D-aspartic acid results from research studies and clinical trials indicate it may be effective at supporting short-term increases in testosterone levels.
D-aspartic acid (DAA) is a non-essential amino acid, meaning that it can be synthesized within the body. There are also dietary sources of DAA, which include some meats and seafood, beets, asparagus, sugar cane, avocado, molasses and more.
DAA is most noted for its capacity to increase testosterone synthesis and enhance secondary neurotransmission in calcium-dependent channels. It is thought to act on NMDA (N-methyl D-aspartic acid) receptors in the brain, which results in an excitatory effect.
DAA results show it may aid in reversing the symptoms of male infertility and erectile dysfunction (ED). It is further implicated in the production and release of a number of hormones, including: luteinizing hormone (LH), growth hormone (GH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin.
The majority of studies to date have assessed D-aspartic acid results in relation to its normal biological functions and have not examined its use as a dietary supplement. While some studies have looked at the effects of taking DAA supplements or powder, more research is needed to determine efficacy and safety.



- Shown to increase testosterone production
- Supports athletic performance, fat loss & strength
- Boosts sexual health & libido
D-Aspartic Acid Results for Boosting Testosterone
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In a 12-day, double-blind human trial, D-aspartic acid supplementation at a dose of 2.66 grams per day was reported to elevate testosterone levels. After six days, serum testosterone was increased by 15 percent. After twelve days, serum testosterone levels were elevated by 42 percent.
These increases were quantified relative to baseline levels. In this study, serum testosterone levels decreased to 22 percent above baseline levels within 72 hours of discontinuing supplementation.
Also, in a replication study that lasted 90 days, serum testosterone levels in infertile men were observed to increase between 30 and 60 percent during supplementation.
Other studies indicate DAA may increases testosterone synthesis, but not across all male populations. There is growing evidence that DAA results are more apparent in sedentary males who are suffering from low testosterone than in resistance-trained, healthy male subjects.
Additionally, prolonged supplementation has been observe to cause an increase in a particular enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. This is known as the aromatase enzyme. It suggests the existence of a negative feedback loop by which increases in testosterone may be offset by increased conversion to estrogen.
Some research suggests that this negative feedback may be apparent in athletes with normal-to-high testosterone levels, but not in infertile men who have chronically low testosterone levels.
This is indicated by a number of observations. Infertile men seem to experience lasting testosterone increases from taking DAA while athletes experience only short-lived, marginal increases, if any at all.
How DAA Affects Testosterone Production
The results of taking DAA may lead to an increase in the endogenous production of testosterone. Higher levels of DAA are associated with an increase in the production of StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein).
StAR is responsible, in part, for regulating the synthesis of androgenic hormones, including testosterone, in testicular Leydig cells. D-Aspartic Acid seems to support testosterone synthesis by stimulating the release of LH via the following biochemical pathway:
- High levels of DAA are detected in the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis):
- GnRH (gonadotropin release hormone), PRF (prolactin releasing factors) and GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone) production is stimulated;
- Prolactin, FSH, GH and LH synthesis is subsequently increased;
- FSH and LH are directed to the testicles via the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular pathway;
- In the Leydig cells (inside the testicles), LH and FSH are used to accommodate the production of testosterone.
Note that DAA is not directly connected to testosterone production. Rather, it signals the synthesis of other hormones that are used to produce testosterone.
D-Aspartic Acid Results for Balancing Hormones
The highest neuronal concentration of DAA is found in the pineal gland. Inside the pineal gland, DAA acts to regulate the secretion of melatonin, which is involved in the sleep cycle.
Melatonin also inhibits the synthesis of melanin and may be involved with regulating the reproductive cycle.
In a four-week study, three gram doses of DAA were administered daily to athletes who were undergoing resistance training. Circulating estrogen levels were monitored and no significant changes were noted.
Currently, DAA is not believed to affect estrogen production. Also, no significant changes were noted concerning weight loss, fat mass, power output or lean mass.
Results of Increased Testosterone
D-Aspartic Acid is also used by men as an anti-aging supplement, designed to restore low levels of testosterone due to aging. DAA levels in the body begin to decline naturally as we age. This can have a negative effect on sexual health, energy, mood and more.
An estimated 13 million American men aged 45 and older have low testosterone levels. As a result of this natural decline, many men elect to use Testosterone replacement therapies (TRT).
TRT’s increase levels of this hormone through the administration of synthesized testosterone via injections, tablets, creams and more. TRT’s are associated with a number of possible side effects, including:
- Heart attack, angina, COPD, hypoventilation;
- Hepatitis, enlarged liver, jaundice, liver cancer;
- Psychosis, hostility, aggression;
- Enlarged prostate, prostate cancer;
- Chronic anxiety, nervousness, vertigo, tremors;
- Elevated glucose, insulin insensitivity, leptin insensitivity, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia;
- Hearing loss, vision loss.
Given the possible side effects of TRT, some are looking to alternatives to boost testosterone levels, which may account for some of DAA’s use and popularity.
DAA seems to be well tolerated, but the possible side effects of supplementation remain ill-defined. Doses in contemporary clinical trials have ranged between two and three grams a day for healthy adults.
However, there are few long-term studies focusing on the effects of prolonged DAA supplementation. Be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer’s dosing instructions.
Talk with your doctor before taking DAA. D-aspartic acid clinical results indicate some promise for the supplement, but further research is required.
- Willoughby DS, Leutholtz B. D-aspartic acid supplementation combined with 28 days of heavy resistance training has no effect on body composition, muscle strength, and serum hormones associated with the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in resistance-trained men. Nutr Res. 2013 Oct;33(10):803-10.
- 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.
- 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.
- CBC News. Heart risks from testosterone replacements flagged by Health Canada. July 15, 2014. Online.
Article last updated on: March 31st, 2018 by Nootriment