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Aspartic acid

Asparaginic acid

Aspartic acid is a nonessential amino acid. Amino acids are building blocks of proteins.

"Nonessential" means that our bodies produce it, even if we do not get this amino acid from the food we eat.

Information

Aspartic acid helps every cell in the body work. It plays a role in:

• Hormone production and release
• Normal nervous system function

Plant sources of aspartic acid include:

• Avocado
• Asparagus
• Molasses

Animal sources of aspartic acid include:

• Wild game
• Oysters
• Meat and poultry

Related Information

Amino acids
Protein in diet
Enzyme

References

Dietzen DJ, Willrich MAV. Amino acids, peptides, and proteins. In: Rifai N, Chiu RWK, Young I, Burnham Carey-Ann D, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 31.

Hall JE, Hall ME. Protein metabolism. In: Hall JE, Hall ME, eds. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 70.

Mason JB. Nutritional principles and assessment of the gastroenterology patient. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 5.

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Review Date: 1/21/2025  

Reviewed By: Stefania Manetti, RDN, CDCES, RYT200, My Vita Sana LLC - Nourish and heal through food, San Jose, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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