What is D-Aspartic Acid?
D-Aspartic acid (D-Asp) is an endogenous amino acid which has been found in the neuroendocrine tissues of both invertebrates and vertebrates. D-Asp was first found in the nervous system of marine mollusks and subsequently in the nervous and endocrine tissues of many other animals, including humans. High levels of D-Asp occur transiently in the brain of chickens, rats and humans during the last stage of embryonic life, suggesting that it has a role in the development of the nervous system. In addition, within the nervous system this amino acid is concentrated in the axon terminals (synaptosomes) and in synaptic vesicles together with L-Asp and L-Glu; additionally, it is involved in visual activity, suggesting it has a role in neurotransmission.
From ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Effect of D-Aspartic Acid Supplementation
“D-aspartic acid has been suggested to enhance athletic performance by regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis by increasing plasma testosterone. Aspartate supplementation may be useful to increase testosterone for individuals with low plasma testosterone due to aging and other conditions.”
Here’s a study to determine the effect of D-aspartic acid supplementation on athletic performance in young male athletes –
After screening for ACSM low risk, 9 healthy male athletes (average age = 22y, body weight = 82.7 kg and body fat = 10.4%) were randomized to two groups for supplementation using a double blinded parallel arm experimental design. They ingested either 3 grams of d-aspartic acid (Aspartate, n=5) or a Placebo (n=4) for 14 days supplied in capsule form. Subjects recorded and replicated previous 3 day diets prior to testing. Physical assessments were performed prior to and after supplementation included a peak VO2 test by cycle ergometer, 1 maximal repetition bench press and 1 maximal repetition squat (average values ±SD before supplementation were 41.7 ±6.4 ml/kg/min, 117.9 ±11.1 kg and 151.7 ±19.0 kg, respectively).
Results: The Aspartate group improved performance in 1 maximal repetition bench press by 4.5 ±1.6kg (average ±SEM, p=0.03) and 1 maximal repetition squat by 8.2 ±3.8kg (average ±SEM, p=0.04). No change in performance measures were observed in the Placebo group. Body composition did not change for either group.
“D-aspartic acid supplementation may lead to improved acute skeletal muscle synthesis improving upper and lower body muscle performance.”
“D-Aspartic acid (d-Asp), an endogenous amino acid present in vertebrates and invertebrates, plays an important role in the neuroendocrine system, as well as in the development of the nervous system.”
“Recently, d-aspartic acid (d-Asp) has been suggested as being involved in mechanisms regulating reproduction activity in animals and human.”
“DAA holds the potential to be an effective testosterone booster, available as a [testosterone] supplement. It appears to satisfy the criteria to be considered a DSHEA-eligible candidate, being an endogenous bio-molecule, and present in common food products.”
References
http://digitalcommons.brockport.edu/surc/2015/schedule/333/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17118457
https://pubag.nal.usda.gov/pubag/article.xhtml?id=775860
Safety
“DAA increases the levels of prolactin which can impair libido and erectile function), and GH (growthhormone). The increase of prolactin does not appear to be a real issue, and DAA has been shown toincrease GH; therefore, theoretically no problem should arise from this either.”
“DAA also increases vasopressin and oxytocin, these increased hormones can lead to hyponatremia;therefore, consuming the sodium D-aspartate may help to blunt this effect.”
References
http://www.academia.edu/1603035/Testosterone_Booster_Recommendation_Report
From Wikipedia
“Aspartic acid (abbreviated as Asp or D; encoded by the codons [GAU and GAC]), also known as aspartate, is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an α-amino group, an α-carboxylic acid group (which is in the deprotonated −COO− form under biological conditions), and a side chain CH2COOH. Under physiological conditions in proteins the sidechain usually occurs as the negatively charged aspartate form, −COO−. It is semi-essential in humans, meaning the body can synthesize it from oxaloacetate.”
