How Much Protein Is Needed in All Liquid Diet?

A high protein liquid diet is used for surgery preparation/recovery, weight loss and as treatment for medical conditions. The diets only work as intended if a physician and a nutritionist supervise you. Liquid diets involve very low calorie but high protein intakes that warrant such attention. The high protein does the work, keeping the body fueled during the liquid diet. Other vitamins and minerals are important in the liquid diet. However, none is as essential as the protein.

Protein Content

The University of Chicago Hospitals mandate a minimum of 60 grams of protein per day for a full liquid diet. This is considered a high protein diet as 50 grams is the Food and Drug Administration's recommended daily allowance for the average person. The University of Chicago Hospitals recommend obtaining this through a diet of protein shakes which contain anywhere from 10 to just over 40 grams of protein. Milk is also a part of the diet, especially powdered milk that contains 8 grams of protein per 2 1/2 tablespoons.
The Aspirus Wasau Hospital recommends an even higher protein intake for patients recovering from surgery or injury that requires extensive strengthening and healing. They recommend 100 to 120 grams of protein per day on a full liquid diet.

Protein Sources

The protein for these full liquid diets comes from protein shakes and milk. Meats, grains, vegetables and of course fats are not acceptable. The Aspirus Wasau Hospital allows four or more servings of fruits, gelatins, ice milk, bouillon, broth or strained cream of wheat. The University of Chicago Hospitals have a similar menu.

Reason for All That Protein

A full liquid diet is meant as a temporary one. The American Heart Association does not recommend such a diet for a prolonged period or for weight loss. However, the protein in such a diet, when properly executed, is needed in order to help the body repair itself. Healing wounds and preserving muscle tissue, according to the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology Clinic, are the primary reasons for high protein full liquid diets. This muscle is essential in helping the body recover.