Maximum Protein in a Single Serving

[specmike]

I searched but could not find this specific question or an answer.

I'm at 172lbs and gaining lean mass right now. Due to work and my sleep patterns it's difficult to always get 1.5x or more grams of protein per pound of body weight.

With that in mind, what is the maximum amount of protein any of you experienced eaters would recommend in any single dosage?

My favorite recipe right now is 2 scoops of whey for 50 grams, 3 table spoons of peanut butter for approximately 20grams, a Boost high protein drink for vitamns and 15 grams, a banana for about 2 more grams, and a bit of milk for 4-8 grams to get the consistency right in the blender. So, based on averages, I'd say this monster gives me about 80 - 90 grams of protein assuming I scoop correctly and my other estimates are correct.

On any given day, I try to get 40% or more of my protein from food as opposed to shakes etc. But, like I said, it's not always feasible.

 

[HondaV65]

My biggest is a whey right after workout and it's 50 grams ... which I think is too much but I don't want to short it after a blistering workout.

90 Grams in a single serving is a lot bro.

 

[Rosie Chee]

I searched but could not find this specific question or an answer.

I'm at 172lbs and gaining lean mass right now. Due to work and my sleep patterns it's difficult to always get 1.5x or more grams of protein per pound of body weight.

With that in mind, what is the maximum amount of protein any of you experienced eaters would recommend in any single dosage?

My favorite recipe right now is 2 scoops of whey for 50 grams, 3 table spoons of peanut butter for approximately 20grams, a Boost high protein drink for vitamns and 15 grams, a banana for about 2 more grams, and a bit of milk for 4-8 grams to get the consistency right in the blender. So, based on averages, I'd say this monster gives me about 80 - 90 grams of protein assuming I scoop correctly and my other estimates are correct.

On any given day, I try to get 40% or more of my protein from food as opposed to shakes etc. But, like I said, it's not always feasible.

It's really dependent on the individual.

~Rosie~

 

[specmike]

It's really dependent on the individual.

~Rosie~

The main thing I want to do is to hit my protein goals and to not eat it in a way that is not beneficial. I suppose that if it is too much at any single serving, my body will dispose of it in some way. I guess it would spill over into my kidneys or rush thru my digestive tract in some unpleasant way. :shock:

The biggest problem I have is drinking enough water with and after a shake this large. If I drink it too fast and/or don't drink enough water, I feel bloated for a while. And, I can't drink this size shake within 4 hours before a workout or I am totally sluggish the whole time at the gym.

EDIT: Thanks all for any USEFUL input. :biggthumpup:

 

[Kellyflan1]

90 Grams equals a nasty bloat problem for this kid. Stock up on toilet paper bro.

 

[specmike]

90 Grams equals a nasty bloat problem for this kid. Stock up on toilet paper bro.

I have never had any problems eating this much protein in the past. It's not like I guzzle it like beer. I drink it over about a 30-45min period and I don't end up on the toilet.

 

[TheKanezzi]

I am also very busy and sometimes will hit 100g in a meal no problem. I always based my thinking that if I wasnt absorbing it, the bacteria in my gut were digesting it. Its the by products of these bacteria that cause GI issues (cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea) Since I dont normally experience these symptoms, I assume that i am absorbing all the protein. I am, also a bit larger with you and have been eating high protein meals for over ten years, it stands to reason that my body may produce more protease than you do.

Main point is, if you are not having GI issues, you are probably ok.

Regards

 

[Rosie Chee]

The main thing I want to do is to hit my protein goals and to not eat it in a way that is not beneficial. I suppose that if it is too much at any single serving, my body will dispose of it in some way. I guess it would spill over into my kidneys or rush thru my digestive tract in some unpleasant way. :shock:

The biggest problem I have is drinking enough water with and after a shake this large. If I drink it too fast and/or don't drink enough water, I feel bloated for a while. And, I can't drink this size shake within 4 hours before a workout or I am totally sluggish the whole time at the gym.

EDIT: Thanks all for any USEFUL input. :biggthumpup:

You can hit your protein goals easily enough over 5-6 meals daily. There is nothing to show that there is a "maximum" amount of protein that an individual can have in a single serving - and whether or not it comes from food or shakes will make a difference re digestion.

I personally have no problems taking in 50-70 grams of protein in a single serving (more, if I have additional protein from shakes, etc. with the meal).

In the end, you should find you own sweet spot re food and shakes in how much protein you have. Realize also that it may not be the protein that is making you uncomfortable, but the amount of calories being consumed, and carbohydrates if you add them can contribute as well.

~Rosie~

 

[specmike]

You can hit your protein goals easily enough over 5-6 meals daily.

That was the point of the whole post. I typically cannot do 5-6 meals daily. On those days that I can't, I sometimes am forced to hit 1 or 2 heavier doses like the shake I described.

So far it is working and I don't have any immediately discernable problems. But I have heard all the horror stories over the years about doctors warning of kidney damage from what they call "too much protein". My thoughts have always been that these doctors were speaking in the case of kidneys that were already compromised (diabetic insulin users, renal disease, etc ) and not healthy 100% functional kidneys.

 

[Rosie Chee]

That was the point of the whole post. I typically cannot do 5-6 meals daily. On those days that I can't, I sometimes am forced to hit 1 or 2 heavier doses like the shake I described.

I don't think there is any issue with what you're doing, having done the same thing myself sometimes.

~Rosie~

 

[specmike]

I don't think there is any issue with what you're doing, having done the same thing myself sometimes.

~Rosie~

Very cool and as always, thanks for your input Rosie!

 

[timmmah]

Your digestive system does not produce enough enzymes to break all the protein you could eat down into simple amino acids that must travel through the walls of the small intestine via the villi that line it. The extra just moves down the line where it will sit in the Colon until pooping time stinking the place up.

Bottom line: Eat three meals and then drink protein shakes in between, you can drink water during the day right? Well carry bags of protein powder and add them to water. If you weigh 175 In my humble opinion I guess maybe 40-50 grams of protein is as much as you would want to take in in one serving.

 

[Rosie Chee]

Very cool and as always, thanks for your input Rosie!

No worries and you're welcome

 

[adnscmplx]

Like Rosie said, No evidence for a Magic Limit.

Check this out from my man, Alan Aragon:

http://www.wannabebig.com/diet-and-nutrition/is-there-a-limit-to-how-much-protein-the-body-can-use-in-a-single-meal/

Go nuts bro.

 

[specmike]

Like Rosie said, No evidence for a Magic Limit.

Check this out from my man, Alan Aragon:

http://www.wannabebig.com/diet-and-nutrition/is-there-a-limit-to-how-much-protein-the-body-can-use-in-a-single-meal/

Go nuts bro.

I am also very busy and sometimes will hit 100g in a meal no problem. I always based my thinking that if I wasnt absorbing it, the bacteria in my gut were digesting it. Its the by products of these bacteria that cause GI issues (cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea) Since I dont normally experience these symptoms, I assume that i am absorbing all the protein. I am, also a bit larger with you and have been eating high protein meals for over ten years, it stands to reason that my body may produce more protease than you do.

Main point is, if you are not having GI issues, you are probably ok.

Regards

Based on how my body reacts and has for the 20 years or so I have been lifting, I think we're on the right track with these 2 posts. Eating this much in a single sitting may not be ideal but, I think it can be done safely to hit my goals.

 

[CaponeCEO]

Based on how my body reacts and has for the 20 years or so I have been lifting, I think we're on the right track with these 2 posts. Eating this much in a single sitting may not be ideal but, I think it can be done safely to hit my goals.

Protein absorption is different for everyone. Your body will excrete any unused protein in a variety of ways. One way in particular can be dangerous. If you really have to strain during a #2, and notice it feels like hard rocks, then you are setting yourself up for potentially damaging the digestive track. Many body builders who use varying amounts of proteins will include softeners in thier daily supplements. I also think it has something to do with hydration levels and how your specific body reacts to protein excretion. If you start to notice changes in your regularity and straining, then you know it is protein related.

 

[specmike]

Protein absorption is different for everyone. Your body will excrete any unused protein in a variety of ways. One way in particular can be dangerous. If you really have to strain during a #2, and notice it feels like hard rocks, then you are setting yourself up for potentially damaging the digestive track. Many body builders who use varying amounts of proteins will include softeners in thier daily supplements. I also think it has something to do with hydration levels and how your specific body reacts to protein excretion. If you start to notice changes in your regularity and straining, then you know it is protein related.

Yeah, I never have that problem. What you describing I think is about like what gave Brock Lesnar diverticulitis last year. And, I certainly don't do an 80g+ protein bomb every day. I only do it on those days that I know I am not going to get close to my daily target amount.

 

[ono]

90g is a bit insane. I think anything over 40g is insane to be honest.

So long as your carbohydrate intake is sufficient, you will probably find that you can put on adequate amounts of muscle by consuming around 140g of protein per day (considering your size)

Infact i've had the most success by following this plan....

protein - 140g per day

carbohydrate - 500g per day

fat - 40g per day

I've even dropped protein as low as 90g per day without noticing any difference.

Taking in the 90g in a single serving just isn't necessary. I'd imagine at least half of that is converted to energy anyway. In that case, there are much cheaper alternatives.

Problem is, some trainers seem reluctant or afraid to drop their protein intake for fear of diminishing returns. Afterall, training can be brutal. I just feel that when talking about bulking, carbohydrate intake is equally as important. I just don't see or hear many people talking about their carbohydrate intake :ugh2:

Good luck anyway mate. If it works for you, then fair play. But i would try and at least half that serving and maybe take twice per day.

 

[Harry Manback]

While on tren ace, I like to have about 70-75g protein per meal/post workout shake. If I'm not running the ace, I stick between 40-50g per meal split between 6 meals and a post workout isolate shake.

 

[DaJaP]

My buddy did an experiment in college testing this, looking at the protein concentration in urine. Results were that anything over 25-30g digested at one time would not be used by the body. How accurate and dependable that is, i'm unsure of. But i have been taking in 25g every 2 hours and its worked well thus far