The Ultimate D-Aspartic Acid (DAA) Guide: Benefits, Dosages & FAQ

Elliot Reimers
Written By: Elliot Reimers
May 6th, 2014
Updated: April 20th, 2021
Tags: Expert Guide
264.5K Reads
D-Aspartic Acid supplements powder pills
This complete guide explores the benefits and dosages of D-Aspartic Acid supplements. Learn about DAA and how it can help you reach your goals.
This Guide Teaches You:
  • About the role of DAA in normal testosterone production in males.
  • What the primary benefits of DAA supplementation can be for males.
  • Who should consider DAA supplementation.
  • About the possible side effects associated with DAA usage.
  • How to take DAA supplements.
Table of Contents:
  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Production of testosterone, GH and IGF-1 in males
  3. 3. Physiological role of DAA in males
  4. 4. Primary benefits of DAA supplementation in males
  5. 5. Possible side effects of DAA supplementation in males
  6. 6. Who should or should not consider using DAA
  7. 7. How to take DAA
  8. 8. Recommended Dosing
  9. 9. DAA FAQs

D-aspartic acid (DAA) is an amino acid and is the enantiomer of L-aspartic acid (LAA), which is one of the 26 amino acids that make up proteins. DAA is found in the human body and various foods, but in much smaller amounts that its counterpart LAA; despite its scarceness, DAA appears to play a significant role in the neuroendocrine system of vertebrates, especially with regards to production of male sex hormones and growth factors.

Therefore, in recent years, supplementation with DAA has garnered interest for athletic performance enhancement. While DAA may certainly elevate endogenous production of hormones like testosterone, growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), don’t expect supplementation with this supplement to produce anabolic steroid-like results.

This isn’t to say you can’t benefit from DAA supplementation (otherwise this guide would be useless), but that anabolic androgenic steroids, when taken for performance and physique enhancement, are generally administered so as to elevate anabolic hormones to levels well beyond normal physiological ranges. DAA may certainly elevate your endogenous production of various anabolic hormones, but not to supraphysiological levels that would typically be achieved through administration of anabolic steroids.

Note: Aspartic acid and its conjugate base, aspartate, are biologically identical in many regards so the notation ”DAA” used herein refers to both moieties.

Production of testosterone, GH and IGF-1 in males

The primary male sex hormone produced by the testes is testosterone. The production of testosterone (and many other hormones) is controlled by an intricate feedback system between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, the liver and testes.

When physiological concentrations of testosterone drop to low levels, the hypothalamus generates gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which is then detected by the pituitary gland which secretes luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone which when detected by the testes stimulates the production of testosterone.

Moreover, GH and IGF-1 are also regulated by this same axis (i.e. the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonads pathway). When the hypothalamus produces growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) the pituitary releases GH in a pulsatile fashion. GH then goes on to signal the liver to produce IGF-1.

With this basic understanding of how these hormones are produced in males, let’s take a look at how DAA can impact their production.

Bicep Curls

Physiological role of DAA in males

Many animal studies have shown that DAA appears to act on the hypothalamus and stimulate the secretion of both GnRH and GHRH, therefore acting downstream to ultimately produce testosterone, GH, and IGF-1. [1,2,3]

Another curious finding is that DAA may actually also stimulate the production of thyroid hormones, specifically T4 and T3. [5] It is hypothesized that this occurs from the oxidation of DAA in the thyroid gland to hydrogen peroxide, an essential precursor for the iodination of tyrosyl moieties (which are necessary in the synthesis of thyroid hormones).

However, keep in mind that animal studies don’t necessarily translate completely to how compounds will act on humans. The unfortunate case for DAA is that human studies on DAA intervention remain scarce (and the one study cited herein appears to be underwhelming). [4]

This doesn’t mean that DAA is bunk though since that was a short-term study, utilized a minimal dose of DAA (3g per day) and had a rather small sample size.

Anecdotal evidence has been positive in many individuals who supplement with it so further studies will certainly be informative. It may just take a larger dose for certain individuals based on how they respond. Factors to consider that could alter the response to DAA include age, endocrine health, training status, diet, etc.

Primary benefits of DAA supplementation in males

At the time of composing this guide many of these benefits are based on anecdotes, animal studies, and suppositions. As noted earlier, the effects of DAA supplementation will be variable from one person to the next and experimentation with dose, frequency, and duration of use will likely be necessary.

  • Elevates physiological levels of testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor 1—all of which have positive ramifications on athletic and sexual performance
  • May act to increase thyroid hormone production (T4 and T3) via production of hydrogen peroxide from oxidation of DAA in the thyroid gland—elevating levels of thyroid hormones ultimately will increase metabolic rate

You may be thinking, “Only two bullet points of benefits?” But if you read into these benefits closely, you’ll realize that they’re significant, if not understated. Testosterone, GH and IGF-1 all have implications on speeding up recovery time from exhaustive resistance training, enhancing muscle growth, increasing work capacity, enhancing libido, and many other positive factors for the active individual.

Barbell Squats

Possible side effects of DAA supplementation in males

As was discussed in the preamble, the good thing about DAA is that it presents a natural route to increase endogenous production of the hormones discussed herein. This is to say that you’re avoiding use of potentially harmful pharmaceutical compounds like anabolic steroids and prohormones, which can significantly affect your endocrine system when taken in large doses and for excessive periods of time.

That being said, there are still a few side effects that could arise from the use of DAA since it may elevate levels of the aforementioned hormones and other metabolites:

  • Increased dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels which may cause hair loss and acne
  • Increased estrogen levels (due to aromatization of testosterone) which may cause bloating, gynecomastia, prostate issues, and inhibit libido. However, it should be noted that elevated estrogen side effects will be rare, if nonexistent, if you’re cycling your use of DAA as is recommended in this guide

Who should or should not consider using DAA

Many individuals may stand to benefit from DAA supplementation, but there are a few exceptions in which it is likely best to avoid use.

Consider using DAA if you are:

  • Male, over 21 years of age, and have low-to-normal testosterone levels
  • Looking for a natural route to elevate endogenous anabolic hormone production
  • Have low libido and/or feel like your ability to recover from training has been lacking
  • NOTE: It is wise to have your testosterone levels overseen by a licensed medical physician prior to and throughout your time supplementing with DAA

Avoid using DAA if you are:

  • Female (mainly due to uncertainty of its effects at the time of writing this)
  • Under 21 years of age and/or have elevated testosterone levels (hypergonadism)
  • Dealing with excess levels of DHT and/or estrogen
  • Dealing with hyperthyroidism since this would likely exacerbate the issue

How to take DAA

  • It is best to cycle your use of DAA in a 2-3 week “on” period followed by 1-2 weeks “off” and then repeating the cycle
  • Take your dose of DAA daily, mixed in liquid (if powder form), and with or without food
  • Split your dose into morning and evening doses if you are taking 5+ grams per day (see dosing recommendations below)

Intense Workout

Recommended Dosing

  • Start with the lower limit of 3g per day and assess your tolerance/results after one cycle
  • It is suggested that a maximum dose of DAA be limited to 20 grams per day (which is actually quite high for most individuals)
  • Most individuals will see a good response with 5-10 grams per day [6]

DAA FAQs

Q:  I’m under 21 years of age but still have low testosterone levels, can I take DAA?

A: Before jumping into DAA supplementation it will be prudent to see your primary care physician (and possibly an endocrinologist) about your concerns to rule out possible hypogonadism or other endocrine issues.

Q: Do I need to take an aromatase inhibitor (AI) while using DAA?

A: An AI is not needed, but if you’re experiencing side effects of excessive estrogen production you should consider either stopping the DAA and/or adding in an AI.

Q: Will DAA shut down my body’s natural hormone production?

A: No, DAA actually works by essentially augmenting your endocrine system’s natural production, not by synthetic elevation of those hormones from exogenous hormone administration.

References:

1) D'Aniello, A. (2007). D-Aspartic acid: an endogenous amino acid with an important neuroendocrine role. Brain research reviews, 53(2), 215-234.

2) D’ANIELLO, A. et. al. (2000). Occurrence of D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid in rat neuroendocrine tissues and their role in the modulation of luteinizing hormone and growth hormone release. The FASEB Journal, 14(5), 699-714.

3) Di Fiore, M. M., Assisi, L., Botte, V., & D'Aniello, A. (1998). D-Aspartic acid is implicated in the control of testosterone production by the vertebrate gonad. Studies on the female green frog, Rana esculenta. Journal of endocrinology,157(2), 199-207.

4) Willoughby, D. S., & Leutholtz, B. (2013). d-Aspartic acid supplementation combined with 28 days of heavy resistance training has no effect on body composition, muscle strength, and serum hormones associated with the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in resistance-trained men. Nutrition Research, 33(10), 803-810.

5) Topo, E., Fisher, G., Sorricelli, A., Errico, F., Usiello, A., & D'Aniello, A. (2010). Thyroid Hormones and D‐Aspartic Acid, D‐Aspartate Oxidase, D‐Aspartate Racemase, H2O2, and ROS in Rats and Mice. Chemistry & biodiversity, 7(6), 1467-1478.

6) http://www.google.com/patents/US8202908

15 Comments
Frank Tedder
Posted on: Sat, 11/17/2018 - 15:30

This whole guide basically tells me absolutely nothing. I have a bottle of 120 (count) 750mg pills. And neither on the bottle or here did I see anything about how much should be taken. Am I actually stupid it just missing something completely

Gavin Greenlee
Posted on: Tue, 12/25/2018 - 19:53

Most individuals will see a good response with 5-10 grams per day
Said it right in the article

Tighe C Williams
Posted on: Mon, 05/17/2021 - 12:22

Dude did you actually read the artice... YOU MEATHEAD!!!

teve
Posted on: Sun, 11/20/2016 - 17:55

D Aspartic acid interferes with glutamine, a major amino in cerebrospinal fluid among other major factors in the biology.

Zackary McCarley
Posted on: Tue, 07/05/2016 - 23:21

Not trying to be "that guy" but there is a typo in the first sentence

" L-aspartic acid (LAA), which is one of the 26 amino acids that make up proteins."

20* unless I am missing something, I got love for my biochem brother, keep up the research and writing. I enjoy the organization of this article, thank you!

Someguy
Posted on: Thu, 08/27/2015 - 19:29

And a single dose, what time is best for that, or no difference?

Dustin hebert
Posted on: Tue, 07/21/2015 - 16:50

Should you split those doses up? Or all at once?

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MikeWines
Posted on: Wed, 07/22/2015 - 09:29

To quote the author:

"Split your dose into morning and evening doses if you are taking 5+ grams per day (see dosing recommendations below)."

Joachim Assmann
Posted on: Tue, 01/03/2017 - 05:30

I am 88 years old, male person,Had 4 bypasses and a pacemaker should I take DAA for muscle building ??.

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Tue, 01/03/2017 - 11:32

Hi Joachim,

This is something you should consult your medical professional about. They will be able to better understand your medical history and determine whether or not supplementation is appropriate for your state of health.

eddie sanchez
Posted on: Sat, 12/13/2014 - 22:25

Hi,
I'm a 33 yr old Male in pretty decent health and shape. I was just diagnosed with thyroid disease about 1 and a half years ago. Now, at first I was hyperthyroid, but since about 12 months ago, I became hypothyroid. I am on 75mcg of levothyroxine. I feel pretty good, but been contemplating on taking DAA for that extra boost. Do you feel this can have a negative effect on me? Thanks for your time and help!

Ken Barker
Posted on: Tue, 10/17/2017 - 16:05

Would like to see an answer to this question

Lee Von Kuhs
Posted on: Thu, 08/07/2014 - 13:46

I do not believe that women should be excluded from the use of D Aspartic Acid. Even though there are no studies using women to test the affects of DAA it stands to logical thinking that the testosterone would be of a small amount. If DAA stimulates the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone in men which would stimulate their leydig cells to produce testosterone then DAA would stimulate the release of luteinizing hormone in women to stimulate the ovaries to produce testosterone as well as estradiol, estrone, estriol and progesterone meaning that testosterone would not be exclusive in women. Therefore women should be able to use this supplement but have to watch for symptoms of masculinization such as acne, facial hair and excess libido (which might be welcomed by their partners expecially if they are on birth control pills). Some women in the endeavor to build muscle may be willing to tolerate these side effects but since the pituitary-hypothalamus axis may limit the amount of hormones produce by their ovaries then many women may never experience these symptoms.

jaat
Posted on: Fri, 06/13/2014 - 07:37

hey i am 30 yrs female i do workout i want build my muscles so can i take DAA or some anabolic supplement please let me know

Scott
Posted on: Thu, 01/11/2024 - 02:36

It’s almost a decade after you asked this question and I’m curious; did you eventually build your muscles?