Indiana was again in the forefront of lysine research with Dr. Ed Mertz at Purdue University when his team developed a new strain of corn that was high in lysine. We wrote extensively about its potential to prevent malnutrition and improve livestock production around the world.Missionaries worked to popularize this corn, especially in South American countries where children develop protein deficiency for lack of lysine in their diets of regular corn.

"How Long a Truth Is Known Before It Is Acted Upon"

Pigs preferred the flavor of high-lysine corn. However, we learned that progress was slow in popularizing high-lysine corn because of the cost of storing it separately from regular corn.

Those who want to increase lysine in their diet may call the American Foundation for Preventive Medicine to order Lysine & Less Salt (½ lysine and ½ salt) or pure Lysine in a shaker (see right). Lysine has a salty flavor and can be used instead of salt in tomato, V-8, and sauerkraut juice as well as on vegetables, potatoes, eggs, and salads. These products make it easy to add lysine to the diet and lessen salt intake.

In addition, we've found a company in Welcome, Minnesota, that offers high-lysine cornmeal and tortilla chips by mail order. The Whole Grain Milling Company also carries mixes for high-lysine pancakes, waffles and cornbread. For pricing information and to order, interested readers may call 1-800-944-6535.