How Much Protein Your Body Can Really Absorb at Once

If you usually reach for a protein-packed post-gym meal, how much of that nutrient does your body actually absorb?

The internet is full of claims about a so-called “protein intake ceiling," the idea that your body can only absorb a limited amount of protein per meal. But absorption isn’t really the issue—it’s how much your body can use.

When it comes to muscle recovery and growth, what matters most is muscle protein synthesis (MPS) . That process depends on how much protein your body can use to build and repair muscle, not simply how much it absorbs from a single meal.

If you don’t have a condition that affects protein absorption and storage, such as kidney disease or a gastrointestinal disorder, you’re likely absorbing most of the protein you eat.

Some studies suggest a plateau in