L-Aspartic Acid vs. D-Aspartic Acid Effects & Uses

L-Aspartic Acid is an amino acid and serves as a building block for proteins in the body.

It can also be used for energy metabolism, in the synthesis of other amino acids and to make D-Aspartic Acid, which functions as a neurotransmitter.

L-aspartic acid (L-Aspartate), the L isomer of the aspartic acid, is one of twenty three proteinogenic amino acids.

Proteinogenic aminos are used to form peptides (protein strands) and are often supplemented by bodybuilders and athletes to support muscle growth

Like other amino acids, L-aspartic acid is also used by the body to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which the primary energy source used by our cells. Aspartic acid is not considered a dietary essential because we can make this amino acid internally

It is synthesized via oxaloacetate; a chemical formed in every instance of fat, carbohydrate or protein digestion. It is also found readily in nature; being present abundantly in plant proteins.

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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L-Aspartic Acid

Aspartic acid is also called asparaginic acid. In 1827, aspartic acid was discovered by Étienne Ossian Henry and Auguste-Arthur Plisson. They derived it from asparagine, which results from decocting asparagus. Asparagine was isolated first in 1806.

Aspartic acid has a unique capacity to stimulate NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) neural receptors. These receptors are involved in proper memory and cognitive functioning. For this reason, L-Aspartic Acid is sometimes referred to as a neurotransmitter,

Aspartic acid is also used by the body to manufacture other amino acids. It helps the body avoid developing certain amino acid deficiencies.It is also required to synthesize certain nucleotides.

L-aspartic acid is useful in gluconeogenesis (glucose synthesis). Glucose is produced from sugarless carbon-based substrates; including glycerol, lactate, pyruvate, and certain aminos like aspartic acid, glutamine and alanine.

L-Aspartic Acid Deficiencies

Deficiencies of L-aspartic acid are very rare. This amino acid is considered non-essential because it can be produced in the body. However, some individuals may experience a deficiency if they have exceptionally low levels of protein in their diet.

The most common symptoms of L-aspartic acid deficiency are depression and fatigue. If you think you may be deficient in L-aspartic acid, then you should consult with your doctor.

Uses for L-Aspartic Acid

L-aspartic acid is sometimes called aspartate. When used as a dietary supplement, it can be blended with minerals to make compounds like potassium aspartate, copper aspartate, manganese aspartate, magnesium aspartate, zinc aspartate and more. By combining such minerals with aspartates, it is believed that the minerals are better absorbed.

Increasing the absorption, and hence utilization potentials, of these minerals via the addition of aspartate induces certain health benefits. Many athletes use L-aspartic acid-based mineral supplements orally to enhance their performance capacities.

Also, research shows that brain damage that results from liver cirrhosis (hepatic encephalopathy) is reduced by aspartate injections.

L-Aspartic Acid is also involved in the synthesis of arginine, lysine, methionine, isoleucine and asparagine. These are all amino acids that play diverse roles in the body.

L-Aspartic Acid vs. D-Aspartic Acid

This compound is also used to make D-Aspartic Acid (DAA), a non-proteinogenic stereoisomer.

DAA is the D isomer of Aspartic Acid, meaning it has the same chemical structure as LAA, but a different orientation of the molecules.

Due to this difference in orientation, these two molecules have very different effects in the body. D-aspartic acid has been clinically shown to elevate testosterone levels in men of average health.

In one study, testosterone levels increased for treatment group subjects significantly. This occurs as a result of the upregulation of StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) in the Leydig cells within the testicles.

The elevated testosterone levels was modest and only temporary in active males who were engaging in strength training. However, in sedentary males with lower testosterone levels, there was a greater proportional increase.

L-Aspartic Acid for Bodybuilders and Athletes

Research shows that L-aspartic acid may be effective at enhancing certain athletic performance markers. In a murine study, aspartate delayed the usage of glycogen in muscle tissue. This resulted in increased times to failure in water treading tests. This is a common test used to determine athletic stamina

L-aspartic acid supplements are used by some strength-training athletes, like bodybuilders and powerlifters, to reduce fatigue, increase energy, sharpen attention and chelate minerals. More research needs to be conducted to determine efficacy for many of these uses.

L-Aspartic Acid and Liver Health

Research shows L-aspartic acid has hepaprotective (liver protecting) properties. Aspartate helps improve liver health by increasing its ability to detoxify ammonia accumulations. In combination with other aminos, L-aspartic acid transports toxic substances from the liver and bloodstream for expulsion.

How to Use L-Aspartic Acid

There is not enough clinical data available to determine the optimal dosage for L-aspartic acid supplementation. The best dosage for any given individual will be based on several factors; including health state, age, gender, diet, medications taken, activity levels and more.

Bodybuilders typically take between 500 – 1,500 mg a day of L-Aspartic Acid in the form of either powder or tablets. This dosage is usually split into 1 – 3 administrations. It should be consumed on its own, at least 30 minutes before a meal.

There are no known drug or supplement interactions reported with L-aspartic acid usage. No research studies have been conducted to determine how L-aspartic acid may affect pregnant and/or lactating women. It should be avoided by these individuals out of an abundance of caution.

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