D-Aspartic Acid

Scientific Name: (2S)-2-aminobutanedioic acid (C4H7NO4).

Other Names: Aspartate, Asp, D.

More commonly referred to as aspartate (the name of its anion), aspartic acid is one of the twenty natural amino acids that are considered the building blocks of protein.

It is a non-essential acid in mammals, produced through transanimation. 

It is also a metabolite in the urea cycle, also referred to as the Krebs cycle (the process that produces urea, the chief nitrogenous product found in mammal urine).

Sources of Aspartic Acid: Aspartic acid can be found in many foods, including beef, poultry, sprouting seeds, and other sources rich in protein. 

Aspartic acid is also the source of the popular artificial sweetener, aspartame. 

As a dietary supplement, aspartic acid is sold over-the-counter in pill form or sometimes as a powder.

Home Remedies using Aspartic Acid:

Benefits and Uses of Aspartic Acid:

Aspartic acid works as a neurotransmitter and stimulates NMDA receptors (which allow the flow of sodium and calcium into the cell, as well as the outflow of potassium) by opening an ion channel. 

Aspartic acid also plays an important role in the synthesis of other amino acids and biochemicals. 

This supplement can also assist in the promotion of immuoglobulin and antibody production, strengthening the immune system.

As an excitatory neurotransmitter, it is believed that aspartic acid can provide increased resistance to fatigue, resulting in greater endurance.

However, studies have not shown a strong link to this usage. 

Aspartic acid has been proven to help remove excess toxins, such as ammonia (which is highly damaging to the brain, nervous system, and liver), from the cells.

Side Effects of Aspartic Acid:

In mass quantities, aspartic acid is an excitotoxin, which is a substance that can damage or kill nerve cells by overactivating NMDA receptors. 

By allowing high levels of calcium ions to enter the cells, certain enzymes are activated, resulting in the damage of certain cell components, such as the cytoskeleton, membrane, and DNA.