Amino Acid Megadose

I was wondering if its ok to mega dose on free form amino acid tablets (10-20 grams). I need to put on some weight, and I don't absorb regular protein powders. Do you think this would be safe? I'm also considering taking mega doses of BCAA (Branch Chain Amino Acid)

Not a good idea.

Taken in their pure form, Amino Acids can swamp available enzymes and lead to very high levels of amino acids being transported to the brain, where they can have excitotoxic affects.

Proteins on the other hand are gradually broken down in the gut, resulting in a slow, steady stream of amino acids that the body's metabolism can easily cope with.

I think they use amino acid formulas in elemental diets.. Surely it cant be such a bad thing to take regularly? I've seen some literature on the net that says BCAA formulas can be taken up to 20grams daily or even more...

Have you ever evaluated the condition that causes your body not to absorb proteins?

I have an inability to digest because of crohn's disease, I need to put on weight desperately. I don't really want to take the elemental diets because they contain lots of sugars which is a no-no. So rather than that I want to take amino acid complex- not individual amino acids. I think the excitotoxic effects only apply when you take mega doses of individual amino acids.

I know very little about the nutritional requirements or complications of Crohn's disease and am therefore not qualified to comment. You would however be well advised to obtain qualified expert advice before embarking on any mega-dose based therapy