Hi, I'm trying to work out the best timing for both ALCAR and L-glutamine before morning cardio.

Both of these supplements are said to be most usefully taken on an empty stomach. ALso, both of them seem to be useful to take before doing cardio. But if I take the ALCAR at the same time as the L-glutamine (about 30 mins before exercise), it won't be on an empty stomach, by definition :) The issue, as I understand it, is that supplemental amino acids can end up competing with eachother when not taken alone. Obviously, with the moderate doses I'm taking, I want to maximise their potential usefulness.

I've looked through this forum and others quite extensively, and haven't really seen any systematic approach to this matter. Any thoughts, anyone?

Edit -- I should have added that I have been on a calorie-deficit diet for quite some time, with a good balance of nutrition and good exercise plan; and I'm looking to spare muscle more effectively than hitherto.

I seriously doubt that both at the same time would be a problem. And given that whether or not glutamine orally does anything at all for you... it's purely speculative.

[QUOTE=philph]Hi, I'm trying to work out the best timing for both ALCAR and L-glutamine before morning cardio.

Both of these supplements are said to be most usefully taken on an empty stomach. ALso, both of them seem to be useful to take before doing cardio. But if I take the ALCAR at the same time as the L-glutamine (about 30 mins before exercise), it won't be on an empty stomach, by definition :) The issue, as I understand it, is that supplemental amino acids can end up competing with eachother when not taken alone. Obviously, with the moderate doses I'm taking, I want to maximise their potential usefulness.

I've looked through this forum and others quite extensively, and haven't really seen any systematic approach to this matter. Any thoughts, anyone?[Quote=philph]


Take the combo before and after. Throw about 10gr bcaa powder into the mix also, to retain muscle and ensure you are burning fat. This is also a good combo before and after weight training. I would bump up the bcaa content to 20gr post workout. Throw in some anti-oxidants in there too. One hour later you may consume your PWO shake. A mistake I used to make was consuming a PWO shake IMMEDIATELY after training. Even during a pre-contest phase, I will wait an hour for my shake. Optimal recovery is kickstarted via the free form bcaa's as soon as I finish my last set.

And given that whether or not glutamine orally does anything at all for you... it's purely speculative.

Well, that's a whole nother matter ...

For all I know, I might be just as well off (and save a bit of money) just getting those extra few grams of amino acids from whey instead. Who knows?

Mastover - thanks also for your advise. Regarding antioxidants, I've been taking ALA (which serves the dual role of being the antioxidant that people seem often to use for minimising the negative effects of ALCAR, as well as being possibly a defence against some potential complications of my diabetes).

Regarding taking the amino acids immediately after the weight training, and delaying the PWO meal, I was already considering the very same strategy, and was actually going to ask about that next. I was considering waiting about 30 mins or so for the amino acids to be absorbed and then eating my usual PWO stuff.

In passing, I must say, though, that it's frustrating not really knowing (as Hort mentioned in regard to L-Glutamine) how much benefit really can be got from each or all of these things.

As P T Barnum said, "you pays your money and you takes your choice".