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Aspartic 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.

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

References

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.

Review Date: 3/9/2009
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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