If you are specifically looking to optimize protein uptake, one of the key agents that comes to mind is bromelain, a proteolytic digestive enzyme obtained from pineapples. Apart from enhancing protein absorption, it also positively influences overall protein turnover, including proteins in joint tissue. So, it has ancillary effects on maintaining joint, cartilage, tendon, and ligament integrity via inhibition of inflammatory conditions. Besides its digestive support, bromelain is also known to enhance quercetin uptake. This is one reason some supplement companies like to add bromelain and quercetin (enhances resveratrol absorption) to resveratrol to optimize resveratrol bioavailability.
Papain, obtained from papaya, is another enhancer of protein uptake, and may even help to trigger protein synthesis.
Sometimes, I like to use zinc-L-carnosine to counteract the negative influence of Heliobacter pylori (H. Pylori), the bacterium that triggers pro-inflammatory conditions in stomach tissue.
Zinc-l-carnosine neutralizes the inflammatory effects of H. Pylori and inhibits cytokine release.
In some cases, it might help sort out the intestinal flora first, before embarking on supplementation with digestive enzymes. Güt Health is one of the ideal choices in such a case.