Aspartic acid is an amino acid (building block of protein) that is made naturally in our bodies. The two primary functions of aspartic acid is to help our bodies produce essential proteins as well as regulate important hormones. D-aspartic acid has the chemical formula C4H7NO4 and a molecular mass of 133,11 g/mol.
D- Aspartic Acid Benefits and Uses
As an oral supplement, D-aspartic acid is taken primarly as a perceived hormone support supplement for men’s vitality and sexual health. Clinical trials have shown that supplementing with D-aspartic acid may have the potential to increase testosterone in men who are inactive or men who have naturally low levels of testosterone. However, in active men, supplementing with D-aspartic acid was found to have no testosterone boosting effect.
In a recent review published in the International Journal of Biomedicine, D-aspartic acid was shown to have the potential to increase testosterone levels but the results were in consistent in human trails and it was concluded that further studies are needed to fully support this benefit.
Limited research also suggests that D-aspartic acid may support healthy fertility, specifically in men. D-aspartic acid supplementation of 2.67g/day one daily for ninety days resulted in a substantial increase in both sperm quantity but also sperm quality in men.
D-aspartic acid functions primarily in hormone regulation. It is found in the pituitary gland and the testes where it regulates the production and release of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Testosterone and LH both play important roles in reproduction and development in both men and women. For this reason, D-aspartic acid is becoming a popular supplement for its perceived effects in supporting vitality, promoting healthy fertility and building muscle.
Nomenclature:
D- Aspartic Acid is known by a number of alternative names including:
- ASP
- 2-aminobuanedioic acid
- Daspartic Acid
- Aminosuccinic acid
Scientific Consensus
D-aspartic acid is an amino acid that is possibly effective in increasing testosterone levels and improving fertility in both men and women. It is likely safe when consumed at recommended amounts.
Special Warning: Do not use D-aspartic acid supplements if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not give D- aspartic acid supplements to infants and children.
