Protein Absorption
Yep. No real studies, a situation that really bites! Looking at peoples meals I don't think there is an appreciable limit. At 8 months the biggest meals I have been able to get in are 60-70 but for meals (not snacks) I tend to do from 25 - 50 per meal.
Protein malabsorption tends to hit only the people that aren't getting in very much protein at all because they are having health problems.
To add to what others have said (yes, we don't really know!), keep in mind that the amount of absorption also depends on the bioavailability of the protein being ingested.
For example, liquid protein supplements are a lot more bioavailable than a piece of steak. You will absorb most of the protein in a liquid protein supplement because it is already broken down to smaller particles. Foods that are well masticated (chewed) will allow the digestive system to absorb more than food not well chewed, Softer proteins, like fish, well chewed, will absorb more easily than chicken not well chewed, etc. etc.
There were many websites that used to indicate the maximum amount of protein that could be absorbed at one time was 30 grams, but there has never been any scientific studies or proof provided.
If memory serves me, I believe VitaLady posted once that a study at Princeton showed, adults only absorb 30 grams of protein within an hour.
i recently had a co-worker who is taking some health/nutrition college courses, and she also said the same thing.
If I'm incorrect, hopefully VitaLady will pop in to make the proper corrections.
Noreen HW 352 / SW 324 / CW 175/ LW/ 148 / GW 150 (achieved Aug 14 '11)
Actually there many studies that show that we absorb all the protein we eat at any one time.
Here are just two:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10867039
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/90/5/1244.abstract (people ate all the protein they needed for several days in a few hours time due to intermittent fasting)
From "ASMBS Allied Health Nutritional Guidelines for the Surgical Weight Loss Patient"
"One popular myth is that only 30 g/hr of protein can be absorbed. Although this is commonly found in both lay and some professional literature, there is no scientific basis for this claim."
http://www.asmbs.org/Newsite07/resources/bgs_final.pdf
HW - 225 SW - 191 GW - 132 CW - 122
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They probably just moved it. Again. LOL
There's an updated report so they may have removed the old one. I'm sure I can find a link to the original somewhere. But it just says what I copied out above it. There's no additional info.
HW - 225 SW - 191 GW - 132 CW - 122
Visit my blog at Fatty Fights Back Become a Fan on Facebook!
Starting BMI 40-ish or less? Join the LightWeights