Question:
What is the amt of protein absorbed at a meal?

I thought I read somewhere that only a certain amt of protein can be absorbed at a time the reat is wastd. How much would that be? Like should you try to get 20grams 3 times a day or 30 twice a day I am just wondering. You don't want to waste your protein that's for sure!!!    — Beth B. (posted on September 28, 2003)

September 28, 2003
Hello. I think it is 30 grams.
   — AmyWollet

September 28, 2003
I've heard, but do not necessarily believe it, that the most we can absorb at one time is 30 grams of protein. However, to me it makes no sense. Most of us RNY's only have 5' or less of malabsorption, which means that 5' of the previous 20' (using averages here) does not absorb but that still leaves 15' for absorption. All absoprtion is done in the small intestine. How could any medical person be able to know that we can ONLY absorb 30 grams. Most days now I get in 80-100 grams of protein. Some meals are much higher in protein than others, especially if I don't have any carbs that meal. So I might hit 45-50 grams. I have no idea if it's wasted or not, but I do know that my weight loss is where it should be and seems to respond well to the days I do very high protien and really low carbs. So who knows. It's fine to work with the 30 grams but for me personally I don't put a lot of stock in it.
   — zoedogcbr

September 28, 2003
I think the "30-gram" rule comes from protein powder manufacturers, who have suggested 30 grams of protein is the most that people with "normal" stomachs can absorb from a protein powder (unless they're super-muscular, super-conditioned athletes). I don't know how many manufacturers say this, or what they base it on, but I don't think it comes from any study on WLS people in particular (or that it necessarily applies to protein foods). I think it makes good sense to "pace ourselves" with protein & calcium supps., given our malabsorption issues, so I would imagine it's most efficient to try to get nutrition in throughout the day rather than in one shot.
   — Suzy C.