How Long Does It Take to Digest a Protein Shake?

Many people have joined and keep joining the healthy lifestyle bandwagon. With so much buzz behind having a balanced lifestyle and exercise regime, people look for the best alternative to achieve their fitness goals. One of the most convenient ways to obtain a nutritious and balanced meal without the need of preparing a meal is having a meal replacement shake. How can a meal replacement shake help your body as part of your medical nutrition or sports nutrition, and how long does it takes the body to digest it? ENU invites you to keep reading as we address these critical questions.

How Long to Digest Protein Shakes?

Proteins are one of the most essential nutrients used by the body. These nutrients are used in the process of muscle reconstruction, muscle build up and cellular reconstruction. Proteins are made of amino acids, which are protein’s basic building blocks. In short, a protein is a large molecule made out of amino acids. According to The U.S. National Library of Medicine, proteins are critical for the body’s tissue and organ structure, function, and regulation.

However, how long and how much protein can our bodies digest? Protein digestion takes more than just eating protein-rich foods and letting the body deconstruct it. The complete absorption, break-down and use of protein process may be surprisingly complex. However, we’ll simplify protein absorption to make it easy to understand.

There is an enzyme found in the stomach which is responsible for making protein digestion possible. This enzyme is called pepsin. Pepsin helps to digest protein by breaking it down and making it possible for the small intestine to keep breaking protein down so they can be absorbed and transported by our body’s bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, different organs within our bodies take advantage of the nutrients provided by protein, allowing them to work correctly.

Fortunately, our bodies can digest protein in liquid form. This allows people to ingest meal replacement shakes or protein shakes which can enable them to feed their bodies with the right amount of daily proteins. However, there is a catch. The protein digestion process for liquid protein takes approximately one and a half hours, at which time, our bodies can absorb up to 10 grams of protein such as whey protein.

For instance, if you ingest 40 grams of whey protein, it would take up to 4 or more hours for the body to absorb most of it. The rate at which our bodies digest whey protein would make it extremely difficult for it to absorb large amounts of protein in one take. Therefore, you’d be eliminating more protein than you’d be using. This fact makes it essential for you to select the type of protein shake that allows you to absorb the protein you need within the 1.5-hour time frame.

Slow Digesting Shakes Vs. Fast Digesting Shakes

With so many people trying to look and feel better, there’s been debate as to what type of protein is best to obtain the results they expect. To understand which protein may be better for you we need to discuss the differences between the two most famous types of proteins: casein and whey. These two types of proteins are excellent sources of digestible protein in the market. But how do they compare and which one is best for you?

Whey protein is highly soluble which allows a faster absorption. This is why many athletes and fitness enthusiasts use this type of protein before, during, or after their training session. The only drawback from whey protein is that it lasts just a couple of hours in the body after ingestion.

Casein, on the other hand, is a slow release, slow digestion protein. Unlike its whey counterpart, casein is not as soluble. Therefore, the rate at which the body breaks it down and absorbs it takes longer. This type of protein lacks the immediate effects of whey protein. However, it provides a more sustained source of protein in the long run.

Choosing the right protein that best suits your needs depends on the specific circumstances surrounding your dietary goals or fitness goals. Make sure to always talk to your treating physician or your dietitian to learn whether you should include protein shakes as part of your dietary plan.

Meal Replacement Shakes Providing an Excellent Source of Protein

At ENU Nutrition we understand the importance of a balanced, nutritious diet. That is why we dedicate ourselves to providing nothing but high-quality, protein-rich meal replacement shakes to help you get the nutrition you need. Whether you are trying to build muscle, gain some weight, or shed some pounds, our weight management shakes can help you achieve your goals. Our proprietary blend of ultra-purified whey protein isolate and the combination of minerals, carbs, and vitamins makes ENU meal replacement shakes an excellent source of nutrition. To learn more about our meal shakes and how we can help you achieve your goals visit us online today or contact us at (855) 266-6733.