D-Aspartic Acid Benefits for Muscle Building and Sexual Health

Purported D-aspartic acid (DAA) benefits include higher testosterone levels, enhanced memory and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, to name a few.

Benefits of DAA are largely based on manufacturers’ claims and user testimonials, and extrapolated from the general role of the amino acid in the human body.

DAA plays a number of biochemical functions in the human body. One of its roles is in the synthesis of testosterone.

There have been a limited number of studies showing that this supplement can increase testosterone levels in men with low levels. However, no studies have shown benefits for men with healthy, normal testosterone levels so far.

To date, there has been little research done on the use of DAA as a supplement. Most available research discusses the natural role of DAA in the body. Consequently, there is insufficient research to determine any standardized guidelines for target-specific supplementation.

D-aspartic acid benefits may be greater in men with low testosterone levels or men with low activity levels. This supplement may also have anti-aging benefits for older men, since DAA levels in the body naturally decline as we age. However, more research is needed to determine the scope of benefits and efficacy.

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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What is D-Aspartic Acid (DAA) Used for?

DAA is a form of aspartic acid, one of the 23 amino acids that constitute the building blocks of proteins. Aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can synthesize it and humans do not have to consume it in food in order to maintain adequate levels.

In the mid-1990s, aspartic acid, particularly DAA, appeared in the US marketplace as a supplement. Since its introduction there has been little research into the effects or oral DAA supplementation on human health.

DAA is mainly used to enhance athletic performance. It has also been implicated in a variety of other outcomes, including:

• Enhancing secondary calcium-dependent neurotransmission signaling;
• Decreasing risks factors for developing cardiovascular disorders;
• Increasing testosterone levels;
• Helping to gain lean muscle mass and decrease fat stores;
• Stimulating increases in muscle power;
• Promoting hormone synthesis;
• Increasing fertility and enhancing spermatogenesis

There is insufficient clinical evidence available to substantiate many of these particular uses. The limited amount of research available is in the preliminary stages and few studies on human populations have been conducted.

Because of the lack of research related to the supplementation of DAA, its side-effect profile remains ill-defined. Anecdotally, there are few reported side effects and the supplement is generally well-tolerated for short-term use.

DAA naturally exists in the human body and side effects will likely be connected to an increase in DAA concentration over normal levels.

D-Aspartic Acid Benefits for Testosterone

DAA is sometimes used to increase testosterone levels and other male sex hormones.

In the United States, over three percent of men over the age of 40 are undergoing at least one type of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT can involve injections, pills, transdermal patches, mouth patches and other methods for delivering synthesized testosterone.

With the growing frequency of supplementation, some organizations are warning both doctors and patients about the risks TRT may pose to cardiac health. Health Canada released such a warning in 2014. The risks associated with TRT have some looking for alternatives.

There is growing interest in alternative testosterone-boosting supplements. D-aspartic acid is used by the human body to support testosterone synthesis. This is thought to occur via a chain reaction that begins with signaling activity of DAA in the frontal region of the pituitary gland.

This leads to the increased production of gonadotropin release hormone (GnRH). This increase in GnRH synthesis leads to the synthesis and release of luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin release factors (PRF) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).

These hormones are transported to the testicles via the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular pathway. Once they reach the testicles, LH and FSH act within the Leydig cells (cells within the testicles specialized for testosterone production) to accommodate testosterone synthesis.

It is notable that DAA is also required to transport cholesterol into the mitochondria – the energy centers – of Leydig cells to support testosterone production. DAA is used to transport all mitochondrial cholesterol throughout the body. This may result in additional benefits for energy production, but more research is needed

In preliminary studies, DAA has been observed to increase free testosterone levels in male subjects, but this benefit is often short lived. Nevertheless, in studies researchers have observed testosterone gains between 50 and 100 percent from baseline levels.

Is D-Aspartic Acid Safe to Take?

DAA is generally thought to be well tolerated because it is naturally produced in the human body. However, there is little information available about the possible side effects of supplementing DAA at high levels. When side effects have been reported, they are usually temporary and mild. Reported side effects include fluid retention, nausea, vomiting and headaches.

Optimal doses of DAA for health benefits will vary according to individual. Factors that affect optimal dosages include diet, water intake, exercise levels, age, gender, health status and more.

DAA supplementation is not recommended for some groups, such as: pregnant or nursing women; cancer patients; individuals with kidney disorders or liver disease; or men with enlarged prostates.

It is important to speak with your doctor about the safety and efficacy of D-aspartic acid before supplementing with it. Your doctor can tell you more about D-aspartic acid benefits and whether this supplement is appropriate for you.

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