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.

Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins. Proteins have many functions in our bodies. Enzymes are a type of protein.

Aspartic acid is found primarily in sugar cane and molasses.

Alternative Names

Asparaginic acid

Lots More Information:
•Amino acids
•Protein in diet
•Enzyme
Review Date:1/17/2007
Reviewed By: William McGee, M.D., M.H.A., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, and Chairman, Nutrition Committee, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.