D-Aspartic Acid for Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism)
D-aspartic acid sits in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and stimulates the machinery of testosterone production. A 2009 study showing a ~40% testosterone increase in infertile men created huge hype, but replication studies painted a different picture: the increase is transient (normalizing by week 3-4), absent in resistance-trained men, and a 6 g/day dose in one trial actually lowered testosterone. For clinically low testosterone it is not a treatment; for gym-goers it is a dud.
Overview
Verdict
DAA may bump testosterone for about two weeks in sedentary men, then levels return to baseline; in trained men it does nothing, and higher doses may backfire.
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 3 g daily, cycled 2-3 weeks on / 2 weeks off if used
- Expected timeframe
- 1-2 weeks for any transient effect; gone by week 4
Protocol
- cycle
- 2-3 weeks on, 2 weeks off
- timing
- Morning, with or without food
Evidence
What the studies say
The Effects of Six-Gram D-Aspartic Acid Supplementation on the Testosterone, Cortisol, and Hematological Responses of Male Boxers Subjected to 11 Days of Nocturnal Exposure to Normobaric Hypoxia
Ploszczyca K, Czuba M, Zakrzeska A +1 more
The results showed that DAA had no significant effect on resting, LH, or the testosterone/cortisol ratio during the training camp.
The effects of d-aspartic acid supplementation in resistance-trained men over a three month training period: A randomised controlled trial
Melville GW, Siegler JC, Marshall PWM
Research on d-aspartic acid (DAA) has demonstrated increases in total testosterone levels in untrained men, however research in resistance-trained men demonstrated no changes, and reductions in testosterone levels.
Do "testosterone boosters" really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review
Morgado A, Tsampoukas G, Sokolakis I +2 more
Our primary objective was to systematically review all data published in the last two decades on testosterone boosters and determine their efficacy.
The putative effects of D-Aspartic acid on blood testosterone levels: A systematic review
Roshanzamir F, Safavi SM
In vivo and in vitro animal studies revealed the effect of D-Asp depending on species, sex and organ-specific.
Safety
Caveats
Not a treatment for hypogonadism. Men with genuinely low testosterone need medical evaluation, not DAA.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
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Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.