30 Grams of Protein In One Meal Rule

March 6, 2008 | 1 Comment

Q: I had read in a few (older) physiology texts that we are only able to process about 30 grams of protein/feeding. I have been all over pubmed and science direct and haven’t found anything reliable or valid. I am asking specifically in regards to the various MRP’s or even a “Blender Bomb” with 40+ grams of protein.

A: I have often wondered where the 30 grams of protein per feeding “rule” came from. As like you, I have never found any studies or research to support it. If you really think about it, the idea that you body can only process 30 grams of protein in one sitting doesn’t really make any sense. Humans have evolved to extract every possible nutrient from food. That’s why our small intestines are so long. So to think that after 30 grams of protein your body would just let those nutrients pass through is kind of crazy.

The real question is what is the per meal protein consumption limit for different body functions. So how much protein can your body use towards protein synthesis (muscle building)? At what point does the protein you eat get used mainly as fuel and not for muscle building? Unfortunately those questions are extremely complex with lots of different variables (body size, activity, time of day, etc). So I’m not sure if we will get those answers anytime soon.

For the time being don’t put too much stock in the 30 grams of protein per feeding “rule.” Your body will digest and absorb all the protein and use it as it sees fit.

This article was written by Mike Roussell. Mike Roussell is a nationally renowned nutritionist and the president of the Naked Nutrition Network. He is currently a doctoral candidate in nutrition at Pennsylvania State University. Learn More About Mike Click Here

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Written by Mike Roussell · Filed Under Blog

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