Hi, I work with some patients with UC and C's and was referred to this forum. In some patients, there is a struggle to gain weight, and when we tested the amino acids, either in urine or blood, we often see low to low-normal levels. This may not be the case in every patient. In any case, this patient started medical grade amino acids and stopped the powders. This may be a consideration in weight maintenance. An example of a higher quality amino acid supplement is Master Amino Pattern (MAP). There are many out there and as long as it is high quality / medical grade it should be fine. Also using a probiotic like kefir and VSL#3 (or equivalent) may help as well. Hope this helps!