Andrea, melting momma, anyone......

Hey guys,
Just wanted to get your take on something. I read that your body can only process 30g of protein at a time (or in an hour). I don't remember ever hearing that before or after surgery. I have my power shake every morning that has about 40g of protein in it, but I 'm now wondering if I am wasting some protein if it's not being absorbed. I thought maybe I would split it into 2 shakes a day instead if that is the case. Just wnodering if you have ever heard anything like this and what you think. Thanks !

That's a myth.  Where did you read it?  I'm guessing not in a scientific journal.  And I'm guessing there was no study provided to back it up?

The ASMBS says there is no scientific data to back up such a claim, although it is a commonly held belief. 

I have looked and looked and looked and cannot find any studies that support such a claim, either.

However.  We need protein throughout the day. We need it for the amino acids, and we need a pretty steady supply of them.  So let's say you need 60 grams of protein a day.  You could make a protein shake with 60 grams and have that for breakfast.  You'd absorb it, or most of it, anyway.  But you'd still need more protein later.  So a better plan would be to have a shake with 20 grams for breakfast, then something with 20 grams for lunch, then  something else with 20 grams for dinner.

Kelly

Our bodies can only absorb (usefully employ) about 25-30 grams of protein;  you're not wasting anything if you put 35 grams in at once.

Spreading your protein intake out over the entire day is a good idea;  I usually try for 15-20 grams per meal, and if I do a snack I make it at least 8-10 grams.  Breakfast is where I put in a scoop of GNC
Dutch chocolate (25 grams) with a glass of 1% or n/f milk for another 8-10 grams.  Keeps me from being hungry!

Good luck!

Can you tell me where the 25-30 grams comes from?  Like point me to a study or something?

Kelly

There is no study, it hasnt been proven or disproven so there is no answer.
Eitherway whatever your protein intake goals are you should spread them over the day thru your various meals/snacks... some people go and drink 1 loaded protein shake and think they are good to go.. really best to spread it all out and aim for balanced meals :-)

Not precisely;  this topic has come up several times and I believe most Nutritionists that I've spoken to have put forth that number.

You might want to search on sciencedaily.com using that phrase along with "bariatric surgery"

I found nothing about it whatsoever on Science Daily.

But the ASMBS says:

One popular myth is that only 30 g/hr of protein can be absorbed.  Although this is commonly found in both lay and professional literature, there is no scientific basis for this claim. 

http://www.asbs.org/Newsite07/resources/bgs_final.pdf

I just goggled it to get an idea if there was a mawimum limit on how much protein your body could process at one time. Not sure what the site was.

THis is a very common myth -- that seems to change amounts depending on the person.

The amount of absorption is going to depend on a few factors -- the type of protein being consumed, the person consuming it (someone who is sedentary is going to need less than an active person, for example), etc.

I think there is a limit based on these factors -- but I don't think there is a set or arbitrary number -- 25, 30, 35g --

I also feel we should spread out our protein through the day.. Two 50g drinks and nothing in between isn't the best way to get protein goals met.  I think one should try and get around 30g over 3-4 mini meals per day -- but not because of a limit, just because that's a good number to shoot for at the end of the day.

I agree Andrea. And I do eat protein all thru the day to get my full amount in. I've just been doing the 1 shake to satrt the day and figure maybe it will be better all the way around if I split into 2 servings instead. Thanks, you're always so helpful !