Aspartic Acid: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

L-aspartic acid is an amino acid, which are the building blocks of protein. D-aspartic acid is used in other body functions. Aspartate refers to both forms.

L-aspartic acid is a nonessential amino acid, meaning that it is made naturally in the body and doesn't need to be consumed in foods. D-aspartic acid is also made naturally in the body, but it's used in the nervous and reproductive systems rather than to make protein.

People use aspartic acid for athletic performance, fatigue, muscle strength, opioid withdrawal, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse aspartic acid with L-ornithine-L-aspartate. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Aspartic Acid overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Aspartic acid is commonly consumed in foods. D-aspartic acid is possibly safe when used in doses of 3-6 grams daily for up to 3 months. L-aspartic acid is possibly safe when used in doses up to 8 grams daily, short-term. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Aspartic acid is commonly consumed in foods. But it is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth as medicine while pregnant or breast-feeding. Aspartic acid has been linked to possible brain defects in newborns in animal research. Don't use aspartic acid supplements if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Children: Aspartic acid is commonly consumed in foods. But aspartic acid is possibly unsafe when given by mouth to infants. It has been linked to possible brain defects in animal research. Don't give aspartic acid supplements to infants. There isn't enough reliable information to know if aspartic acid supplements are safe in older children and adolescents or what the side effects might be. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Aspartic Acid overview.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of aspartic acid might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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