D-aspartic acid is relatively new to the supplement industry. Even though it hasn’t had near the publicity of Tribulus or DHEA, it might just be as effective in boosting your testosterone levels. And that, my friends, is what building big, strong physiques is all about.
What is D-Aspartic Acid?
D-Aspartic Acid (DAA) is an amino acid found in the nervous system as well as the endocrine system that has the potential to act not only as a neurotransmitter within the nervous system, but also as a precursor to NMDA, a stimulant to luteinizing hormone (LH),which eventually leads to more testosterone, and a direct stimulator of testosterone synthesis in the testes.
What does all of that science mumbo jumbo mean? In short, it can increase testosterone production via 2 different pathways:
1) directly via the testes
2) indirectly via the hypothalamus–pituitary-gonad axis.
What Can I Expect?
It depends. Although the studies on humans are not only small but also rare, one did show a statistically significant average increase of 35% compared to baseline. And we all know what a little extra testosterone does to the body: bigger, stronger muscles.
When Should I Take It?
Anytime really. Because of the lack of studies, there’s hasn’t been a “best time.”
How Much Should I Take?
3 grams daily is the most frequently prescribed dosing strategy. Because it may increase testosterone levels, it should be cycled so you do not impair your natural testosterone production. The most common cycling approach is 12 days on and 7 days off. Again, the data is lacking, so those are just recommendations.
The Downsides
Because of the lack of studies compounded by the fact DAA has many roles in the body, there are plenty of downsides to be concerned about. Here are four of my biggest concerns.
1) It can increase NMDA (to what extent we do not know), which can lead to problems within the central nervous system.
2) It may increase the conversion of testosterone to estrogen (again, we don’t know the extent).
3) It may suppress natural testosterone production. For how long and is post-cycle therapy needed? I don’t know.
4.) It may alter the sleep-wake cycle via melatonin.
On top of all of that, although one study did show a statistically increase in testosterone, depending on how you cycle it, is increasing your serum testosterone by 35% for 12 days going to have an impact on your ability to build bigger, stronger muscles? The Italian prescription medication of DAA (Dadavit) is focused on fertility, not muscle hypertrophy.
The Doctor’s Inside Scoop
I actually have used it. I used 3 grams daily for 3 weeks. At the end of 3 weeks, I had a blood hormone profile and my serum testosterone was slightly elevated at 1273 ng/dl while my free testosterone was normal at 14.3 pg/ml. Two problems: 1) I didn’t perform a blood hormone profile prior to DAA. 2) I was also using l-carnitine-l-tatrate which may increase androgen receptors and alter the results.
In all honesty, I don’t know what to think. Although it looks promising, there are just too many questions surrounding it. I won’t recommend it nor will I not recommend it.
What Does It Stack Best With?
Since it may increase your testosterone, protein supplements would be highly recommended. Creatine, beta-alanine may also be beneficial.
Products Featuring D-Aspartic Acid:
Muscle Pharm Battle Fuel XT, USPlabs Test Powder, MuscleTech Anotest, AI Sports Nutrition D-Aspartic Acid