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D-Aspartic Acid – Effective Testosterone Enhancer
The supposed benefits of D-aspartic acid (DAA) are higher testosterone levels, better memory memory, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
The benefits of DAA are mainly based on claims from manufacturers and user reviews, and extrapolated from the overall role of amino acids in the human body.
DAA performs several biochemical functions in the human body. One of his roles is testosterone synthesis.
There has been a limited amount of research showing that this supplement can increase testosterone levels in men with low testosterone levels. However, no studies have shown benefit in men with normal testosterone levels.
To date, not much data has been collected on DAA as a supplement. Most available studies discuss the natural role of DAA in the body. Consequently, there is not enough research to establish standard guidelines for specific supplements.
The benefits of D-aspartic acid may be more effective in men with low testosterone levels. This supplement can also benefit the elderly and elderly as DAA levels in the body naturally decrease as we age. However, more research is needed to determine the benefits and the extent of the effectiveness.
What is D-Aspartic Acid ?
DAA is a form of aspartic acid, one of the 23 amino acids that make up protein components. Aspartic acid is an essential amino acid, which means it can be synthesized by the body and does not need to be supplemented by humans to maintain proper levels.
In the mid-1990s, aspartic acid, especially DAA, appeared on the US market as an additive.
DAA is mainly used to improve athletic performance. It was also related to various other results, including:
- Reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease
- Increased testosterone levels
- Helps build lean muscle mass and burn fat
- Stimulates muscle gain
- Promoting hormone synthesis
- Increased fertility and increased spermatogenesis
There is little clinical evidence to support many of these specific cases. The scope of the limited investigation is in preliminary stages.
DAA exists naturally in the human body and side effects are likely to be associated with an increase in DAA levels. Generally, DAA is well tolerated for short term use.
D-Aspartic Acid Benefits
DAA is sometimes used to increase testosterone levels and other male sex hormones.
In the United States, more than three percent of men over 40 use at least one testosterone-like replacement therapy (TRT). TRT can include injections, tablets, transdermal patches, and other ways to deliver synthesized testosterone.
As the need for supplements increases, often some organizations warn both doctors and patients of the risks that TRT can pose to heart health. Health Canada issued such an alert in 2014. The risks associated with TRT were looking for alternatives.
There is growing interest in alternative testosterone-boosting supplements. D-aspartic acid is used in the human body to support the synthesis of testosterone. This is thought to occur through a chain reaction that starts with DAA signaling in the anterior pituitary.
This results in an increase in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). This increase in GnRH synthesis results in the synthesis and release of luteinising hormone (LH), prolactin release factors (PRF) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
These hormones are transported to the testes via the hypothalamic pituitary and testicular pathways. When they enter the testicles, LH and FSH act on Leydig cells (cells in the testes that produce testosterone) to match testosterone synthesis.
Notably, DAA also requires the transport of cholesterol to mitochondria, the energy centers, from Leydig cells to support testosterone production. DAA is used to transport all mitochondrial cholesterol throughout the body. This can be an added benefit to energy production, but more research is needed.
Preliminary studies with DAA have increased testosterone levels in men, but these benefits are often short-lived. Nevertheless, the researchers noted that testosterone activity increased from 50 to 100 percent from baseline.
Side Effects
DAA is generally thought to be well tolerated because it is naturally produced in the human body. However, there is little information on the potential side effects of large amounts of DAA supplementation. When reported, side effects are usually temporary and mild. Reported side effects include: fluid retention, angerdizziness, vomiting and headache.
The health benefits of an optimal dose of DAA will vary from person to person. Factors that influence optimal doses include diet, water intake, exercise level, age, gender, health status and more.
DAA supplementation is not recommended for some age groups, such as pregnant or nursing women; cancer patients; individuals with kidney disease or liver disease; or men with enlarged prostate.
It is important to consult your doctor about the safety and efficacy of D-aspartic acid before using DAA. Your doctor can tell you more about the benefits of D-aspartic acid and whether this supplement is right for you.
- 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.
- 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.
- D'Aniello A. D-Aspartic acid: an endogenous amino acid with an important neuroendocrine role. Brain Res Rev. 2007 Feb;53(2):215-34. Epub 2006 Nov 21.
