Asparagine is a non-essential amino acid in the body.

Discovered in the 19th century, it appears to play an essential role in the body, particularly in the structure of the brain.

It is produced by the body and is found throughout the body.

How it works in the body

Discovered in the 19th century, asparagine is still relatively new.

However, scientists have already managed to isolate certain functions.

The functions already known can be summarised as follows:

• Brain development and function (particularly by stimulating myelin production) 
• Muscle tissue composition
• Nervous system balance
• Metabolism of ammonia (in particular its excretion through the urinary tract as a diuretic)

As a non-essential amino acid, it is produced endogenously from other substances already present in the body.

The substance that allows it to be produced, called its precursor, is oxaloacetate.

After several biochemical reactions, oxaloacetate is converted into aspartate and then into asparagine (among others).

When it is synthesised by the body, it is distributed to different parts of the body:

• Muscles, skin and mucous membranes
• Prostate gland
• Fluids such as saliva, blood, sweat, urine or cerebrospinal fluid
• Cells, including cytoplasm, membranes and mitochondria

Cooking

Asparagine undergoes the Maillard reaction when exposed to high temperatures. This chemical reaction occurs mainly during cooking and is sometimes called the glycation phenomenon.

The Maillard reaction is visible to the naked eye as it is responsible for the browning of food. This reaction also leads to the formation of toxic organic compounds. These include acrylamide, but also furan and numerous glycotoxic molecules that are carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic.

However, the amino acid is only affected by the Maillard reaction when the cooking temperature reaches or exceeds 120° Celsius.

Advantages

Widely used in Japan as a dietary supplement, it appears to have two distinct benefits.

One is to increase resistance to physical fatigue and the other is to improve the body's sensitivity to insulin. 

Resistance to fatigue

L-Carnitine is often recommended to athletes in order to improve their resistance to physical fatigue.

A priori, this amino acid can increase endurance thanks to its intervention in energy production.

Glucose regulation

Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is becoming increasingly prevalent in society.

Some even compare it to an epidemic.

This form of diabetes is the result of the body's progressive resistance to insulin.

In this situation, asparagine is increasingly emerging as an ally for improving insulin sensitivity.

In a clinical study on rats, scientists observed that supplementation allowed better absorption and storage of glucose in the muscles. This resulted in lower blood glucose levels.

The researchers concluded that adding the amino acid to the diet could change the body's responsiveness and sensitivity to insulin. This improved sensitivity to insulin allowed glucose to be stored properly, preventing an abnormal rise in blood glucose levels.

Danger

Asparagine is a non-essential amino acid.

This means that the body produces as much as it needs.

Deficiencies are therefore very rare, if not non-existent.

However, overdoses do occur.

Overdoses can be harmful in certain diseases.

Dosage

Asparagine is a non-essential amino acid for the body.

Therefore, there is currently no recommended daily intake.

It has also been little studied as a dietary supplement.

It is therefore difficult to establish a universal dosage.

However, manufacturers tend to recommend a dosage of 1500mg per day.

It is always necessary to consult the product instructions or the advice of a health professional.

Amino acid dosage forms

As a dietary supplement, it is usually in the form of a powder or capsule to be swallowed.

To be fully absorbed by the body, it must be in the form of L-asparagine.

It is often combined with other amino acids.

Precautions for use

As with all dietary supplements, even though it is a natural substance, certain precautions should be taken when using it.

This supplement is not recommended for children under 12 years of age or for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice.

Contraindications

In any case, due to its effects on the body, it cannot be used by people with diabetes (with or without insulin treatment), people with malaria and people who have or have recently had cancer.

Side effects

Asparagine has not been shown to have any significant side effects.

Interaction

There are no known interactions with drugs or plants.

However, medical advice is needed before use, especially in combination with anti-malarial drugs or drugs used to regulate blood sugar levels.

Asparagine: food sources

It is a common nutrient.

Most foods therefore contain a variable dose.

Contrary to popular belief and despite its name, asparagus is not necessarily rich in this amino acid.

The richest foods are:

• Potatoes 
• Meat and seafood
• Almonds 
• Cereals (wheat and rye) 
• Chicory and instant coffee 
• Asparagus