![]() ![]() Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. This also means they will list all the ingredients so that you can make an informed decision. GMP stands for “good manufacturing practices.” Finding powders with this label means that they were manufactured in a facility that adheres to best practices for the supplement industry. Keep the risk of inducing other health conditions to a minimum by avoiding powders that feature sugar or a rtificial sweeteners. No one wants to think they’re helping their child only to find out that they’re hurting them. For example, if you’re shopping for whey protein, look for options that list whey protein concentrate as the only ingredient. While it’s not a guarantee, the fewer ingredients that are listed on a protein powder, the more confidence you can have that it’s free of questionable additives. The last thing you want to do is accidentally feed your child more protein than their body could possibly process on a daily basis.Įven if you’re focused on “kid-friendly” protein powders, always check the total amount of protein that it’s promising to provide and ensure that it doesn’t exceed the daily recommended amount that your child should be getting. So if you’re on the hunt for a powder, keep these tips in mind: Check the protein levels Adult protein powders are optimized for older people and may have excessive amounts of protein or calories, which can lead to the unintended side effects in children that we mentioned earlier. Many people assume protein powders made for adults are fine for children, and they’re not. So, you’ll want to do your homework and talk with your pediatrician or dietitian before you decide to give a powder to your children. The biggest issue with protein powders is that this supplemental category is virtually unregulated. Giving protein powder to kids who are picky eaters can therefore backfire, big time. ![]() Not to mention, the sweetness of protein powders may lessen your child’s interest in healthier foods. So, depending on the protein powder you pick, you may be giving your child stimulants or substances that can weaken their immune systems.Īnother unintended side effect of giving your child protein supplements is that they may get used to “drinking their calories” and lose interest in eating foods. ![]() This means that ingredients don’t have to be clearly labeled. You might be surprised to learn that many protein supplements like powders and shakes aren’t always regulated by the FDA. High protein levels also put a strain on your child’s liver since processing it creates a nitrogen buildup. Plus, there’s an unexpected side effect of dehydration since all of that excess protein can cause a child’s kidneys to work harder. Likewise, organ damage is another potential risk, since high protein levels can create kidney stones. Specifically, a child could experience weight gain from the excess calories and sugar the protein powder introduces. There are a myriad of side effects that your child might experience if you’re giving them protein supplements when they don’t need them. Still, most physicians and experts will recommend that you start by incorporating more protein-rich foods into your child’s diet before you reach for the protein powder. If it is recommended by a medical professional, it’s crucial you follow your doctor’s recommendations so you know what ingredients to look for, and the right amount in order to prevent adverse effects. There’s no benefit to giving your child protein powder unless it’s been prescribed or recommended by your pediatrician. Specifically, if your child has been diagnosed with a medical condition, they are underweight, they have a metabolic condition, or are eating a vegan or vegetarian diet, it’s possible that they may need a protein supplement. While you shouldn’t randomly give your child protein powder, there are very rare scenarios where it may make sense to provide a protein supplement. Too much protein can have unintended health consequences. Protein deficiency is very uncommon if a child has access to a variety of foods and doesn’t have a medical condition that might keep them from taking in enough protein.įor most children, protein powder supplements are unnecessary because they’re getting more than enough protein through their meals.Īs such, experts at the Cleveland Clinic say additional protein can do more harm than good. The short answer for whether protein powder is safe for kids is: It depends. ![]()
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