D-Aspartic Acid

What is D-Aspartic Acid?

D-aspartic acid, according to official bodybuilding website, is defined as the D-form of the aspartic acid, occurring principally in the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and testes. The other form is L-aspartate. There is evidence that D-Aspartic acid plays a role in sperm production and that it is involved in the release of testosterone (T), growth hormone (GH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). It also modulates melatonin synthesis and is found in high concentration in the pineal gland.

Mechanism of Action of D-Aspartic Acid

There are many editions of “How D-Aspartic Acid works” on the internet, and below are the ones that I believe it is useful for the readers to understand the mechanism easily.

Mechanism: D-Aspartic Acid purportedly works by stimulating greater release of luteinizing hormone. This is the intermediary hormone in the loop feedback system that’s responsible for the bulk of testosterone release in men. The pituitary acts as a sort of sensor/regulator in this feedback system by sending more luteinizing hormone (LH) to the testes when it senses levels are low. It cuts back on LH release when levels become adequate. Theoretically, if the leydig cells in the testes have unused capacity, an increase in LH should certainly jump-start more testosterone production.

Of course, D-Aspartic Acid “working” assumes two things: that it reliably increases LH and that the user has unused capacity in the testes that’s just waiting for the stimulatory effects of more LH. Obviously, if testosterone isn’t at its max output because of something other than un-potentiated LH release (such as partially incapacitated leydig cells) then something that works primarily by increasing LH isn’t going to do much for raising testosterone.

Mechanism two:

Men after 30 experience lowered testosterone levels, which leads to a lowered libido, increased body fat levels, problems with sleep, decreased recovery ability, and decreased ability to build up muscle. In other words, DAA supplement causes you body to produce more testosterone as if you were younger and helps to get rid of the above mentioned symptoms. The deciding advantage of d-aspartic acid over direct testosterone supplementation (e.g. with steroids) is that the testosterone is produced by your body and not delivered from outside, which could interfere with body’s own testosterone production.

Stimulation with d-aspartic acid increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the receiving nerves. cAMP is a cell-regulating compound, probably the most important one. It plays an important role in the cellular reaction on hormones.
Which benefits does increased cAMP have for your body? Among others reactions it increases the force of contraction of the heart muscle, helps the arteries and other smooth muscles to relax, increases the secretion of insulin and increased lipolysis (fat destruction). In other words increased cAMP makes your workouts easier and helps you to burn fat.

D-Aspartic acid has been suggested to help promote normal GABA levels, and dopamine levels, acting anti-depressant. Another benefit of d-aspartic acid is its ability to increase nitric oxide (NO2, NO3) production and its blood level, promoting fast recovery after workouts.

Benefits of taking D-Aspartic Acid supplements

D-Aspartic Acid is popularly used in sports nutrition supplements to boost testosterone levels, increase muscle strength, support metabolic function. There are still many on-going experiments

[success]Boost testosterone levels[/success]

D-Aspartic acid increases natural testosterone production and release, by increasing the release of gonadotrophin and luteinizing hormone. DAA triggers the release of the GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone that informs the pituitary that testosterone concentration in the blood is falling), oxytocin and vasopressin (the “love hormones”), the luteinizing hormone (LH) and the growth hormone (GH) from the neuroendocrine axis (the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland), and testosterone from the testes. The pituary gland and the testes have the ability to trap circulating d-aspartic acid.

Natural increased release of GnRH and LH resulting in increased testosterone levels can be observed from puberty only to mid-twenties.

[success]Increase muscle strength[/success]

Increased testosterone levels triggered by d-aspartic acid benefit sexual performance and muscle growth. Being a male sex hormone testosterone enhances libido and erection quality, intensifies perceived orgasm and extends duration of intercourse. Testosterone makes your energy level rise; low T is responsible for depressions and lowered life satisfaction. By elevating testosterone level, d-aspartic acid makes your workouts more effective and helps you build muscle.

[success]Support metabolic function[/success]

Increased testosterone levels through DAA also lead to increased energy production. With greater circulating testosterone levels, you’ll get better sleep, which improves energy. More directly, testosterone boosts red blood cell concentration and carries oxygen to your muscles.

[success]D Aspartic Acid Dosage[/success]

Just how much Should I Take?

The conventional dose for D-Aspartic Acid is between 2,000– 3,000 mg and should be taken twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Like any test booster, it makes sense not to continue taking it for extended periods of time. You have to cycle it in order to keep its effectiveness. A great recommendation that comes directly from a big supplier of D-Aspartic Acid supplements is to take it for two weeks, following with one week off.