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Aspartate is a salt or ester of aspartic acid, which is an amino acid. Aspartic acid is one of the nonessential amino acids for mammals, meaning they can synthesize it. It is also classified as an acidic amino acid due to a carboxylic acid group on its side chain, giving it acidic properties. In aqueous solutions at physiological pH, aspartic acid is ionized and referred to as aspartate. Aspartate and glutamate side chains can form ionic bonds and are found in proteins that bind metal ions. Aspartic acid is also a component in the synthesis of the sweetener aspartame.1234

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