Question:
How much protien can your body take in at a time?

I actually have 2 questions I needed answered. I am 2 weeks postop and have been drinking the real meal protein shakes, but from somewhere I have gotten it into my head that only 30 grams of protein can be taken in at a time by your body. I have been making shakes out of the real meals by putting 1 full serving, 12oz of water, ice, and peanut butter and I can tolerate that. But is my body not getting the whole 60 grams of protein? My next question is are all pills we take now (medication, vitamins, etc) suppose to be either caplets or gel form. I read somewhere we could not have tablets because our stomach would not digest them. Anybody else heard this? Thanks so much!    — Toni G. (posted on January 13, 2003)

January 13, 2003
Hi, I am pre-op but I just got home from my last appt. for surgery andd seeing the nutritionist. I have been told that about 32g of protein is all we can absorb at one time. Also, about the vitamins, Some docs want you on liquid vitamins or chewables for awhile. And according to some research gelcaps are hard to absorb (not sure though about this) and also rny shouldnt take time-released, I dont remember where I heard that one but it makes sense to me. Good luck
   — Delores S.

January 13, 2003
36 grams at one time. Any more than that is just wasted.
   — Sharon H.

January 13, 2003
The 30g rule has always been the rule of thumb for normies. We have no reason to think we'd absorb MORE, only less. As for pills, tablet or dry powder in a capsule. The form is not particularly critical if you test them, but what's IN it, is important. You can take the wettest calcium on earth, but if it is carbonate, it is worth squat. So, be sure your calcium is citrate, your iron is NOT ferrous sulfate, and your fat solubles (A, D, E) are not in a soft gel with oil inside (get them with dry powder). Beyond that, the actual vehicle is not the main criteria. I tested all mine before I settled into a routine.
   — vitalady

January 14, 2003
So when you refer to 30-36 grams at a time, how long is "a time"? Are we talking a period of several hours? Or in one sitting? Thanks!
   — Jane D.