Aspartic Acid Supplement Benefits, Uses and Negative Effects

Aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can synthesize it internally. Aspartic acid comes in two forms: L-aspartic acid (LAA) and D-aspartic acid (DAA).

The two forms may also exist in combination to form a racemic mixture called DL-aspartic acid.

The L and D forms are called enantiomers, meaning they have the exact same chemical composition but differ in their structure. Enantiomers are mirror-images of one another.

This structural difference often causes them to play different roles in the body. L-aspartic acid is one of 23 amino acids that serve as the building blocks of protein.

D-aspartic acid is not as versatile in function as L-aspartic acid, but it is well known for its connection with testosterone synthesis. It has also been implicated in the treatment of male infertility and improved neuronal signalling.

What are the effects of taking an Aspartic acid supplement and are there any side effects? This article will discuss some of the research findings with regard to Aspartic acid use, particularly in the DAA form.

D-Aspartic Acid

Amino Acid

Testo -sterone

Libido

Athletics

How It Works:

• Shown to increase testosterone production
• Supports athletic performance, fat loss & strength
• Boosts sexual health & libido

Dosage:

Between 4 - 8 g per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

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D-Aspartic Acid Supplements

There has been a great deal of research on DAA, but much of this research has not focused on the effects of oral supplementation. Men often use DAA to boost testosterone and improve athletic performance and endurance.

The small number of clinical trials available suggests DAA supplementation may increase testosterone in sedentary males, but not in athletic or resistance-trained males.

DAA can stimulate testosterone synthesis when high levels are detected in the anterior pituitary gland (adenohypophysis). This build-up triggers an increase in the production of gonadotropin release hormone (GnRH), growth hormone release hormone (GHRH) and prolactin release factors (PRF).

Aspartic Acid and Testosterone

Suppementation with aspartic acid is believed to increase the bioavailable levels of DAA and thereby stimulate pituitary hormonal secretions.

Subsequent to the secretion of GnRH, GHRH and PRF, production of the polypeptide prolactin and the glycoproteins referred to as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) is increased.

FSH is largely responsible for modulating the growth of the reproductive system. LH is largely responsible for the synthesis of sex hormones. Aspartic acid supplements like DAA Pure are believed to stimulate natural testosterone production in the following way:

• DAA is recognized in the anterior pituitary;
• GnRH and PRF are secreted;
• Growth hormone, prolactin, FSH and LH synthesis is increased;
• Via the hypothalamic/pituitary/testicular path, LH and FSH are delivered to the testicles;
• Inside the testicles, LH and FSH enter into the Leydig cells;
• Leydig cells use LH and FSH to synthesize testosterone.

Clinical Results of Aspartic Acid Supplements

In one small clinical study, 2.66 grams of DAA was administered daily to individuals who were engaged in a resistance training program. During the 12-day study, serum testosterone levels were observed to increase by as high as 42 percent. After three days without supplementation, the testosterone levels dropped rapidly.

In a similar study involving infertile men, the same dosage (2.66g per day) was administered for 90 days. These men were not athletes, and they did not perform resistance training as part of the study.

Every treatment group showed significant improvements in terms of free serum testosterone levels; individuals showed between 30 and 60 percent increases. Additionally, the testosterone gains from this study did not diminish quickly like the results from the study involving resistance training.

In a study published in 2015, researchers administered daily DAA supplements to two groups: one group was given three grams DAA per day and the other six grams. In neither group was an increase in testosterone observed. In fact, in the group administered six grams, testosterone levels were observed to decrease.

This is part of the growing body of evidence that suggests DAA supplementation may not lead to testosterone increases in already active males, but may be useful for those who suffer from low testosterone.

Additional Research Findings

DAA seems to have no effect on reducing fat mass or increasing lean muscle mass. No decreases in body weight have been attributed to DAA supplementation.

There have been no observed increases in power output by athletes supplementing DAA in combination with resistance training. Increases in aspartic acid do not appear to increase estrogen synthesis.

The highest concentrations of DAA are found in the pineal and pituitary glands. Preliminary study suggests DAA may play a role in cognition because the amino acid has been observed to support memory and learning in experiments on mice.

High doses (more than 160 milligram per kilogram of bodyweight daily) of DAA may cause toxicity in humans. Most clinical studies have used DAA in dosages of between two and three grams per day.

Are Aspartic Acid Supplements Safe?

There is not enough data to establish contraindications for DAA supplementation. DAA’s mechanisms of action remain ill-defined and it is difficult to predict how it may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications. However, no current contraindications are known.

Pregnant and/or nursing should not supplement with aspartic acid without the approval of their pediatricians. Aspartic acid supplements seem to be generally well tolerated, but additional clinical studies are needed to make firm determinations concerning their therapeutic capacities and safety levels.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking aspartic acid supplements.

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