Protein Digestion Time

[Chococat]

How much time needs to pass between one "round" of protein intake (of 30 grams) and the next intake? I read that the body can only "process" 30 grams of protein at a time;
what does that mean as far as time between small meals?

I'm a 34 yr old active vegetarian woman.  I recently increased my daily protein intake from 20 grams to the recommended 80+ grams (I weigh 125 & exercise).  This seems impossible to keep up with!  My hair and health seem much improved, yet
I feel like I am force-feeding myself Whey shakes just to meet daily requirements. It's taking the joy out of eating.  How much leeway is there regarding protein needs?

I am currently ingesting 30 grams of protein in the morning and 10-20 just before bedtime (I'm hypoglycemic, and nighttime protein was recommended to me).  As for the in-between meals:  if I finish my breakfast shake at 8am, by what time could I have a protein bar?  ...lunch? (etc.)

Thank you very much for your time and for sharing your knowledge.

In good health,

Michelle S.

[Herbs-Wholesale]

<a href="http://www.herbs-wholesale.com/categories/Pancreatin/546/Pancreatin.htm">Pancreatin supplements helps digest the proteins in food</a>
Pancreatin, a type of proteolyctic enzymes, helps digest the proteins in food. Although the body produces these enzymes in the pancreas, certain foods also contain proteolytic enzymes.

[Dok]

You may not get the same nutritional advantage from a whey shake as you would from a natrual protein source. Understanding you are a vegetarian limits your choice of protein. Regardless, look for natural protein sources compatable with your diet. You might also benefit by snacking on nuts (e.g., almonds), which can supply good fats, vitamins, and minerals that might be missing from your vegetarian diet.

[NatalieB]

I am not sure exactly how long protein takes to digest, but it is digested faster than fat, so I would guess about 2 hours.  Since you are a vegetarian and a runner, your protein need is increased. By not eating enough protein, your own endogenous proteolytic enzymes are decreased, making protein digestion/absorption even harder. I would suggest you supplement your diet with a proteolytic enzyme (Protease) to increase your absorption.  At your weight and activity level, you can do around 65-70 grams of protein and be healthy. As your activity, stress, health problems, weight training, etc. increase so does your need for protein. Hope this helps!