How fast is protein absorbed? Whey, casein, hydrolysates and di-peptides
Protein reaches the blood faster the further it has already been broken down. In human studies, hydrolysed protein appeared in the blood faster than the same protein intact, and di-peptides were taken up largely whole. Pre-digested (hydrolysed) protein is protein that has already been cut into shorter chains, called peptides, before you swallow it. Your gut normally does that cutting with stomach acid and enzymes. A hydrolysate arrives with part of the job done. Recov takes it all the way down to di- and tri-peptides, chains of two or three amino acids.
What the research shows about absorption speed
Speed depends on the protein itself and on how far it has already been broken down. Here is what human studies show:
- Whole proteins differ. Whey is a fast protein and casein a slow one: whey produced a sharp, short rise in blood amino acids, casein a lower and longer one (Boirie et al., PNAS, 1997).
- Hydrolysing speeds up the same protein. In men with an average age of 64, dietary amino acids from hydrolysed casein appeared in the blood at a 27% higher rate than from the same casein intact, with 25–50% higher blood amino acid levels (Koopman et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009).
- Di-peptides are absorbed intact. In human intestinal studies, di-peptides were mostly taken up whole rather than broken down first (Adibi, Journal of Clinical Investigation, 1971), and amino acids were absorbed faster from di-peptides than from the same amino acids given free (Hellier et al., Gut, 1972).
- There is a dedicated route. The gut transporter PEPT1 carries di- and tri-peptides, a separate pathway from the one free amino acids use (Daniel, Annual Review of Physiology, 2004).
Whey isolate is already a fast, high-quality protein. It is still whole protein, so your gut has to break it down before it can be absorbed. A hydrolysate starts further along, and di- and tri-peptides are the size the gut takes up directly.
Your whole bloodstream carries only 2–3g of amino acids at any moment. Six tablets of Recov deliver roughly that entire amount, already broken down into small peptides your body absorbs directly.
Common questions
Is hydrolysed the same as isolate?
No. Isolate describes filtering: the protein is purified to a higher percentage but stays whole. Hydrolysed describes breaking the protein into shorter chains. A product can be both, such as hydrolysed whey isolate.
Is Recov a hydrolysed protein?
Yes. Recov is porcine plasma protein pre-digested into di- and tri-peptides and pressed into tablets. It is a complete protein with all 20 amino acids.
Does faster always mean better?
Not on its own. Your daily total comes first, spread across the day. Fast-absorbing protein is most useful where timing matters, such as around training, first thing in the morning and between meals.
How much Recov do I take?
Follow the dosing chart on the product page: 6 tablets a day for everyday health, 8–12 a day on training days, and 12–18 a day for performance and recovery. Take them together or split them across the day.
Where can I read more?
See hydrolysed vs isolate, explained and what is plasma protein.
See Recov on the Recov Protein Concentrate page. A 180-tablet bottle is $119.95 as a one-time order, or from $79.95 a bottle on Subscribe & save, which takes up to 33% off. Shipping is free Australia-wide on orders over $99, and you can pause or cancel a subscription anytime.
