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Lysine is an essential amino acid. This means that it must be obtained through the diet in adequate quantities to meet the body's needs. Lysine is required in the body for the manufacture of carnitine, which is an amino acid used for the proper metabolism of fats. Lysine incorporated into proteins if often cross-linked, such as in the body proteins collagen and elastin (the major proteins of the body). Cross-linking of lysine to make proper collagen and elastin is dependent upon the enzyme lysloxidase, which requires copper. Copper deficiency, therefore, can result in imperfections in collagen or elastin. Lysine has also been found to stimulate the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. High lysine to arginine ratio diets, as found in animal protein, stimulate cholesterol synthesis, whereas lower lysine to arginine ratio diets do not stimulate as much cholesterol synthesis. Lysine deficiency can interfere with carnitine synthesis and have adverse impact upon fat metabolism to energy.