Aspartic Acid

Aspartic acid: the non-essential amino acid that stimulates the mental and physical performance

DAA (d-aspartic acid) is the dextrorotatory form of aspartic acid, one of the 20 amino acids that make up proteins. Aspartic acid is one of the most important non-essential amino acids for the health of the organism. It is involved in the formation of proteins and neurotransmitters, and it stimulates the physical and intellectual performance.

The interest in this compound lies in its basic function, releasing certain hormones that regulate the testosterone levels (luteinizing hormone).

Moreover, it can improve the motility of sperm, which is why it is uses for cases of infertility.

What is Aspartic Acid?

Aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid that can be synthesized by the body from the nutrients that we eat.

This is the basic feature of this type of amino acid, which is essential for our health and many bodily functions.

Aspartic acid is a key element in the synapses and asparagine neurotransmitters.

Now, there are some studies that show how it works as a specialized neurotransmitter in those parts of the nervous system that are involved in the synthesis of hormones, such as the luteinizing hormone (LH) and the growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland.

It is important to have some information about its benefits for health. For instance, it increases the physical and mental energy while stimulating muscle growth.

What determines the level of Aspartic Acid?

Since these non-essential amino acids can be produced by the body, its main sources are from the diet.

Who can specially benefit from Aspartic Acid?

The human body has the ability to produce these amino acids if you take enough protein from the diet.

However, we may experience a higher demand of this nutrient in certain circumstances, specially in the following ones:

• Malnutrition or extreme diets: the most severe cases of anorexia and bulimia can also trigger an aspartic acid deficiency. The same applies to extreme or poorly balanced diets with a low protein supply.
• Stressful situations: The need for this amino acid will increase during stressful situations, competitions, or when we suffer a lack of sleep and emotional or mental tension.
• Diseases: those who suffer metabolic disorders and chronic bowel inflammatory diseases will not be able to absorb this amino acid completely, which cause a deficiency.

Is an excess of Aspartic Acid possible?

Although aspartic acid is present in foods that have protein and even in other types of food, the latest clinical studies conclude that our body will not experience an excess of this substance. This is due to the fact that our body uses it to create other amino acids. It is also easily excreted.

Nevertheless, if we take a high dose, it can produce a sudden increase in a short period of time. This specially occurs in the case of sportspeople and athletes who take these amino acids to improve their strength and performance.

Aspartic Acid Deficiency and Overdose

What are the symptoms of an Aspartic Acid Deficiency?

It is very difficult to diagnose a deficiency of this nutrient, so it is not that easy to detect all the symptoms, but the following are some of the easiest to detect:

• Worse physical performance: a deficiency of this amino acid produces tiredness, chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, as well as a low strength and resistance.
• Worse cognitive performance: aspartic acid acts as a neurotransmitter. Our cognitive and intellectual performance mainly depend on this amino acid. A lack of this amino acid can hinder our concentration and memory, and produce a lack of coordination as well as slow reaction time. 
• A lack of aspartic acid, can also indirectly reduce the libido and cause many health problems, such as liver or kidney dysfunction and weaken the immune system. It can also decrease the testosterone production and trigger hormone fluctuations.

What are the symptoms of an Aspartic Acid Overdose?

Although it is very rare to suffer an overdose, it can happen sometimes. You may experience mild symptoms such as nausea, vomits and diarrhea.

Information about the sources of Aspartic Acid

This acid is present in all the foods that contain protein. Its main sources are:

Properties and Benefits of Aspartic Acid

Aspartic acid plays a crucial role in the detoxification of the liver and it is essential for its proper functioning due to the fact that it forms molecules that are capable of absorbing the toxins from the bloodstream. This is the case of ammonia, which is excreted through the urea cycle. 

This amino acid is involved in the functioning of the central nervous system, in brain connections and in the learning and emotional balance. 

Moreover, aspartic acid stimulates the absorption of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. In fact, it supports the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system and it is involved in many metabolic and cell functions.

Within the sport field, d-aspartic acid increases the growth of the muscle, reduces fatigue, participates in the gluconeogenesis and in the formation of glutamic acid or glutamate. 

Aspartic Acid and Testosterone

Aspartic acid plays an essential role in the production and release of hormones, such as the luteinizing hormone (LH) and the growth hormone (GH).

The luteinizing hormone is a chemical messenger that travels from the pituitary gland to the testicles to improve the testosterone synthesis. That is why this supplement is commonly used to increase the production of testoserone in a natural way up to a 42% more.

By increasing our natural hormone production, we will improve many aspects related both to our behavior and to a better mood and wellness, which will improve our intimate relationships and sex life. Moreover, it will also improve certain physical aspects, by increasing our physical capacity, both when it comes to the physical performance as well as the recovery phase.

Side effects of Aspartic Acid

There are no known specific side effects of aspartic acid. The latest clinical studies on the matter concluded that the possible side effects are similar to those of a general increase in the blood amino acid levels.

The clinical studies have established that the possible side effects of an aspartic acid overdose are limited only to slight discomfort in the digestive tract.

Some people may experience some kind of side effects that are due to the hormone regulation, which can result in acne.

Benefits of Aspartic Acid dietary supplements

Aspartic acid increases the energy and physical performance and reduces the exhaustion and chronic fatigue. Moreover, it also increases the production of testosterone. We suggest consulting your doctor if you are planning to take this type of supplement for a long time.

In any case, we always have to make sure not to exceed the recommended daily dose. These dietary supplements can also be combined with other foods that contain this amino acid, such as legumes, nuts, seafood, seaweed, cheese and meat.

Aspartic Acid resists cooking

Aspartic acid resists cooking very well, which is important to know if we want to make the most of its benefits. The information we have about these amino acids is that they can resist heat very well and they can be cooked in several ways, since they will always preserve all its vitamins and properties.

Still, it is better to consume fresh and raw products as much as possible, since this will increase its benefits in a healthy and balanced diet.

How to take Aspartic Acid?

The way to take it is:

• 3g daily for 12 days, with 7 days of rest

The best time to take aspartic acid would be before the workout, or during rest days after waking up on empty stomach or before bedtime.

Who can benefit from Aspartic Acid?

Where to Buy Aspartic Acid

In the HSN online store, we can find Aspartic Acid Supplements from the brand HSNraw.

This is a highly-soluble aspartic acid supplement with a neutral flavor, perfect to make shakes or pre/post workout drinks.