Many of the adults, nowadays, enjoy whey protein as a healthy breakfast in the form of shakes, or smoothies. You might have seen dozens of athletes gulping down flavored-protein drinks after their workout routine.
But, while adults consume this supplement daily, what about the kids? Should you add a bit of protein powder into their diet? Is there any harm if you allow your young ones to consume protein drinks? Keep reading to know!
Should Your Kids Drink Protein Shakes?
Protein is an essential part of nutrition that promotes growth and development of the muscles. If you are considering whey proteins for your children, it is essential to know how much proteins they require-Daily Protein Needs
According to NCBI, (National Center For Biotechnology Information), growing children (between 6 and 15 years), shouldn’t consume more than half a gram of protein per pound of their body weight. For example, a 40lb child requires approximately 18 grams of proteins per day.When Should You Consider Whey Proteins For Your Kids?
Though delicious, protein shakes aren’t necessary for the kids. If they are eating a balanced diet, buying a whey protein supplement for them is wastage of money. They can get enough nutrition from eggs, fish, poultry, yogurt, cheese, lentils, nuts, etc.
However, there are a few exceptions when you need to buy whey proteins for your kids-
Kids With Nutritional Deficiencies
It is a good idea to give your child protein drinks if he/she is suffering from protein deficiency. Make sure to speak to a dietician or pediatrician before giving any supplementation to the kids.Vegetarian Children
Though a well-balanced, plant-based diet provides adequate nutrition to the children, you need to make sure that they are meeting with their nutritional needs. By adding a pinch of protein powder to the child’s diet ensures that they get all the amino acids essential for their growth and development.You can go for grass fed whey protein that comes from dairy cows that are 100% grass-fed. It is non-GMO, with no rBST or rBGH.
Active Children
If your kid is an athlete, you need to provide a special diet plan as recommended by the coach or nutritionist. Instead of adding tons of extra food, you can add a bit of whey powder to provide them with the required nutrients.
How Is Whey Protein Beneficial For Kids?
Some of the benefits of taking whey proteins for kids are as under:Whey proteins support the immune system of the kids, boosting their natural defenses against infections.
They contain essential amino acids that promote the growth of kids who are deficient in nutrients.
If a child is obese, whey protein can help lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Not only, it will speed up the metabolism but also keep them full between meals.
A Useful Tip: Adding too much of whey protein into your kids’ diet add an excess of calories that may cause them to gain weight.
What To Check While Purchasing Whey Proteins For Kids?
To ensure the adequate nutritional value of whey powder, look for the brands that fulfill the following criteria-- Non-GMO (genetically modified organism)
- Doctor recommended or clinically tested
- Low in added sugars or preservatives
- Made with natural, whole ingredients
