Tag: Undigested protein

Over 90% of ingested protein is broken down into its fundamental amino acid components for absorption. However, the notion that all protein is completely disassembled is not entirely accurate, as recent research has revealed nuances in how the body processes these complex molecules.

According to dermatologists at the Cleveland Clinic, up to 40% of adults experience keratosis pilaris, a harmless skin condition colloquially known as "protein lumps," demonstrating this term’s broader application beyond just clumpy protein shakes. This article explores the various contexts in which protein lumps appear, providing clear explanations for each cause and effective solutions.

An estimated 12–18 grams of protein reach the large intestine each day, primarily comprising undigested dietary protein and unabsorbed endogenous proteins. When dietary protein isn't fully broken down and absorbed in the small intestine, it moves to the large intestine where it becomes a substrate for fermentation by gut microbiota.

Over 90% of dietary protein is typically digested and absorbed in the small intestine. The question of where is undigested protein excreted pertains to the small remainder that escapes this process, making a journey to the large intestine where it is handled by gut microbes before being eliminated from the body.

The average person on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet may consume 2 to 5 times the recommended daily intake. This surplus of protein, which is not fully absorbed in the small intestine, travels to the colon, leaving many to wonder, **what happens to excess protein in the gut?** There, it undergoes a microbial process with significant implications for your gut microbiome and overall health.