Protein level

Brett called today and said that my blood work came back and everything looked great except my protein level was at 16.I get in between 80-100g aday mostly thru drinks.He was concerned but said to get another test before I come in in December to see if the levels are up.Has this happened to anyone else?What could be causing me to not absorb the protein? any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. CAthy

Cathy, You are still doing Whey Proteins right? How much of your protein is in drinks and how much in actual food? We are supposed to be able to absorb Whey Protein Drinks the best. Another thought, have you upped your exercise lately? If so, you may need to make sure you take in protein after your workout. And may even want to increase your protein grams per day. I saw a chart somewhere, I will try to find it again. If I can find it, I will send it to you. One more thought, perhaps it was just some kind of a fluke ... I wouldn't get overly excited until I had my next test. As far as anyone else having this happen, yes, I can think of two people who had dropped protein levels for at least one blood test. Good to hear the rest of your blood work was great. Keep up the great work!!! Hugs, Tammy

Cathy, Tammy is right. My protein level dropped to 18 at 4 months. I get in between 100 to 120 grams a day. I am exercising 2 hrs plus at a time 5 days a week. I didn't increase alot cause I had lost alot of weight so the formula changed some. I still get in over 120 grams a day. No hair loss either. I'm lucky. Listen to Brett. He won't lie to you. I do 3 protein drinks a day and the other 3 are real food. I go for protein, some fruit and definetly some fiber. Hope this helps. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Hi Elissa, Your reply really has helped me. I am 11 weeks out and felt proud to be up to btw 70 and 80 gms a day!! I am going to up my protein more with the unjury and Dr wynns cappacinos. I don't want the hair loss either! I may be paranoid but it seems like I am shedding a little more than usual for this time of year. Thanks for the feedback. Terre

Ok, I'll bite...and remember, I'm still very new at this! What should our protein level be? Thanks! Valerie

Cathy, I had the same thing happen. One blood test my protein reading (or prealbumin, should be between 20-40) was very low (and I was getting in about 150grams of protein a day at the time). The next blood test one week later my protein level was normal and I didn't change my dietary regime at all. Like Tammy states it may have been impact of exercise and time of day when blood test was administered. The prealbumin test measures a protein that reflects your nutritional status, particularly before and after surgery, or if you are hospitalized or taking nutritional supplements.

Cathy - UP your protein to 100-120g. You need it so much right now with your body going through so many changes. I also took Biotin and Zinc so I wouldn't lose hair. I have had my protein levels checked and they have been at 12,16,15,19 and now 20. That has been over the course of 20 months. I will get them checked again in Dec/Jan. I have had 3 major surgeries this year, so when you heal your body needs more protein. I am finally at 20 and hope to stablize. So you are not alone, but do what Brett suggests. Nicki

Brett likes the protein level around 100+ but the formula I was given by the nutritionist is ... Your current weight x .3 = # of grams of protein needed. Dianne