Protein Powder for Kids: Pros, Cons, and Safety

If a parent or caretaker thinks about giving their kid protein powder, they may have some concerns. However, in the vast majority of cases, a healthy diet provides youngsters with sufficient protein.

Supplementing a child’s diet with protein may be necessary if they are unable to consume a healthy, well-rounded diet for any number of reasons. However, consuming an excessive amount of protein might be harmful. In this piece, we’ll look at the pros and cons of protein drinks for kids.

What is the Recommended Daily Dose of Protein for Children?

Children should consume the following quantities of protein per day:

• The equivalent of 2 ounces of protein per day for children aged 2 to 3.
• Protein is equal to 4 ounces per day for kids aged 4 to 8.
• 9–13-year-olds need the protein equivalent of 5 ounces each day.

Adolescents (those between the ages of 14 and 18) have different protein requirements depending on gender: teenage males still need six and a half ounces (the equivalent of 15 grams) whereas teenage girls only require five ounces (the equivalent of 14 grams). Too much protein in a child’s diet may have adverse effects.

Advantages of Protein Powder for Kids

Protein powder and other protein supplements may be useful if your kid has trouble getting enough protein from regular meals.

Consider giving your kids some extra protein if:

• They’re too skinny.
• It’s difficult to get them to eat anything.
• They have a metabolic problem
• They follow a vegan or vegetarian diet

Before giving your kid any kind of protein powder or supplement, it’s best to check with their doctor.

Cons of Protein Powder for Kids

Too much protein powder for kids will be wasted on your youngster. Instead, it may cause their organs to work harder to process the food they eat. There is some evidence that diets heavy in meat and protein may raise the likelihood of developing heart disease or cancer.

Among the potential negative impacts for your kid are:

• Trouble Digesting Some Foods

Protein powder made from whey may not be well tolerated by young children. Stomach discomfort, abdominal flatulence, cramping, and diarrhea are all possible side effects. Allergies to the milk sugar lactose are usually to blame.

• Gaining Weight

Your child will gain weight if he consumes more protein than he needs. One-third of American children are overweight or obese, putting them at increased risk for several serious health issues.

• Tissue Death or Organ Failure

Your child’s kidneys may wear out faster and become more prone to dehydration if he or she consumes a high-protein diet. Kidney stones may be caused by excessive protein in the body. Because of the nitrogen produced during protein digestion, the liver has a more difficult time eliminating waste and toxins and breaking down food into usable forms.

Takeaway

For those who have trouble getting enough protein in their diets, protein powders may seem like a convenient alternative because of how easily they blend into beverages like fruit smoothies. However, they are not required and may even be detrimental for most kids.

Always consult your child’s physician or nutritionist before purchasing a protein powder out of fear that their nutritional requirements aren’t being satisfied.

You can be certain that your kid is getting enough protein if you provide them with nutritious food options and ensure that they drink the necessary milk or a dairy-free substitute daily.

Also, Visit here: Protein Powder for Diabetes