How much protein can the body absorb in one sitting?

I was pleasantly educated by a certified nutritionist that the body can & should only consume a maximum of 25-30 synthetic/manufactured grams of protein in a “sitting”. I’m not sure if there is a limit from whole, natural foods such as a steak or chicken breast, etc, but it’s not the same comparison.

I was drinking a protein shake with about 45-50 grams of synthetic/manufactured protein mixed along with supplemental things like yogurt, PB, fruit, etc, post-workout & let’s just say things weren’t good. It was explained to me that I was having some issues because my body was struggling to break down the protein in my system & even if it did, it could only covert & utilize 25-30 grams max, so the rest was being wasted.

Good opportunity for a certified nutritionist to either support or oppose

Tony

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CorporateHastings, MN

Tony Nicholson 103k
12 months ago

It basically looks like the only reason these huge tubs of whey protein have 60 grams of protein per serving is just to sell the product to some poor sap who thinks he's getting the most bang for his buck. That's what I'm getting from this whole protein biznazz, I don't mind, it means that 2lb tub of whey I bought will last twice as long and it was 50 friggin bux

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MemberBrookfield, WI

JACOB MCKAY 915
4 months ago

Hey Folks,

Your body can digest as much protein as you can consume, but the caveat here is that the process simply takes that much longer. There's no tried and true rule as to a given amount, though 15-20 grams is really all you need post-exercise. If you could only digest and absorb a certain amount in a specific timeframe, what would happen to the rest of it??

Most of the protein action happens in the liver, where amino acids get distributed through an amino acid pool (the body's reservoir of amino acids). The fate of these little guys can vary greatly depending on the needs of your body--uptake into skeletal muscle for direct oxidation (energy use), conversion into plasma proteins or enzymes, or they can be used to make glucose (gluconeogenesis). Keep in mind, this is a very simplistic view of how our body deals with protein. In fact, it's ridiculously complex and amazing all at the same time!!

Hope this helps!

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Brian Zehetner 35k
4 months ago

There's a wonderful AH Audio segment (posted here on the site on June 8, 2011 in the Blog/Video section) that is an interview with Dr Stacey Bell - a good half hr or so talking about protein absorption and all things protein- I believe she covers this question, although I don't recall the exact answer just now. Definitely worth a listen. Hope this helps!

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MemberSheboygan, WI

Jacqueline Carney 3.6k
12 months ago

I took a quick look on the web for some guidance. I saw one that indicated you could take up to 60g but most are more moderate. "Threegigs" response on this blog does a good job of explaining how protein is absorbed in the body ==> http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/diet-nutrition/132598-protein-absorption-meal-frequency-question.html

This article was interesting too ==> http://www.tomvenuto.com/asktom/proteingramsper_meal.shtml

Didn't really answer the question but I hope that knowing more will help you.

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MemberKenosha, WI

Brian Delaney 8.5k
12 months ago

Thanks you guys for all of your answers, this really helped! I tried to research this myself online but found that everyone seemed to disagree mostly. Tony I really liked your response, as I've always been afraid to take more than about 30g of protein post-workout. I figured my body might start rejecting any extra protein and start sending me on more trips to the bathroom (if you know what i mean!) Thanks for everyone's articles as well, I will check them out!

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MemberAbilene, TX

Chris Randell 448
12 months ago

When I was trying to do a bulk cycle and going real heavy weights I was taking 45G of protein plus 0% milk (about 6g protein)at least per serving and I had no problem. Perhaps a bodies need for the extra protein may have something to do with absorption and rejection, as well as the quality of the protein and the additives that may/may not be in it. Like Tony, I've experienced those "problems" from consuming protein,(only 25g at the time) but my thought was from cheap products or initial uses of protein.

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Joshua Van Meter 7.1k
12 months ago

So i have heard that if you are weight training you want to shoot for 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight for your weight goal. If that is the case, then a person shooting for 200lbs would have to have almost 7 protein shakes(or high protein meals) at this dosage. Either i have been misinformed or it would be extremely difficult to get the amount of protein required when weight training if you are a bigger guy.

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MemberPortland, ME

Tobiasawilliams 55
4 months ago

It depends on the size of the person. 50 grams is usually max (from what I have been taught). Most people will not be able to use 60 grams at once unless under extreme circumstances.

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Club StaffPenryn, CA

Alicia Gonzales 6.4k
12 months ago