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.
Aspartic acid is also called asparaginic acid.
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, and molasses.
Animal sources of aspartic acid include: wild game, oysters, and sausage meat.
Alternative Names
Asparaginic acid
References
Hall JE. Protein metabolism. In: Hall JE, ed. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016: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. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 5.
Review Date 1/7/2017
Updated by: Emily Wax, RD, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
