Aspartic acid

Also known as: Asparaginic acid

Definition

Aspartic acid, also called asparaginic acid, is one of the nonessential amino acids. "Nonessential" means that our bodies produce it even if we don't get this amino acid from the food we eat.

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:

  • Legumes such as soybeans, garbanzo beans, and lentils
  • Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds

Animal sources include:

  • Beef
  • Eggs
  • Salmon
  • Shrimp

References

Gebhardt S, Cutrufelli R, Howe J, Haytowitz D, Pehrsson P, Lemar L, et al. USDA national nutrient database for standard reference, release 19, 2006.

Hershfield MS. Disorders of purine and pyrimidine metabolism. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 222.

Mason JB. Nutritional assessment and management of the malnourished patient. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 15.

See also:

  • Special Topic

    Amino acids

    Amino acids

  • Special Topic

    Enzyme

    Enzymes are complex proteins that cause a specific chemical change in other substances, without being changed themselves. For example, they can change , , and sugars into substances the body can use. Blood clotting is another example of enzymes at work. Enzymes are essential to all bodily ...

  • Nutrition

    Protein in diet

    Proteins

    Proteins are complex organic compounds. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids.

Review date:
February 8, 2011
Reviewed by:
Alison Evert, MS, RD, CDE, Nutritionist, University of Washington Medical Center Diabetes Care Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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