D-Aspartic Acid powder is a dietary supplement that is used by men to increase testosterone levels.
Bodybuilders frequently buy DAA as part of a bulking cycle supplement regimen to improve gains in muscle mass and strength.
This supplement is a natural component involved in the synthesis of testosterone within the body. Increasing testosterone levels may support fitness goals by promoting fat burning, enhancing recovery after a workout and supporting muscle protein synthesis.
Men also buy D-Aspartic Acid supplement to help combat naturally declining testosterone levels associated with aging.
Men aged 30 and older begin to exhibit lower levels of this important male sex hormone. This can have negative effects on energy, body composition and sexual performance.
D-Aspartic Acid may support hormone balance in men and has been shown to raise low testosterone levels, especially in inactive males or those with low baseline levels. However, it is less effective for increasing testosterone in men who already have normal levels of this hormone.
Before you purchase D-Aspartic Acid online or in stores, what do you need to know about recommended dosages and safe use? This article will discuss the effects of DAA supplementation as well as possible side effects.



- Shown to increase testosterone production
- Supports athletic performance, fat loss & strength
- Boosts sexual health & libido
D-Aspartic Acid Buyer’s Guide
Related Topics
- What is D-Aspartic Acid?
- D-Aspartic Acid vs. L-Aspartic Acid
- DAA Supplements
- Aspartic Acid Supplements
- Effects and Benefits
- Recommended Dosages
- DAA and Testosterone
- DAA for Bodybuilding
- Results for Bodybuilders
- DAA Testosterone Booster
- Possible Side Effects
- Buy D-Aspartic Acid
- DAA Pure Review
- N-Methyl-D-Aspartic Acid
D-aspartic acid (DAA) is formed from L-Aspartic Acid by the enzyme aspartate racemase in the testes and glands. It is a non-essential amino acid, meaning it can be synthesized in the human body in adequate amounts to support human health.
It is also found in some foods, including seafood, beets, avocados, greens, lean meats and more. DAA was first discovered in 1827 by a French pharmacist following experimentation on asparagus.
It emerged on the supplement market in the mid-1990s and is now used for a variety of purposes. Most notably, D-aspartic acid is purchased in the hopes of increasing testosterone levels.
Athletes often use DAA for improving muscle mass and strength. Additionally, DAA is sometimes used by men with infertility challenges to support testosterone synthesis.
In clinical trials, DAA has been observed to increase testosterone levels in sedentary males. It has resulted in short-term increases in testosterone levels in active males, but this effects is not reliable.
There is growing evidence to suggest that DAA may not increase testosterone in men with normal levels of this hormone. Nevertheless, DAA is still frequently bought by those hoping to improve testosterone balance.
The popularity of DAA may also be increasing because of growing concerns associated with testosterone replacement therapies (TRT).
Clinical Study of DAA Supplements
Some D-aspartic acid supplements available to buy at GNC and other retailers, such as DAA Pure, are comprised of 100 percent DAA. Other supplements may provide this compound in a stack alongside complementary ingredients to support testosterone synthesis.
For example, MusclePharm Hardcore Wreckage includes 6 grams of citrulline malate, 4 grams of leucine and 3 grams of DAA. Other supplements have combined this ingredient with Fenugreek, Resveratrol, Horny Goat Weed, Magnesium, Zinc or Tongkat Ali.
There has been little research into the effects of DAA as an oral supplement and no studies have looked at the effects of combining DAA with other testosterone-boosting compounds.
Most research has addressed the biological functions of the DAA normally synthesized in the body. Preliminary research into DAA has examined its capacity to:
- Improve sperm motility, quantity and quality;
- Improve secondary neurotransmission signaling;
- Support male fertility;
- Improve muscle development and power output in athletes;
- Boost testosterone synthesis and utilization;
- Improve the use and synthesis of pituitary hormones.
More clinical research is necessary to identify the therapeutic effects of supplemental DAA.
Using DAA for Male Hormone Balance
Although there are many targets for DAA research, its capacity to boost testosterone synthesis receives the most attention.
Many athletes and bodybuilders buy D-aspartic acid powders and pills because of the link between muscular development and testosterone.
In one study of athletes, 2.66 grams of DAA powder was administered daily for 12 days. After six days of routine supplementation, a 15 percent increase in serum testosterone levels was observed. Three days after stopping supplementation, serum testosterone levels reduced to 22 percent above baseline rates.
In another study, men suffering from infertility symptoms were administered 2.66 grams of DAA per day. During the 90-day study, testosterone levels were observed to increase between 60 and 100 percent.
However, in this study, the observed testosterone increases were maintained for considerably longer periods than compared to the study of athletes discussed above.
A study published in 2015 of resistance-trained men observed no testosterone increases with three grams of DAA per day. In fact, when six grams of DAA was administered daily, testosterone levels were observed to decrease.
DAA and Male Infertility
In one study, taking DAA supplements was correlated with increased fertility. Subjects who were unable to conceive prior to supplementation exhibited a 26 percent conception rate over the course of the study.
Based on dosages of 2.66 grams of DAA per day, sperm motility and sperm quantity were both increased between 50 and 100 percent. The quality of sperm cells was also observed to improve, but there was not an acceptable comparison group in this study to help verify these observations.
Safety Concerns
Few side effects of DAA supplementation have been observed during scientific study, but there is little information available about the long-term effects of supplementation. Additionally, DAA`s precise mechanisms of action remain ill-defined.
Supplementation may not be a good fit for everyone. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid DAA supplementation. Likewise, possible drug interactions remain unknown. DAA supplementation should be discussed with a doctor before using this product for any therapeutic targets.
Where to Buy D-Aspartic Acid
Consumers have several different options when purchasing DAA supplements. You can find this supplement for sale in single-ingredient formulation as either a capsule or a bulk powder. The powder tends to be more economical, but may have a bitter taste.
Capsules typically come in dosages of 750 mg each and most users will take up to 4 capsules a day to achieve a recommended dosage of 3 grams per day.
Whether you choose to buy D-aspartic acid at GNC, online or elsewhere, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Always purchase supplements from companies that manufacture in cGMP compliant facilities to ensure quality. Not all companies employ the same quality standards to protect consumers.
All health supplements are more effective when used in conjunction with healthy lifestyle habits. This includes proper food intake, daily exercise, adequate water intake and effective stress management.
Discuss DAA supplementation with your physician before you buy D-aspartic acid supplements.
- Topo E, et al. The role and molecular mechanism of D-aspartic acid in the release and synthesis of LH and testosterone in humans and rats. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2009; 7: 120.
- Ota N, Ting S, and Sweedler JV. D-aspartate acts as a signaling molecule in nervous and neuroendocrine systems. Amino Acids 43.5 (2012): 1873–1886.
- Kim PM, et al. Aspartate racemase, generating neuronal D-aspartate, regulates adult neurogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Feb 16; 107(7): 3175–3179.
- Di Fiore MM, et al. Opposing effects of D-aspartic acid and nitric oxide on tuning of testosterone production in mallard testis during the reproductive cycle. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2008; 6: 28.
- Melville GW, Siegler JC, Marshall PWM. Three and six grams supplementation of D-aspartic acid in resistance trained men. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015; 12: 15.
Article last updated on: March 31st, 2018 by Nootriment