Protein malabsorption

I got a call yesterday from the surgeon's office- apparently my protein levels are down. They never mentioned to me that the levels were borderline low the last time I had blood work- which was about three weeks prior. They would not even have retested my blood if I did not ask if I needed to remain on potassium supplements since my potassium levels were normal now. I am going to have to request copies of my labwork from here on out since they are not giving me all the info plus they can't seem to remember i work in healthcare and know what albumin levels and other medical issues are. I get in on average about 50-60 grams of protein a day (most of it from whey protein shakes). They are thinking I could possibly absorb more protein if it was from solid foods. The issue is however- I can only eat abut 1 1/2- 2 ounces of solid food in one meal---which would make it difficult to get me to 60 grams or more a day. I already feel like I am eating and drinking contantly as I have mini meals opposed to 3 meals a day. Weight continues to come off - but I am worried about what a low protein level might do to me (hair loss, or ?) Has anyone else had this malabsorption issue? Any suggestions? Thanks Karen

Hi Karen, What type of whey protein are you using? The isolate form is the easiest for us to digest. IMHO you will get more from a good supplement than you will from food. But you need to follow the advice of your doc. Also IMHO, you should be aiming for 70+ grams per day at your low end not 50 and around 100 at you high end. We are malabsorbing everything that we take in. If we only absorb 50% (no one knows the exact #) you are only getting 25 - 30 GOP per day with your current levels. I am gong to pull my labwork and post my levels for you. (I would have done it now but ... cna't seem to find the envelope from my dr appt last week. Check out this link for some interesting reading on isolate vs concentrate http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/protein/whey-protein-isolate-concentrate.htm http://www.wheyoflife.org/ for what it is worth .... God Bless, Jen

Thanks for the links and suggestions. The protein shake I normally have is from Champion Nutrition with the primary protein being a combination of whey isolate and whey concentrate- which is well absorbed and recommended. I will have to look for some shakes that are just whey protein isolate- but it will have to be a taste I like or it won't get in me. I plan to up my protein shakes to three times a day- counting as fluid and protein- which will get me about 90 grams a day of protein just in the shakes. Karen

Hi....I was told that chewing is critical and to go for 20-30 times per bite. That is a key first step in digestion that supposedly helps the body absorb the food nutrients better. I noticed that it also allows me to eat a bit more when the food is really pulverized. Whey protein is the better option but food more so - or so my nut tells me. there's no way I could eat my target of 65-75g of protein a day. I have at least a suppliment being the profect, isopure or a shake. And often a luna bar as well which is another 10g of protein. Sometimes I have a glass of soy milk which counts as both protein and liquids!!! HTH and good luck.