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What Is Arginine Aspartate?

C.B. Fox
C.B. Fox

Arginine aspartate is a supplement made from two amino acids, L-arginine and L-aspartate. Though it is often sold as a metabolic booster, on its own, arginine aspartate does not appear to have any significant effect on a person’s metabolism. The compound is also sometimes used in treatments designed to correct erectile dysfunction, though clinical studies of the use of this treatment have not been conducted by official organizations.

There are two amino acids that comprise arginine aspartate. One of these amino acids, arginine, is one of the 20 most common amino acids, and a limited amount is synthesized within the human body. In order to make up for the difference between the amount of arginine needed and the amount a person is able to produce, additional arginine must be consumed. There are many foods, rich in arginine, including seafood, poultry, dairy, seeds, nuts and whole grains. Arginine is involved in a number of important processes, including healing, the removal of waste from the body, and cell division.

It's unclear whether arginine aspartate is effective at treating erectile dysfunction.
It's unclear whether arginine aspartate is effective at treating erectile dysfunction.

The other component of arginine aspartate, aspartate, is a form of aspartic acid, one of the building blocks of proteins. This amino acid is readily available in many of the same foods that arginine is found in. It is possible, though, for a person to synthesize as much aspartic acid as is needed.

Studies conducted on athletes who use arginine aspartate as a dietary supplement have not shown that the supplement has any positive effects on their metabolism. These studies also show that increasing the amount of arginine and aspartate in a person's body significantly reduces the amount of other amino acids that are found in a person's plasma. Medical professionals are reluctant to use supplements that are limited to only a couple of amino acids because the increase in levels of these amino acids can affect the balance that is normally maintained in a person's body.

Researchers studying an amino acid supplement called Arginine Aspartate have had some success in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Researchers studying an amino acid supplement called Arginine Aspartate have had some success in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

When combined with pycnogenol, a plant extract found in certain species of pine trees, and icariin, arginine aspartate is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Results from a number of different studies have shown positive results in the use of this compound, which works by increasing blood flow to the penis. Though the use of this supplement has not been evaluated by government organizations, such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many people claim to benefit from its use.

Discussion Comments

anon998302

Look for the l-aspartate in foods or other form that offer this amino.

bear78

I don't know if arginine aspartate will work for everyone, but it has worked for me. I took the supplement based on a friend's recommendation. She has high cholesterol and said that this supplement helped her lower it. I don't have high cholesterol, but I have high blood pressure and I felt that it wouldn't hurt to try it.

After a few days of taking the recommended dose, I took my blood pressure. It was only 110! My blood pressure is normally around 140 with medications, so this was a surprise. I think that this supplement is a keeper.

I should mention however, that I probably have the best arginine and aspartate supplement out there. It's very good quality from a trusted brand. It costs more but I think it's worth it. Also, please check with your doctor before using this, especially if you use other medications. Arginine and aspartate can cause side effects.

SteamLouis

@ddljohn-- I started taking l-arginine recently for enhanced sexual performance. It might be too soon to talk about the effects but I have noticed a difference. There is definitely an improvement and I'm sure that the benefits are going to increase further in the next few weeks.

That being said, my supplement doesn't contain l-aspartate. I actually wanted to buy a supplement with both l-arginine and l-aspartate but could not find one at the store. So I'm only taking l-arginine right now. I should probably look online, there are probably more options.

ddljohn

Is anyone here using an l-aspartate and l-arginine supplement for erectile dysfunction? Is it working? Would you recommend it?

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    • It's unclear whether arginine aspartate is effective at treating erectile dysfunction.
      By: Tony Northrup
      It's unclear whether arginine aspartate is effective at treating erectile dysfunction.
    • Researchers studying an amino acid supplement called Arginine Aspartate have had some success in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
      By: tomschoumakers
      Researchers studying an amino acid supplement called Arginine Aspartate have had some success in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.