Asparagine
Asparagine is a non-essential amino acid that the body makes itself. It was the first amino acid ever isolated, from asparagus juice.
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
Why “nonessential” does not mean unimportant
Asparagine is a nonessential amino acid: the body can synthesize it from aspartic acid and ammonia using the enzyme asparagine synthetase. The term describes its production in the body, not an established reason to take a supplement. 1
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Does nonessential mean I do not need it?
No. It means the body can make asparagine itself. 1
Do the cancer findings justify taking or avoiding a supplement?
The cited cell study cannot settle either clinical question. It investigated cellular mechanisms rather than supplement outcomes in people. 2
Is there an established safe high dose?
The Norwegian assessment did not establish an upper intake limit; absence of a limit does not establish safety. 3
Related nutrients
Alanine
D-Aspartic AcidSources
- Asparagine: MeSH descriptor National Library of Medicine
- Risk categorisation of 30 amino acids and amino acid compounds Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety