This subject is very interesting, because there is no definite answer. Just like most things exercise related, different things work for different people.

There are many protein shakes which offer 50+ grams of protein per serving, and I am often asked whether or not the body can handle this much protein at once.

There are many stipulations to the answer, so I’m going to try to address this question in a very careful order.

The first thing I’d like to address is that I’m answering this for body builders, not someone who is trying to lose weight, or is on any other type of weight loss regiment.

A common formula most people trying to gain mass, is that they should attempt to consume 1 gram of protein for every pound which they weigh each day. This can add up fast…

I myself currently weigh 180 lbs, meaning I should consume 180 grams of protein per day, while trying to gain mass.

When your consume exorbitant amounts of protein, your kidneys work on overtime. To compensate for this its important to drink a lot of water.

Of course, I’m not going to drink 180 grams of protein all at once in the morning, as my body can’t handle that, and wouldn’t be able to use it all anyway. It needs it throughout the day.

I’ve been lifting for close to 8 years. I used to drink shakes with 40-56 grams of protein, once or twice a day, with my included diet. About 2 years ago I cut down the size of the shakes to 24 grams of protein, twice a day, minimum. I gained mass almost instantly, and also saw huge strength gains.

This taught me an interesting lesson. For me, 40+ grams of protein, was altogether ineffective.

My method for protein consumption now, is using 1 simple calculation.

I take my weight (aka. the amount of grams of protein I would like to consume each day) and divide it by 6 (i.e. the amount of meals I’d like to have each day to keep my metabolism burning strong). This means, during each meal, I want to consume around 30 grams of protein.

I think this is a great way to ensure you get all the protein you may need, and you wont have to worry about over consumption at one time.

Also keep in mind the best method of protein consumption is through the foods you eat.

Nothing beats a healthy diet.

I also want to note, that consuming something such as a large steak which may be over 100 grams of protein, isn’t going to be a problem (protein absorption wise) as food takes longer to digest then protein shakes.