D-Aspartic Acid
It’s rare for a new ingredient to receive as much hype or catch on as quickly as d-aspartic acid (DAA) did. As a result of a single human study, it took the dietary supplement industry by storm, and it quickly found its way into seemingly every style of product imaginable.
Despite the popularity it received and still sees to this day, d-aspartic acid may be another ingredient to add to the list of “one hit wonders” that never truly panned out.
What it does
Despite many still believing the opposite, d-aspartic acid has been shown to be ineffective at raising testosterone, increasing muscle strength, or enhancing body composition in resistance trained men[1].
D-aspartic acid however is able to slightly boost testosterone in infertile men by a paltry 30-60%[2], which is not enough to impact muscle size, strength, or power.
How it works
D-aspartic acid is purported to work by activating central brain receptors which can signal the HPTA to release higher levels of hormones such as luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and growth hormone.
While it has a minor effect in infertile men, the reality is that even then it will not be enough to truly impact someone’s physique or strength levels. Although it appeared to be a safe and potentially effective option for testosterone enhancement, the science is now clear that d-aspartic acid is not a legitimate option for a testosterone booster.
Dosing
Standard d-aspartic acid dosing is between 2,000-3,000mg per day. If you do use the ingredient, it may be beneficial to use a bonded form such as sodium d-aspartic acid for increased bioavailability and absorption.