Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Arginine aspartate, Asp, aspartate chelated minerals, aspartate mineral chelates, aspartates (potassium and magnesium-L-aspartates), aspartic acid, copper aspartate, iron aspartate, L-aspartate, L-aspartic acid, magnesium aspartate, manganese aspartate, mineral aspartates, potassium aspartate, Spartase®, zinc aspartate.
• Note: Calcium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc aspartates exist but are not included in the details of this monograph because they are forms of calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Aspartic acid is an acidic amino acid, used by humans as a building block for protein synthesis. An aspartate is any salt of aspartic acid. In mammals, aspartic acid is nonessential, meaning it can be synthesized in adequate quantities by the body. Aspartic acid is used by the body in the synthesis of other amino acids. In the body, aspartic acid is a metabolite in the urea cycle and participates in gluconeogenesis. Aspartic acid is also involved in the biosynthesis of inositol and serves as a neurotransmitter in the brain.
• Aspartates are used orally to increase absorption of mineral supplements, to reduce fatigue, and to enhance athletic performance. Clinical trials investigating aspartic acid alone on these endpoints are lacking. Potassium and magnesium salts of aspartate may have fatigue-reducing effects (1;​2;​3;​4). Potassium aspartate may also have cardioprotective effects, likely due to potassium (5). Mineral aspartates have also resulted in blood pressure lowering and enhanced wound healing (6;​7). Clinical trials using aspartic acid alone are required in order to determine whether its efficacy is due to the aspartate or the mineral or amino acid to which it is bonded.
• It is hypothesized that aspartic acid's effects are due to its ability to reduce ammonia levels in the body. Limited clinical study suggests that arginine aspartate may slightly reduce plasma ammonia after exercise (8); however, not all studies investigating the effect of aspartate salts agree that performance is enhanced or that plasma ammonia is affected (9;​10;​11;​12).
• Other clinical areas of interest include immune system stimulation, cholesterol lowering, memory enhancement, and hepatic protection. Research in these fields is limited.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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