D-Aspartic Acid for Bodybuilding, Strength and Muscle Gains

The use of D-aspartic acid (DAA) for bodybuilding is said to promote muscle growth and athletic performance.

There is some evidence that suggests DAA may support gains muscle strength and size, but more studies are needed to substantiate claims. Most evidence is based on anecdotal reports.

Taking D-aspartic acid (DAA) for bodybuilding may work by increasing levels of testosterone. This sex hormone is linked to muscle growth, fat loss and increased energy.

However, research conducted so far only indicates that DAA increases testosterone levels in sedentary males, and not in resistance-trained or athletic males.

Study of D-aspartic acid has mainly focused on its natural role within the body. DAA is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can manufacture it and it does not normally need to be supplemented through food or otherwise.

Bodybuilders take DAA to increase endogenous levels of this hormone for its purported benefits. DAA is known to play a number of roles in the body, including secondary neurotransmission, transportation of mitochondrial cholesterol and signalling for testosterone production.

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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DAA Effects on Testosterone

DAA is a popular natural testosterone booster taken by bodybuilders, athletes and men with low testosterone levels. According to reports, 13 million American men over age 45 have low testosterone. Many of these men currently use at least one form of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Some individuals look to DAA as an alternative to TRT for athletic performance. DAA is often considered safe because the body synthesizes it on its own. Although there are few reported side effects, long-term studies on DAA supplementation are limited.

Testosterone is the body’s primary androgenic hormone. It is largely responsible for the development and maintenance of secondary male sex traits and other biological characteristics. It also plays an important role in muscle growth, which is why so many bodybuilders use some form of testosterone-boosting supplement.

In males, testosterone synthesis is at its highest during adolescence and into the early years of adulthood. Levels generally drop a little each year after testosterone production peaks.

However, with healthy lifestyle choices related to diet, hydration, physical activity and stress management, many individuals experience stable testosterone levels – and their associated benefits – well into their later years.

In males, testosterone is primarily manufactured in the Leydig cells, which are found in the testicles. More specifically, male testosterone is biosynthesized in the following manner:

• An accumulation of DAA in the adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary) is detected in the brain.
• This accumulation of DAA stimulates the increased production of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), prolactin release factors (PRF) and human growth hormone release hormone (GHRH).
• GnRH, GHRH and PRF stimulate increased production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin.
• LH and FSH travel along the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis to arrive at the testicles.
• Inside the testicles, LH and FSH enter the Leydig cells and stimulate testosterone synthesis from cholesterol.

D-Aspartic Acid, Testosterone and Bodybuilding

D-aspartic acid and its effects on testosterone synthesis are of particular interest to bodybuilders and other athletes who train to increase muscle size, strength and endurance.

Increasing levels of this hormone is associated with:

• Increased capacity to build muscle and improve power;
• Increased sex drive (libido);
• Improved energy levels and moods;
• Deeper, more restful sleep;
• Increased sperm quantity and quality;
• Improved cardiovascular health, in part due to the induction of arterial vasodilation;
• Increased erythrocyte (red blood cell) production;
• More efficient fat metabolism;
• Maintenance of healthy bone density.

However, supplementing with DAA may not lead to an increase in testosterone for all men. Preliminary studies indicate that DAA supplementation has little effect in healthy male subjects, but may help increase testosterone levels in those who are suffering from low levels.

While many male bodybuilders swear by DAA in their bulking cycle stacks, more research is needed to understand the effects of this supplement for muscle growth. DAA does play a role in testosterone production and may be linked to athletic performance.

However, there is insufficient research regarding the effects of D-aspartic acid as an oral supplement compared to the roles that endogenous DAA plays within the body.

Possible Negative Side Effects

As noted, DAA is a non-essential amino acid that is created by the body. Because the body synthesizes this compound internally, it is believed to be generally well-tolerated. However, the effect of heightened, prolonged levels of DAA in the body remains unclear.

In some cases, the following side effects have been reported in conjunction with DAA supplementation:

• Fluid retention;
• Headaches;
• Nausea/vomiting.

Side effects of DAA supplementation are usually temporary. There are also no known drug contraindications associated with DAA supplementation. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take DAA. Additionally, anyone suffering from hormone-sensitive cancers should not supplement with this compound.

Long-term use of DAA is not recommended for bodybuilders or other individuals. It is unclear whether testosterone production may be down-regulated or suppressed with long-term use of this supplement. Do not take D-Aspartic acid for longer than three weeks. It should be cycled on and off regularly.

There are a number of possible side effects associated with Testosterone Replacement Therapies. It is possible that these side effects could occur with other testosterone boosting supplements, though there is no research demonstrating this as of yet.

In Canada, the national government health regulator (Health Canada) released a report warning both doctors and patients that TRT may lead to increased risk of heart and blood vessel problems, which include heart attack, stroke and blood clots.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before using D-aspartic acid for bodybuilding or in the hopes of increasing your testosterone levels.

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