Should you use D-Aspartic Acid? This testosterone booster is wildly popular, but you must weigh the benefits against the risks. Discover how to make the right choice.
What Can DAA Do For You?
Bodybuilders are always looking for ways to build more muscle. Muscle growth means becoming stronger, leaner and healthier and bodybuilders know it. That’s why they are always searching for the best supplements on the market to help them accomplish their goal of building more muscle.
D-Aspartic Acid is a supplement that is being discussed widely in bodybuilding circles because it’s showing promising results. There is also some concern that this supplement may do more harm than good.
This article will clear up the controversy surrounding D-Aspartic Acid by examining the benefits and side effects of this supplement.
D-Aspartic Acid (also known as DAA) is a non-essential amino acid that is naturally produced by the body through the consumption of foods like poultry, beef, cheese, and oats. There is some evidence that suggests supplementation with D-Aspartic Acid can boost testosterone, help you build muscle and help you maintain muscle.
You can boost your testosterone...but take care!
Other evidence also states that the supplement can cause adverse side effects such as elevated liver and kidney levels, elevated cholesterol, acne, mood swings and headaches( stomach disorders).
Benefits – Boosts Testosterone
D-Aspartic Acid has proven to be effective in elevating testosterone levels among men suffering from low testosterone.
The Journal of Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology published a study that examined the effects of D-Aspartic Acid supplementation on men who had testosterone levels at 10% or lower. These men were given 3.12 grams of D-Aspartic Acid on a daily basis for 12 days.
At the end of the study, the testosterone levels of these men were tested and participants increased their t-levels by as much as 40%. Upon cessation of the supplement, the testosterone levels of participants fell back down to 10% with some participants experiencing an even greater decline.
One important thing to note is that only participants with low testosterone levels experienced an increase with DAA supplementation. Among men who had natural levels of testosterone, no increase was noted.
Benefits – Builds Muscle and Maintains Muscle
When testosterone levels are increased, so is your capacity to build muscle. Testosterone is an anabolic hormone which helps in the growth of muscle tissue. Testosterone helps build and maintain muscle through protein synthesis.
So, more testosterone means a greater ability to synthesize protein. Protein is the building block of muscle. If you want to build more muscle or maintain the muscle you already have, DAA supplementation can help you do that.
Side Effects – Potential Liver Problems
An increase in testosterone levels is usually something that bodybuilders seek, but there usually are side effects associated with elevating t-levels unnaturally. A study published in October 2013 revealed a negative correlation between DAA supplementation and an increase in enzymes in the liver.
When supplementing with D-Aspartic Acid at the recommended dosage, 2 enzymes that are indicative of good liver health were elevated. These enzymes, alanine and aspartate transaminase, are proteins found in the liver and when they are elevated it indicates that liver damage has occurred.
Side Effects – Potential Kidney Problems
Your kidney is responsible for filtering waste from your blood. It also helps to regulate your blood pressure and regulates acidic levels in the body.
When measuring the health of your kidneys, doctors examine levels of creatine, urea, and uric acid. In one study, a group of participants supplementing their diet with D-Aspartic Acid were tested.
The tests showed higher than normal levels of creatine, urea, and uric acid. These tests indicated that supplementing with DAA may be bad for kidney health.
Side Effects – Cholesterol
In addition to liver and kidney problems, supplementation with D-Aspartic Acid may have undesirable effects on blood cholesterol. Researchers tested the cholesterol levels of participants supplementing with DAA and found that their cholesterol levels were adversely affected.
This negative change was attributed to problems occurring in the kidney and liver. These two organs help to regulate cholesterol.
Side Effects – Miscellaneous
Another set of side effects was noted with DAA supplementation. Among these side effects were headaches and stomach irritation (among those who took dosages greater than directed). Other side effects attributed to hormonal disturbance were acne and mood swings.
D-Aspartic Acid is not a supplement that you should add to your bodybuilding diet. While it may help you boost testosterone, the increase in t-levels are only seen in men suffering from low t-levels.
DAA Testosterone Booster - Conclusion
Men who have normal or high levels of testosterone don’t benefit by taking D-Aspartic Acid. This fact, coupled with the potential of having liver, kidney and cholesterol problems makes D-Aspartic Acid one supplement that's better left on the shelves in the store.
If you're looking for a safe and effective testosterone booster, we highly recommend Testogen over DAA. Check out Testogen here!
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