Protein absorption

[Wayne2]

Does anyone know of any credible sources that explain protein absorption in the body. I am wondering if there is a limit to how many grams of protein your body can absorb from one drink. For example, does a 50 gram protein shake do as good as two 25 gram shakes mixed throughout the day? Or can the body absorb all our protein requirements from 1 or 2 shakes? Also, does it matter if the protein comes from whey drink vs. chicken breast or fish? Is protein simply protein no matter how you consume it or how fast you consume it?

[rwalli1022]

I never thought about it hat way.

Are you working with a dietician? My surgery is in 12 days. I've been working with a dietician throughout my journey and will continue after my surgery.

It may be helpful to consult with one.

[Retropunkgurl]

I was told by my surgeon's office that the body can only absorb about 35gms of protein at one time. The rest is waste. So, that being said, I was drinking a 25gm protein shake in the morning, then a 25gm protein shake at night. I don't know a credible source, however, that can prove what my surgeon told me, but I am listening to him anyway. Hope this helps. Also, now that I'm on my puree stage, my surgeon would rather I only drink one shake a day as a meal replacement and get my protein from other sources. Whey isolate protein is great to add in your food. Chicken and fish are also great sources of protein. Really, you should not rely only on whey isolates or meal replacements for protein. You also want to get the other nutrients that are in food.

[PITSTOP]

My nut told us the same thing in our mandatory bariatric classes through Kaiser. The body cant absorb more than 35-40 grams of protein at a time. Anything over that in a serving is a waste. Spread it out over a few hours....

[Philabethie2016]

I heard the same 35g number in the post-op eating class I had to attend for surgery. They also stressed the importance of weaning off the shakes once you're able and ready to move on to solid foods. My NUT's rationale was that you want to get more of your nutritive calories from solid foods, rather than drinking your calories, for more effective restriction, better overall nutrition, etc. etc. Don't know if that's valid - your mileage may vary. I've seen a few debates on here about long-term use of protein shakes and I'm sorta neutral about it...maybe I'll have a stronger opinion once I'm sleeved and seeing what works (and doesn't work for me).

[Wayne2]

Thank you for your responses. This confirms what I have read online. So that 50+ grams of protein from the gladiator shake at smoothie king is not as awesome as it sounds. Thanks again!

[GoPackGo]

Also different types of proteins absorb differently. Some absorb 100% some do not. For example whey isolate verses whey concentrate. Your NUT should be able to help guide you on what products absorb well. I just checked with my NUT yesterday before leaving the hospital post surgery. They want us to use their recommended products that they sell. Go figure, right! Well I asked about the premier protein shakes from Sams club. She ran the ingredients through some computer program she has and said the 30g of protein in the premier shakes are 100% digestible. So they are a great source for a high protein shake.

[Ann2]

Wayne ... I'd think the 50 grams Gladiator shake might actually be good ... IF you drank it over a several hour period.

But Trexlee, JessieJess and others here who work out a lot will surely have opinions on this subject.

[MBL]

Does anyone know of any credible sources that explain protein absorption in the body. I am wondering if there is a limit to how many grams of protein your body can absorb from one drink. For example, does a 50 gram protein shake do as good as two 25 gram shakes mixed throughout the day? Or can the body absorb all our protein requirements from 1 or 2 shakes? Also, does it matter if the protein comes from whey drink vs. chicken breast or fish? Is protein simply protein no matter how you consume it or how fast you consume it?

Actually, it is even worse than just the limit to how much you absorb but additionally how long it stays in your system to ACTUALLY absorb. I was going to do a whole post on this. FOR ME shakes are a waste.....based on my bloodwork and hair loss I am not absorbing anywhere near what it says on the package. I can't speak for others...if their protein counts are coming out great in their bloodwork, it works for them.... (bet most are not having that checked though!!) for me, my levels were tanked EVEN THOUGH I was "getting 80-100 grams of protein a day. When I did away with my one shake a day and switched it to a solid protein, my hairloss stopped within 3 days. I go for a recheck of the protein levels in a couple months and I bet it will be better. GOOD LUCK. Here is an article that discuses this. Protein supplements: Is protein absorption the problem? | Precision Nutrition

[Joe Poppa]

As it was mentioned a few times, I also read about the body not being able to absorb more than 30-35g of protein at one time.

You should select an isolate, like "whey isolate" since it is a higher quality protein and better absorbed.

[tinman]

Actually, it is even worse than just the limit to how much you absorb but additionally how long it stays in your system to ACTUALLY absorb. I was going to do a whole post on this. FOR ME shakes are a waste.....based on my bloodwork and hair loss I am not absorbing anywhere near what it says on the package. I can't speak for others...if their protein counts are coming out great in their bloodwork, it works for them.... (bet most are not having that checked though!!) for me, my levels were tanked EVEN THOUGH I was "getting 80-100 grams of protein a day. When I did away with my one shake a day and switched it to a solid protein, my hairloss stopped within 3 days. I go for a recheck of the protein levels in a couple months and I bet it will be better. GOOD LUCK. Here is an article that discuses this. Protein supplements: Is protein absorption the problem? | Precision Nutrition

In my opinion, MBL is spot on here. You need to do some research on isolates and the effect on the isolated protein during the process of extracting it from the source. Some of the essential amino acids needed for full absorption are lost in the isolate process. You do absorb some of the isolate, but not all of it. The makers of protein bars and shakes are allowed to publish the actual protein content because, in actuality, it's all there. However, our bodies don't absorb all of it and that's where malnutrition in protein occurs...in my opinion.

MBL is right about trying to get your protein in with solid proteins. I eat a protein bar every day, but, I only count about half of the protein contained in the bar against my daily protein goals.

There has been a lot of debate on this on the board and both sides of the argument have solid takes. If I were you, I would do some hard core research and come up with your own conclusion. It's your plan so take ownership.

Good Luck.

[Levels]

Fantastic article on protein absorption. Rooted in science with sound explanations.

[sraebaer]

I'd watch this Dr. Vuong video on YouTube. He says a lot of the stuff they tell us as weight loss patients is from about 50 years ago. He has another video on protein too.

Real Talk: Busting the PROTEIN Myth after Weight Loss Surgery