Aspartic Acid

Overview

Aspartic acid is a type of amino acid. Amino acids are typically used as building blocks to make protein in the body. One type of aspartic acid, called D-aspartic acid, is not used to make protein but is used in other body functions.

Aspartic acid is commonly used to reduce feelings of tiredness, improve athletic performance, and increase the size and strength of muscles. But there is limited scientific research to support these uses.

Classification

Is a Form Of:

Amino acid

Primary Functions:

Reduce feelings of tiredness

Also Known As:

Acide Aspartique, Acide L-Aspartique, Asp, Aspartates, Aspartatos, Aspartic Acid, D-Asp

How Does It Work?

There isn't enough information to know how L-aspartic acid works. D-aspartic acid might increase or decrease levels of the chemical testosterone in the body.

Uses

  • Muscle strength. Taking D-aspartic acid does not seem to improve muscle strength in trained male athletes. The effect of D-aspartic acid in untrained athletes or women is not known.
  • Increasing mineral levels.
  • Enhancing athletic performance.
  • Reducing tiredness.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of aspartic acid depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for aspartic acid. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Aspartic Acid Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What does aspartic acid do in the body?

Aspartic acid helps every cell in the body work. It plays a role in: Hormone production and release. Normal nervous system function.

Does aspartic acid increase testosterone?

Many people are searching for a natural way to boost testosterone. Some research has shown that 3 grams of D-aspartic acid per day can increase testosterone in young and middle-aged men. However, other research in active men has failed to show any increases in testosterone, muscle mass or strength.

What foods contain aspartic acid?

However, aspartic acid is found in:

  • Animal sources: oysters, luncheon meats, sausage meat, wild game.
  • Vegetable sources: sprouting seeds, oat flakes, avocado, asparagus, young sugarcane, and molasses from sugar beets.
  • Dietary supplements, either as aspartic acid itself or salts (such as magnesium aspartate)

Is aspartic acid bad for you?

They found no safety concerns and concluded that this supplement is safe to consume for at least 90 days. On the other hand, another study found that two of 10 men taking D-aspartic acid reported irritability, headaches and nervousness.

Should I take D aspartic acid?

D-aspartic acid is currently recommended as a viable product to significantly raise testosterone, however research in humans only supports this recommendation in untrained men with below average testosterone levels.

What foods are high in aspartic acid?

  • Poultry Products (184)
  • Beef Products (218)
  • Pork Products (138)
  • Lamb, Veal, and Game Products (139)
  • Sausages and Luncheon Meats (15)
  • Dairy and Egg Products (7)

Is aspartic acid safe?

They found no safety concerns and concluded that this supplement is safe to consume for at least 90 days. On the other hand, another study found that two of 10 men taking D-aspartic acid reported irritability, headaches and nervousness. However, these effects were also reported by one man in the placebo group.

Where does D aspartic acid come from?

D-Aspartic acid (D-Asp) is an endogenous amino acid which has been found in the neuroendocrine tissues of both invertebrates and vertebrates. D-Asp was first found in the nervous system of marine mollusks and subsequently in the nervous and endocrine tissues of many other animals, including humans.

Does D aspartic acid give you energy?

One type of aspartic acid, called D-aspartic acid, is not used to make protein but is used in other body functions. Aspartic acid is commonly used to reduce feelings of tiredness, improve athletic performance, and increase the size and strength of muscles.

Clinical Studies