branched-chain amino acids + glutamine

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) plus glutamine is a combination therapeutic and nutritional intervention consisting of the three essential branched-chain amino acids—L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine—alongside the conditionally essential amino acid L-glutamine. This combination is designed to optimize protein metabolism and support physiological recovery under conditions of metabolic stress, such as intensive physical exercise, trauma, or chronic illness. The primary mechanism of action involves the activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway, predominantly driven by leucine, which initiates protein translation and muscle protein synthesis. Glutamine complements this by serving as a vital nitrogen donor, a primary fuel source for immune cells and enterocytes, and a regulator of acid-base balance. Clinically, the combination is utilized to mitigate muscle wasting (sarcopenia), improve nitrogen balance in catabolic states, and manage complications of liver disease, such as hepatic encephalopathy, by modulating the transport of aromatic amino acids across the blood-brain barrier. It is available both as a regulated pharmaceutical for clinical nutrition and as a widely distributed dietary supplement.

Brand names

Glutamine-BCAABCAA + Glutamine

Other names

BCAA-GBCAA plus Glutamine