Should I Throw the Concentrate Away?

I've read lots of things about protein concentrate vs. protein isolate.  I understand that the isolate would be better for me and that my body is not able to use all of the protein concentrate in my shakes.  I used Premier Protein because it was highly touted on the forum and there is an ad for it on the OH main page.  Then I read the label and oh em gee -  it's protein concentrate.  

So, here are my questions.  If I have 2 - 3 shakes a day, am I not really getting the 60 - 90 grams of protein that I think I am?  I also eat chicken / tuna  but I was really relying on the shakes for the bulk of my protein.   I have a million tubs of GNC whey protein isolate in my house, but it's so gritty, it makes me sad (could be due to the hormones in my fat cells, too).  So am I wasting my time / money on the concentrate?

Thanks for your help!

v

My understanding was that the Premier Protein was good for you.  I have heard though that your body can only absorb somewhere around 20-30 grams of protein at any one time.  If your drink has more than that in it you probably are just wasting the protein.  Kind of like our calcium needs to be split up through the day, our protein needs to be also in order for our body to absorb it.  I will be interested to see what other people have to say about your post.

I've always heard that about protein too (only being able to absorb a certain amount at a time), but I've never seen any studies to support that.  And quite frankly, I'm not sure that is true.  Do you have any studies, by chance?

It's not true. There are 6-10 studies out there that meet the criteria for being "well designed" (depending on what you consider that criteria to be) and all but two show that it makes no difference whether you eat a lot of protein at once or spread it out.

One study actually showed that older people absorbed the protein better if they ate a large amount at once but it's the only one so it's probably not true -- for a something to be considered scientifically valid, the result has to be repeatable. That one hasn't been repeated. Neither has the *one* study out of the 10 I found that showed the people who spread out their protein absorbed more than the ones who ate a lot at once.

It really doesn't make sense that we would only be able to absorb a certain amount at a time. That's not how the macronutrients work. We absorb all our carbs and fats so why wouldn't we absorb all our proteins? Our bodies are designed to extract every calorie possible from food. Food like meat is slowly absorbed but it also travels VERY slowly through our digestive system. Whey protein is absorbed faster but it also travels faster.

Basically, it all works out. 

Premier Protein has 30 g of protein.  I was really careful about that after reading that more than 30 is just a waste.  What protein did you / do you use?

Concentrate is fine.  If it's what you can tolerate, use it.  Yes, the isolates are a bit more pre-digested, so are a little more absorbable.  But what you have will do the job too!

Isolates are not "pre-digested". Hydrolized proteins are the ones that are "pre-digested".

You're absolutely right. My bad!

I would only have 1/2 at a time.  4-6 times to get the most for your body and $$$  The product you have is geared for body building and can cause to to gain weight if not working out at that level.  I wouldn't throw it out but I would get anymore when you run out. (and didn't when I did the same thing )