D Aspartic Acid
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Evidence Summary
D-Aspartic Acid is an amino acid involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and NMDA receptor activity. Research evidence is inconsistent, as mechanistic studies suggest potential for testosterone modulation, but randomized controlled trials often show no significant effect on hormonal biomarkers in athletes.
Evidence by Condition
While some studies suggest D-aspartic acid plays a role in the synthesis of LH and testosterone, randomized controlled trials in trained men and climbers have shown no significant effect on serum biomarkers.
Research regarding NMDA receptor modulation shows potential for treating phantom limb pain and depressive symptoms, though these studies primarily investigate antagonists rather than D-aspartic acid supplementation.
Effective Doses
6 grams (as studied in hypoxic conditions)
Key Findings
- D-aspartic acid plays a role in the release and synthesis of LH and testosterone in humans and rats (PMID: 19860889)
- Short-term D-aspartic acid supplementation does not affect serum biomarkers associated with the HPG axis in male climbers (PMID: 29893592)
- Blockage of NMDA receptors can decrease testosterone levels and enhance neuronal apoptosis in male rats (PMID: 10859492)
Limitations
Much of the neurological research focuses on NMDA receptor antagonists rather than D-aspartic acid itself, and clinical evidence for hormonal enhancement in humans remains inconclusive.
Safety & Interactions
No specific interactions or contraindications were identified in the provided research.
AI-generated summary from 9 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 97% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 94% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ⚠️ Unsupported |
| Nutrient | 48% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 2% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (9)
**Płoszczyca et al., 2023** | Nutrients | Rct Płoszczyca Kamila, Czuba Miłosz, ... Gajda Robert. The Effects of Six-Gram D-Aspartic Acid Supplementation on the Testosterone, Cortisol, and Hematological Responses of Male Boxers Subjected to 11 Days of...
**Pringle et al., 2012** | J Psychopharmacol | Rct Pringle A, Parsons E, ... Harmer C J. Using an experimental medicine model to understand the antidepressant potential of the N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist memantine. J Psychopha...
**Melville et al., 2017** | PLoS One | Rct Melville Geoffrey W, Siegler Jason C, Marshall Paul W M. The effects of d-aspartic acid supplementation in resistance-trained men over a three month training period: A randomised controlled trial. PLoS One. ...
**Crewther et al., 2019** | Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab | Rct Crewther Blair, Witek Konrad, ... Obmiński Zbigniew. Short-Term d-Aspartic Acid Supplementation Does Not Affect Serum Biomarkers Associated With the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in...
**Wan et al., 2021** | Neurosci Lett | Other Wan Lin, Yang Guang, ... Wang Jing. Combined melatonin and adrenocorticotropic hormone treatment attenuates N-methyl-d-aspartate-induced infantile spasms in a rat model by regulating activation of the HPA ...
**Wiech et al., 2004** | Anesth Analg | Rct Wiech Katja, Kiefer Ralph-Thomas, ... Birbaumer Niels. A placebo-controlled randomized crossover trial of the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor antagonist, memantine, in patients with chronic phantom limb p...
**Hatanaka et al., 2018** | Brain Dev | Other Hatanaka Mari, Shimakawa Shuichi, ... Tamai Hiroshi. The efficacy of adrenocorticotropic hormone in a girl with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis. Brain Dev. 2018-Mar;40(3):247-250. doi:10.1...
**Topo et al., 2009** | Reprod Biol Endocrinol | Other Topo Enza, Soricelli Andrea, ... D'Aniello Gemma. The role and molecular mechanism of D-aspartic acid in the release and synthesis of LH and testosterone in humans and rats. Reprod Biol Endocrino...
**Hsu et al., 2000** | Neuroendocrinology | Other Hsu C, Hsieh Y L, ... Hsu H K. Blockage of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors decreases testosterone levels and enhances postnatal neuronal apoptosis in the preoptic area of male rats. Neuroendocrinology....
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is D-Aspartic Acid and what does it do?
D-Aspartic Acid is an amino acid that plays a role in regulating the body's hormonal processes and brain receptor activity. It is specifically involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and NMDA receptor activity.
Can D-Aspartic Acid increase testosterone levels?
There is weak evidence regarding its ability to boost testosterone. While some studies suggest it may play a role in hormone synthesis, randomized controlled trials in trained men and athletes have shown no significant effect on testosterone biomarkers.
Does D-Aspartic Acid help with pain or depression?
There is currently insufficient evidence to support using D-Aspartic Acid for these conditions. While research on NMDA receptor modulation shows potential for treating pain and depression, these studies primarily investigate receptor antagonists rather than D-Aspartic Acid supplementation.
What is the effective dose of D-Aspartic Acid?
Research has studied a dose of 6 grams, specifically under hypoxic conditions. There is no established standard dose for general health purposes in the current research.
Are there any side effects or safety concerns with D-Aspartic Acid?
No specific safety concerns or contraindications were identified in the available research. However, you should always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
Does D-Aspartic Acid interact with any medications?
There are currently no documented drug interactions for D-Aspartic Acid. However, because research is limited, you should check with a doctor if you are taking prescription medications.
Who should avoid taking D-Aspartic Acid?
The provided research does not identify any specific groups of people who should avoid this supplement. As with any supplement, individuals with underlying health conditions should consult a medical professional.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.