The protein whey powders are predigested....no GI action or digestion is required for
the amino acids to be just absorbed. They are the easiest form of protein
to consume. In fact the Ensure is probably made from that form as well.
They are typically also lactose and casein free as well because of the way they are manufactured.

Hi mrsd!

I am not sure if your question was directed at some of what I'd written in my post about protein powders and I certainly don't want to "hijack" anyone else's thread... incase it was directed at my statement, I also don't want to ignore your question!

You are much better informed than I am about these matters.
Your question had start me questioning the same.
For so many years, I have heard people telling me how hard protein powders are on their stomachs. I have also heard docs mentioning many people come to them with GI problems from the protein powders (especially if they use the powders frequently.)

So.. I am wondering if some of this has a great deal to do with how which forumulas they are using and how they each tolerate the formula?

I had assumed all were pre-digested, yet I just went to the cabinet to look at one of my dh's protein formuals. This is a simple whey protein formula without any herbs, etc. It says: "Predigested Whey, such as that found in peptides and hydrolyzed Whey products, results in a loss of glutamine. Therefore, (name of manufacturer) Whey is not hydrolyzed."

Might this be the explanation in some cases? Maybe some are not pre-digested?

(Additionally, I find when people use a fair amount of protein powder, the protein increase, without fiber increase, etc., causes them a great deal of constipation. Yet, one could overcome this type of a problem by making some dietary modifications. I think everyone realizes the potential for this type of a problem with increased protein intake.)

I think the current issue about protein and GI more relates to other potential issues (other than constipation with increased protein intake) with various protein powder formulations?

If so, it would make sense to use pre-digested formulas if having GI difficulties, as you have mentioned!

Any other thoughts from anyone?

I hope everyone is having an enjoyable day!

This is not an easy subject:

http://meal-replacements.ultimatefat...-isolates.html

http://meal-replacements.ultimatefat...isolates2.html

in general whey protein is easy to assimilate. Only the purists get the most refined types (bodybuilders).

If yours has lactose then you can take a Lactaid product with it.

Normal protein found in raw foods is complex and requires significant digestion.

I am concerned that kmeb has lost some digestive capability because of atrophy. So predigested whey offers a chance to save her muscles and heart.
Personally I'd mix it into the Ensure that she already takes. Since that is what she is used to. I would not mix it with chicken broth...that has to be nasty tasting.

Hi mrsd!

This is great info on the various forms of whey protein! I have never seen this so clearly stated before now! Thanks for helping to clarify!

Kmeb, Offering positive thoughts and prayers for success in attempting protein supplementation.

Hi - I met with a dietician at the hospital couple week s ago - I've having a much more difficult time with the ensure (they say its the fat content) and broth is easiest thing for me to digest.... so the powders I'm trying (just one at a time though) are mostly hospital brand I have to special order... broth my stomach will tolerate but of course alone - has only 5 calories... Mrs D - I know the protein is whey protein - so thats good from what you have said (also, it doesnt taste like anything at all!) - they want me to get down one ensure a day in the am and then little shots of broth with the powder during the day - the nausea is so bad all the time that we're going for something that goes down super easy... my doc said that my small intestines are seeing the protein powder as "food" and its going to take them a long time to adust - if they do....

DeJaVu - if you do have gastroparesis (GP) and its post-viral - it will probably let up in a couple of months - so thats a positive.... have you seen a doc yet? Also, if you just google "Gastroparesis Diet" - there are a couple of good ones out there for people who can still eat mush or some types of food - they may help you out for now! (on my autonomic stuff - I also have autonomic cardiac and BP issues - are you experiencing any issues here? could be a clue for you to help your docs)

Mrs D is right - raw foods are a big fat no no!!!!! Very hard to digest!