D Aspartic Acid - NutraPedia

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D-Aspartic Acid Information

1) Conditions D-Aspartic Acid Has Been Studied For

Testosterone Deficiency
Male Infertility
Enhancement of Athletic Performance

2) Efficacy in Treating Those Conditions

Studies on D-Aspartic Acid have shown mixed results. Some research suggests that it may slightly increase testosterone levels in certain populations, such as men with low testosterone or fertility issues. However, the evidence is not definitive, and it may not be effective for enhancing athletic performance in healthy, active men.

3) Health Benefits of D-Aspartic Acid

Potential increase in testosterone levels in men with certain conditions
May contribute to improved fertility parameters in some men
Could aid in the production of hormones and signaling molecules in the body

4) Downsides of D-Aspartic Acid

Despite potential benefits, D-Aspartic Acid can have downsides, such as:

Lack of effectiveness in improving muscle mass or strength in well-trained athletes
Possible side effects, including mood swings and increased aggression
Insufficient long-term safety data
May interact with other medications or health conditions

5) Impact on Specific Genetic Variations

As of now, there is limited research on the interaction between D-Aspartic Acid and specific genetic variations. It is possible that individual responses to D-Aspartic Acid supplementation may vary based on genetic makeup; however, more studies are needed to make conclusive statements about its benefits or harms in relation to particular genetic profiles.

D-Aspartic Acid in Neuroendocrine and Nervous Systems

D-Aspartic acid (D-Asp) is a naturally occurring amino acid with a pivotal role in the neuroendocrine and nervous systems of vertebrates and invertebrates. It is particularly concentrated during embryonic development in birds and early postnatal life in mammals, suggesting its importance in development. D-Asp acts as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator, stimulates cAMP in neuronal cells, and is implicated in hormone synthesis and release, including testosterone and progesterone.

Interaction with NMDA Receptors

Both D-serine and D-Asp interact with NMDA receptors, with D-serine serving as a coagonist and D-Asp as an agonist. These interactions are relevant to neural diseases associated with NMDA receptor activity.

Presence in Mammals

D-Asp is found in significant levels in mammalian organs, particularly the central nervous system and endocrine glands. It displays a unique presence pattern, being abundant before birth and decreasing postnatally, potentially influencing hormone biosynthesis.

Role in Vertebrate Reproduction

Extensive research over two decades has linked D-Asp to various aspects of vertebrate reproduction, including hormone production and reproductive cell development. The amino acid may regulate reproductive cycles in wild animals and impact steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in laboratory animals.

Effects on Testosterone Levels

Investigations into the effects of D-Asp on testosterone levels have yielded mixed results. Some animal studies indicate that D-Asp can increase testosterone, while human studies remain inconsistent. Further well-designed human clinical trials are necessary to clarify D-Asp's impact on testosterone concentrations.

Supplementation Studies in Resistance-Trained Men

Several studies have tested the effects of D-Asp supplementation on testosterone levels and training outcomes, with findings ranging from no change in testosterone or enhancement of training outcomes to a reduction in testosterone levels with higher D-Asp dosages.

Subacute Toxicity Study in Rats

Research on the subacute toxicity of D-Asp in rats has shown no evidence of toxicity when orally administered at tested doses. However, D-Asp did not increase its levels in the brain despite higher serum levels.

D-Asp as a Potential Neurotransmitter

Emerging evidence suggests that D-Asp may function as a classical neurotransmitter, stored in synaptic vesicles and elicits responses via ionotropic receptors, although D-Asp receptors remain to be fully characterized.

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