How do I know if I'm absorbing enough protein?

[litepizza]

Standard blood tests don't work if I'm too low on protein. Protein is stolen from healthy muscle and fools the test. I am a man 40s. Doctors tell me I'm skinny, tell me I have a high metabolism, tell me to eat more. Then they also tell me don't exceed 80 grams of protein a day. I see more bones than muscle, I look sick like someone starving. I recently found that if I increased my protein intake to 170g+ a day I stop losing and actually gain muscle. Perhaps, 170g of protein consumed for me, absorbed maybe only around 70g? I wonder if I'm even breaking the proteins in to amino acids? Maybe I'm not even digesting them and their passing right though me like undigested fiber? I must find a way to test for this, afraid to take high protein because if I am digesting it, it can harm my liver. Know of any tests to determine if I am absorbing % of consumed proteins? Suggestions please. Thanks.

[Paxiled]

Agree with the above as a good starting point, but since there is no such thing as an average person using a division formula really won't tell any particular individual what their needs are.  People differ.  The important thing about the above post is, don't overdo it, don't try and load up in one meal, and when you talk about overloading your kidneys, again, that's if you overdo it.  Gym and I are telling you how not to overdo it.

[gymdandee]

As I stated above, "Take your weight and divide it by 2 that gives you your weight in kilograms. Now take that number and divide it into your 3 meals and 2 snacks so you get your energy throughout the day. That number is the amount of protein you need per meal".

[Paxiled]

That's what nutritionists do, but any doctor can tell if you're malnourished from a standard blood test.  But some people have subtle needs that aren't going to be noticed on a standard blood test.  There is a danger in consuming high amounts of protein for long periods of time, mostly with the kidneys.  If your blood tests are consistently showing your nutrient levels are good, and I mean consistently, not just one time which is just a photograph of one moment in time, then you just are who you are.  But you can increase protein intake without going nuts about it if you're doing resistance training, since you'll be using that protein to build muscle, but going overboard can be hazardous with any nutrient.  By the way, it's a good thing to be thin -- I know skinny doesn't look maybe like what you want to look like, but it's way better than being overweight.  What I would do is increase the number of meals you're eating, increase the protein that way in small amounts, keep up a good resistance training schedule without overdoing it, and see if you get the results you want.  But if you feel good, and don't have any major health issues, be grateful.

[litepizza]

"increase the protein that way in small amounts" Does it matter if the protein is taken all at one time or broken up through out the day when referring to load on the kidneys and liver? One thought is, all at once, then the organs get a break the rest of the day or little bits over the day so the organs never get too loaded. Does this matter?

[litepizza]

or is overload relating only to the total amount of protein added per day not volume per dosage?

[gymdandee]

vitamins and minerals can be a complicated and complex thing for the average person to understand. Many factors, including how well you chew your food, what time of day you take your vitamin supplements and what kind of prescription medications you're taking, can contribute to vitamin malabsorption. There are some ways for you to get clues about vitamin and mineral absorption in your body.

Examine your fingernails. There are many signs in the fingernails that can show internal deficiencies. If the tip of the nail is spooned, it may indicate low iron or B-12. Pitting brown spots may indicate vitamin C or folic acid depletion. Longitudinal striations are often recognized as a sign of general malabsorption. White spots or marks can indicate low zinc or calcium. Nails that are thin and splitting can suggest magnesium, copper or essential fatty acid deficiency. These indications are not absolute but can provide some clues for malabsorption issues.

Check your scalp and face. Dryness and dandruff in the scalp and hair areas can indicate that there is low omega-3 intake, depleted vitamin A, B-6, zinc, sulfur or inadequate protein intake in the diet. Acne and edema in the face are often associated with a vitamin B-2 depletion, protein malabsorption or conditions such as hypothyroidism and allergies.

Your lips, tongue and gums. Canker sores or dry lips can be a sign of low vitamin B-2, B-3 or essential fatty acids. If your tongue appears red and irritated, it is also associated with a B-2 or B-3 problem, as well as B-12 and folate. Tender or bleeding gums can be a symptom of low vitamin C or coenzyme Q10.

Take your weight and divide it by 2 that gives you your weight in kilograms. Now take that number and divide it into your 3 meals and 2 snacks so you get your energy throughout the day. That number is the amount of protein you need per meal. Other signs of protein deficiency is having puffy cheeks, swollen eyes, swollen hands, as I stated above thinning hair, brain fog, besides dandruff you could have dry flaky skin
Keep a diary and a good APP is my fitness pal.    
Have you seen a nutritionist?

[litepizza]

I have been to nutritionists, but no one has been able to determine if I am taking in the nutrition. Very good detailed information. My fingernails are flaking and have string lines down them. I will bring this up with my doctor and copy what you wrote to discuss. But I don't think my doctor will have a clue what to do. Is there a specialist that deals with malnutrition issues?