:Aspartic-Acid & Asparagine:

Function: Important metabolic pathways.

Aspartic acid is a nonessential amino acid which is made from glutamic acid by enzymes using vitamin B6. The amino acid has important roles in the urea cycle and DNA metabolism. Aspartic acid is a major excitatory neurotransmitter, which is sometimes found to be increased in epileptic and stroke patients. It is decreased in depressed patients and in patients with brain atrophy.

Aspartic acid supplements are being evaluated. Five grams can raise blood levels. Magnesium and zinc may be natural inhibitors of some of the actions of aspartic acid.

Aspartic acid, with the amino acid phenylalanine, is a part of the artificial sweetener, aspartame. This sweetener is not safe for phenylketonurics. The jury is still out on the long term effects it has on many brain neurohormones. In liquids, it can break down into methanol at room temperature. Many liver and vision symptoms are caused by drinking diet soda.

Aspartic acid may be a significant immunostimulant of the thymus and can protect against some of the damaging effects of radiation. Many claims have been made for the special value of administering aspartic acid in the form of potassium and magnesium salts. Since aspartic acid is relatively nontoxic, studies are now in progress to elucidate its pharmacological and therapeutic roles.