7 doctor-approved tips to help your body absorb and utilise protein
1. Spread protein throughout the day
2. Have enough vitamin B6, magnesium and overall calories
3. Get gut health in shape
4. Exercise regularly, especially strength training
5. Pair protein with carbohydrate
6. Technique is key when it comes to plant protein : sprouting, soaking, fermenting
7. Sleep well for proper digestion
How does protein get absorbed in the body?
Dr Dipak Bhangale, Consultant Gastroenterology, explains that what people generally misunderstand as absorption is essentially meaningful bioavailability of protein. “The body can absorb protein at once; so the real issue isn’t digestion. Our gut easily handles large amino-acid loads, but how much protein meaningfully supports muscle growth before returns fade,” he tells indianexpress.com.
Contrary to popular opinion, he says that larger doses do not get wasted. They extend the anabolic response or are used for repair and energy, he explained.
“Research suggests about 0.3–0.4 g/kg per meal (roughly 20–40 g for most adults) maximises muscle protein synthesis, spread across 3–4 meals to reach 1.6 g/kg/day,” Dr Bhangale explains. And like Taneja mentioned, Dr Bhangale suggested distributing intake evenly through the day is the best way of maximising protein absorption in the body.