brittle, and you’re catching every cold that floats around. You might chalk it up to the altitude, the dry air, or just the general hustle of city life. But what if it’s something more specific, something you can address directly?

Could Denver’s unique environment be contributing to a deficiency in a crucial amino acid: lysine? Let’s dive into the science and see how Denverites can optimize their lysine intake.

Lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning our bodies can’t produce it, and we must obtain it from our diet. It plays a vital role in protein synthesis, calcium absorption, immune function, and the production of hormones and enzymes. A deficiency can manifest in various ways, including fatigue, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, agitation, anemia, reproductive disorders, and slowed growth.

Denver’s high altitude (the “Mile High City”) presents several challenges that could potentially exacerbate lysine deficiency. Altitude sickness, a common ailment for newcomers and even long-term residents, can lead to decreased appetite and nutrient absorption. This reduced intake, coupled with the body’s increased energy expenditure to cope with lower oxygen levels, can deplete lysine stores.

The dry air in Denver also plays a role. Dehydration is a constant battle, and even mild dehydration can impair nutrient absorption and utilization. This means that even if you’re consuming enough lysine, your body might not be effectively absorbing it.

Furthermore, Denver’s active lifestyle often involves increased physical activity, from hiking in the Rocky Mountains to biking along the Cherry Creek Trail. Increased physical activity demands more protein for muscle repair and recovery, placing a higher demand on lysine. If dietary intake doesn’t keep pace with this increased demand, a deficiency can develop.

Consider the typical Denver diet. While Denver boasts a vibrant culinary scene, many residents rely on quick and convenient meals. These meals are often lacking in lysine-rich foods like meat, fish, dairy, and legumes. Vegetarian and vegan diets, while increasingly popular, require careful planning to ensure adequate lysine intake.

So, how can Denver residents determine if they’re lysine deficient and what can they do about it? First, be aware of the symptoms. Persistent fatigue, frequent colds, and slow wound healing are red flags.

Next, assess your diet. Are you consuming enough lysine-rich foods? A food diary can be helpful in tracking your intake.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to optimizing your lysine intake in Denver:

1. Dietary Assessment: Track your food intake for a week using a food diary app like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer. Pay close attention to your lysine intake. Aim for at least 1 gram per day.

2. Prioritize Lysine-Rich Foods: Incorporate more of the following into your diet:

   • Meat: Beef, chicken, and pork are excellent sources. A 4-ounce serving of beef can provide over 2 grams of lysine.
   • Fish: Salmon, tuna, and cod are good options.
   • Dairy: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are convenient sources. A cup of milk contains about 0.5 grams of lysine.
   • Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas are plant-based sources. A cup of lentils provides about 1.3 grams of lysine.
   • Quinoa: This grain is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids, including lysine.

3. Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat Denver’s dry air and ensure optimal nutrient absorption. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily. Consider adding electrolytes, especially after strenuous activity.

4. Supplementation: If dietary changes aren’t enough, consider lysine supplementation. L-lysine supplements are readily available at local health food stores like Natural Grocers and Sprouts, as well as pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS. Start with a low dose (500mg) and gradually increase as needed, up to 3 grams per day. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

5. Address Altitude Sickness: If you’re new to Denver or experiencing altitude sickness, take it easy and allow your body to acclimatize. Avoid strenuous activity for the first few days and consider using altitude sickness remedies like ginger or Diamox (prescription).

6. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you suspect you’re lysine deficient, consult with a doctor or registered dietitian. They can perform blood tests to assess your lysine levels and provide personalized recommendations.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Relying solely on supplements: While supplements can be helpful, they shouldn’t replace a healthy diet. Focus on obtaining lysine from whole foods whenever possible.
• Ignoring other nutrient deficiencies: Lysine deficiency often occurs alongside other nutrient deficiencies. Ensure you’re consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Overdoing it with supplements: Excessive lysine intake can cause side effects like stomach cramps and diarrhea. Stick to the recommended dosage.

Let’s consider a hypothetical case study: Sarah, a 35-year-old Denver resident, experiences persistent fatigue and frequent colds. She’s an avid hiker and eats a mostly vegetarian diet. After tracking her food intake, she realizes she’s only consuming about 0.5 grams of lysine per day. She increases her intake of lentils, quinoa, and dairy products, and starts taking a 500mg L-lysine supplement. Within a few weeks, her energy levels improve, and she experiences fewer colds.

Another example: Mark, a 40-year-old meat-eater, recently moved to Denver from sea level. He experiences altitude sickness and loss of appetite. He focuses on staying hydrated, eating small, frequent meals rich in protein, and taking a multivitamin. His symptoms gradually improve as he acclimatizes to the altitude.

Denver’s unique environment presents specific challenges to maintaining optimal health. By understanding the potential impact of altitude and dry air on lysine levels, and by taking proactive steps to optimize intake through diet and supplementation, Denver residents can thrive in the Mile High City. Don’t let a potential lysine deficiency hold you back from enjoying all that Denver has to offer.