Q: I just got some BCAA Powder from NOW Sports.  Just curious, can I take it with glutamine, or would they fight for absorption? And how much is too much or enough?

A: The whole point is absorption, so you want them to be absorbed. I combine and recommend combining BCAAs and Glutamine all the time. This adds size, folks, and is a great addendum to a hard workout. You should take at least 5 grams of BCAA and about 3-5 grams of Glutamine after each workout. BCAAs are comprised of 50% Leucine, 25% Isoleucine and 25% Valine. But keep in mind that there are only 5 grams of Amino Acids in the blood stream at any given time. Within that 5 grams, 60 percent is glutamine. It is something that is actually VERY tightly controlled by your body. Now that’s circulating amino acids. The concentration in muscle cells is much greater. But the point here is, it’s better to take BCAAs twice daily to get a maximum of 10 grams total restorative power into the body throughout the day. More importantly, however, is getting Glutamine every day and in higher concentrations. Then also, remember that a portion of all Glutamine is destroyed at the gut level from stomach acid. By the way, NOW IV Glutamine is a good product. Remembering that a quality Glutamine is responsible for manufacturing 60 percent of other amino acids, if you don’t supplement it, it can be a downfall.

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