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Aspartates

What are aspartates?

Aspartate is a vitamin-like substance known as an amino acid. In nutritional supplements, aspartate is combined with minerals and is available in the form of copper aspartate, iron aspartate, magnesium aspartate, manganese aspartate, potassium aspartate and zinc aspartate. Aspartates are used to increase the absorption of the minerals with which they have been combined and to enhance athletic performance. Some forms are used to reduce brain damage caused by liver cirrhosis. For this purpose, aspartates are administered intravenously by a doctor.

How do aspartates work?

At this time, there is not enough information to say how aspartates work.

How effective are aspartates?

There is not enough scientific data to say how effective aspartate is for the following conditions:

  • Liver cirrhosis: Some research suggests that intravenous L-ornithine-L-aspartate may reduce brain damage in some people suffering from liver cirrhosis.
  • Increasing athletic performance
  • Increasing mineral levels: To date, there is no scientific evidence that aspartate increases mineral absorption. Except in cases of mineral deficiency, such as anemia due to iron deficiency, a balanced diet typically provides the recommended daily amounts of minerals.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of aspartates in these applications.

Are there any safety concerns?

It is not known if aspartates are safe and harmless.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of aspartates during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, aspartates should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding to be on the safe side.

Interactions

There is currently no information on interactions of aspartates with medications or other supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of aspartates depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for aspartates. For this reason, you should follow the dosing instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Beltz SD, Doering PL. Efficacy of nutritional supplements used by athletes. Clin Pharm 1993;12:900-8.
  2. Rees C, Oppong K, Mardini H, et al. Effect of L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate on patients with and without TIPS undergoing glutamine challenge: a double blind, placebo controlled trial. Gut 2000;47:571-4.
  3. Wagenmakers A. Muscle amino acid metabolism at rest and during exercise: role in human physiology and metabolism. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 1998;26:287-314.