Protein Supplements For Kids? Experts Weigh In
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Protein supplements are popular with athletes looking to become bigger and stronger, and now, experts say more and more childhood athletes are taking them.
But as CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported, not everyone agrees that it's a good idea.
"I wanted to make sure my body was healthy and could take all the impact that was going on throughout the season," said high school protein supplement user Joe Orlando.
The results were fast.
"When I started taking them, I did notice that I was gaining muscle," Orlando said.
Experts said protein supplements are becoming increasingly popular with high school athletes such as Orlando, and kids much younger.
But some point out that children are still developing and protein supplements may not be such a good idea.
"For the average healthy adolescent and teenager, their protein needs can be met through the diet," said registered dietitian Michele Chiarmonte. "Supplements aren't really necessary."
Protein requirements largely depend on a child's weight, age and activity level. According to the Institute of Medicine, on average, children ages 9 to 13 need about 34 grams of protein daily.
The amount should increase to about 50 grams in the later teenage years. But experts agree that you can easily fulfill such needs through protein-rich foods.
"If the child was taking in, you know, the 50 grams of protein that they needed a day, and then took a protein supplement on top of that, it could give them more protein than they need," Chiarmonte said.
Experts said eating more protein than that could interfere with one's health in a number of ways, including excessive weight gain and dehydration. It can also make the kidneys and liver work harder than they should.
"Kids always want to get all of their protein from whole, regular and natural food," said certified nutritionist and trainer Ed Reardon. "Great idea, great concept – the problem with it is it doesn't mesh with reality."
Reardon said supplements should help kids meet their daily protein requirements, but parents need to monitor their intake.
Product labels can help parents monitor how much protein their children consume in a day.