Protein - Is there a maximum useful amount at a time?

[kedg]

When I went into GNC to buy some whey powder the clerk directed me to a brand (I can't remember which one now) that has the most protein/gram of powder (of all, according to him, and certainly more than I 've seen in other brands) - 24g per serving. He commented that more than that wouldn't really be useful b/c that's almost as much as your body can absorb.

That leads me to this question: If I consume more than, say 30g, of protein at a time, am I wasting my time consuming the protein (& calories) above some theoretical maximum my body can use at a time? He gave 28 as the supposed maximum - anybody know whether there's any truth to that?

Thanks.

[Lisa~]

I'll let Roland or somebody else tackle the real question, but I wanted to say that a clerk at GNC is not a reliable source for information. He's probably just repeating what he's heard his sales reps say. He's got no basis for his information except to sell you the product. He's a clerk. (Every once in a while you'll find a guy working at a place like that who really knows his stuff, but it's not often!)

[Lost Dog]

This is a very common thing to hear. "You can only process ___ g of protein at one time." Is it true? The short answer is "no." There's no real limit.

It takes time to process protein in your body, anyway. If you drink 24g now, and two hours later, eat 30g P worth of chicken, your body will still some P left over from the whey. Even in the meal after that, there could be protein from earlier available, in one form or another.

The amount that you have available might make the protein available for different purposes in your body, but unless you eat a TON of it at once, there's no real issue. But, if you eat a ton of any food, you've got a problem. But, assuming you're in the right calorie range, your body will find a good use for it in time.

And what is "at a time" or "at one time?" You're constantly digesting something. It's sort of like saying your bathtub can only drain 5 gallons of water at a time. That doesn't make sense.

BTW, some protein powders have 50-70g of protein per serving. Most of the ones marketed toward more normal people have 18-30g per scoop, but on the label, it might say to use 1 scoop for a snack or 1-2 scoops for a meal replacement.

[Natalia]

Originally Posted by kedg

24g per serving. He commented that more than that wouldn't really be useful b/c that's almost as much as your body can absorb.

Lost Dog makes a lot of sense.

Plus, what the sales guy should have asked you is 'What's your training and nutrition objectives?' Depending on the answer, protein consumption suggestion would more accurate.