A growing number of children and teens are consuming protein supplements, drinks and shakes. What’s behind this trend? Is it healthy? Read on to learn more.
Protein is an essential nutrient that should be part of a healthy diet. Protein is found in animal sources, such as lean meats, eggs and dairy, and also in some plant sources, such as beans and legumes, nuts, seeds, soybeans and whole grains like quinoa.
Protein serves many critical functions, one being muscle development and growth. Some manufacturers of protein supplements call attention to this feature in their advertising. What they don’t tell you is that consuming a high amount of protein, more than is needed, will not lead to more muscle development. Instead, it can cause unhealthy weight gain and increase a child’s risk for obesity. In addition, protein drinks can lead to dehydration and potential kidney damage if water intake isn’t sufficient. Lastly, many protein drinks and shakes have added sugar.
Children in the U.S. typically consume two to three times the recommended amount of protein. Therefore, the need for protein supplements, drinks or shakes is rare. If you are concerned about your child’s protein needs, it is important to discuss this with your pediatrician, before giving your child any protein supplements, drinks or shakes.
To learn more about protein foods and how much protein your child needs each day, .
This article was written and reviewed by Rethink Your Drink Nevada’s team of dietetic professionals. To learn more about making healthier drink choices, , . To suggest a newsletter topic, write to RethinkYourDrinkNevada@unr.edu, and receive a free, healthy drink recipe book.
Justine Habibian, Ph.D., R.D.N., is a research assistant professor with Rethink Your Drink, a program offered by the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources' Department of Nutrition in collaboration with .
The program is funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — SNAP. SNAP provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. To find out more, contact 800-992-0900.
