D-Aspartic acid | PharmaDAA™

D-Aspartic acid | PharmaDAA™

Properties: What does it actually mean that DAA is a D-aspartic acid? How does it differ from the L-aspartic acid? “There is a different letter in the middle” – you may say. Indeed, but this one letter changes quite a lot. This is because it allows us to distinguish individual enantiomers of a compound. The difference appears to be minute – the molecules are mirror-reversed, and their solutions twist the plane of polarized light by the same angle but in the opposite direction. Hence the names – enantiomer dextrorotatory – D and levorotatory – L. Nevertheless, their biological activity or even taste may be quite divergent. Besides, for some yet unknown reason, all proteins that occur naturally on Earth are levorotatory. So, why would we supplement dextrorotatory DAA? 

Well, although all proteins are indeed levorotatory, this does not apply to all amino acids. DAA is one of the two amino acids that the human organism synthesises in both forms. The levorotatory one in fact builds proteins, whereas the function of the dextrorotatory form is quite unalike. DAA has effects that are much more complex and subtle. One of them, well-documented and perhaps most noticeable, is its influence on the production of testosterone. It works twofold. First, it acts on the testicles where it directly stimulates testosterone secretion. Second, it operates in the brain and activates the sequence of processes that intensify the production of this hormone. Simultaneously, DAA upregulates the secretion of growth hormone. Therefore, the combined anabolic results of its supplementation can be seen quickly and clearly. On top of that, D-aspartic acid has another easily noticeable effect – it increases libido and enhances sexual performance. 

Improved strength, stamina, libido – you may wonder where do the subtle effects hide? See, DAA has other functions too. In some amounts, it is constantly present in the human brain. There, it influences the dopamine and GABA neurotransmitters as well as regulates the process of neurogenesis – the crucial mechanism of information acquisition and memory formation. In this way, D-aspartic acid takes care about the ‘versatility’ of our neurons (and, indirectly, of our minds). Structurally, it stimulates the growth of dendritic trees – neuronal ‘antennas’ responsible for receiving signals from other cells. Another indirect proof of DAA’s impact on cognitive functions is the fact that in neurodegenerative diseases its levels in the brain drop significantly. As you can see, the body does not always produce enough of it. Thus, although we can produce it ourselves, it is worth delivering it from the outside.

Occurrence: The human organism produces DAA in the testicles, the pituitary gland, and in the subthalamic nuclei. Moreover, it is present in the food items as one of the forms (enantiomer) of aspartic acid (Asp). Thus, all products containing aspartic acid also contain DAA. It can be found in animal-based products such as: poultry, oysters, cold cuts, venison, fish. On the other hand, products of plant origin containing DAA include: sprouts, oatmeal, avocado, asparagus, sugar cane and sugar beet molasses.

Biochemistry: D-aspartic acid (DAA) is an organic chemical compound classified as an endogenous (produced naturally by the organism) amino acid. It is one of aspartic acid (Asp) enantiomers. DAA, in contrast to LAA (L-aspartic acid) does not take part in the production of proteins. Instead, it is part of cartilage, tooth enamel and red blood cell membranes. Some of its amounts are stored in the brain tissue, thanks to which it can affect the proper course of the formation of new nerve cells (neurogenesis). The organism mainly produces DAA in the brain, specifically in the pituitary gland and subthalamic nuclei. It occurs in the testicles too. Functionally, it works as a neurotransmitter that initiates multiple biochemical processes. Moreover, it is a substrate needed to produce another neurotransmitter – N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA). It upregulates the levels of dopamine and GABA. Additionally, it influences the production of testosterone and growth hormone, which supports the regeneration of muscles. Last but not least, it takes part in the production of semen.

Fun fact: Aspartic acid owes its name to… asparagus (Asparagus officinalis). It was discovered in 1827 as an effect of asparagine hydrolysis run by two scientists: August-Arthur Plisson and Etienne Ossian Henry. Asparagine in turn, was for the first time obtained in 1806 from asparagus extract because this common veggie is its rich source. It was the first isolated amino acid ever.