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Aspartic acid: functions and application in sports
Author: Slauta Alexander - sports nutrition specialist and gym trainer. All articles by the author ➤
Today, access to information, the abundance of sports nutrition, and the development of the fitness industry give everyone the opportunity to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. You may not be a professional athlete, but you can still progress in gaining muscle mass or losing fat through working out in the gym. Sports supplements help us with this. However, analyzing the information provided on many internet portals, I noticed that there is a constant emphasis on certain amino acid complexes, while separate components that are just as important for the body are often overlooked, such as BCAAs, protein, and other sports nutrition. I will describe a substance called Aspartic Acid and highlight its significance for the body. I will also discuss how this amino acid is used in sports. Aspartic Acid (D Aspartic Acid) is a non-essential amino acid that is found in the bodies of all living organisms. The highest concentration of this substance is observed in the brain and the retina of the eye. This amino acid is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses through neurons. Scientists have identified that the maximum concentration of this substance is observed in people under the age of 35; after that, the concentration decreases. Functions and Properties1. Regulation of the Endocrine System Aspartic Acid interacts with a part of the hypothalamus. As a result, the production of gonadotropin is increased. From this chain, it follows that with sufficient intake of Aspartic Acid, testosterone production is carried out more effectively. In addition to gonadotropin, this amino acid also stimulates the production of prolactin (a peptide hormone), somatotropin (growth hormone), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), as well as thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland. 2. Serves as an Energy Source Similar to glutamic acid, Aspartic Acid is oxidized in the mitochondria and synthesizes energy, which is stored in the form of ATP. Any amino acid can serve as an energy source; however, Aspartic Acid plays a key role in delivering energy to the brain. 3. Eliminates Ammonia from the Body Aspartic Acid successfully attaches to ammonia molecules, converting them into non-toxic Aspartine for the body. But most importantly, Aspartic Acid converts ammonia into urea, which is then excreted from the body. Application in SportsIn bodybuilding and fitness, every detail matters, but since nutrition and rest are the main mechanisms for progress in gaining or losing weight, one should not forget about individual amino acids, such as Aspartic Acid. I previously discussed the role of this amino acid in the functioning and regulation of the endocrine system. For us, the important properties include increasing the production of somatotropin (growth hormone), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), gonadotropin, and testosterone. Experience from foreign athletes and modern research show that in bodybuilding, the intake of Aspartic Acid can:
All these properties will positively affect the training process, muscle mass gain, fat loss, and overall well-being of the athlete. Therefore, the intake of this substance is essential during the period of intensive training. DosingFor better effect, it is advisable to use a cyclic dosing scheme: 2-3 weeks of intake followed by a 1-2 week break. Then the cycle can be repeated. An effective dosage would be 3g of Aspartic Acid per day, which should be divided into three equal parts. The first dose should be taken immediately after waking up, and the second and subsequent doses should be taken before meals (lunch, dinner). Some sports nutrition manufacturers produce Aspartic Acid separately. For example: Personal Fitness Training by the Author of This Article:
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