Is Your Child Getting Too A lot Protein?

August 15, 2025

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Is Your Child Getting Too A lot Protein?

Youngsters want protein for development, growth, and a robust immune system. Nevertheless, as with most issues, an excessive amount of isn’t really a superb factor in any respect.

Extra protein received’t make youngsters develop sooner or construct extra muscle, however it will possibly result in some unintended effects.

Protein and kids health

Youngsters want high-quality protein containing all important amino acids to help muscle development, bone growth, and general physique restore.
A balanced consumption from each animal and plant sources ensures youngsters get the vitamins wanted for optimum development.

Very best protein sources for teenagers embody:

complete meals comparable to lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy merchandise, and soy. They supply not solely high-quality protein but additionally omega-3 fatty acids, important nutritional vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin B12, that are important for development, mind growth, and powerful bones.

Right here is how a lot protein youngsters want every day, as beneficial by the Nationwide Institutes of Well being (NIH):

Surveys recommend that, in most Western international locations, together with the U.S., youngsters already eat two to 3 instances the protein they want every day.

The chance of children getting an excessive amount of protein: What are some potential unintended effects of extreme protein?

Whereas protein is important for youngsters’s development and growth, an excessive amount of of it will possibly really hurt their well being. Many imagine that additional protein will result in sooner development or stronger muscle tissue, however the physique can solely use what it wants—any extra places pointless pressure on important organs.

✅ Kidney harm: Consuming an excessive amount of protein—notably from animal sources like purple meat—can enhance acid and toxin ranges within the physique. This additional load forces the kidneys to work tougher to filter waste, elevating the danger of kidney stones and long-term pressure on kidney operate.
✅ Liver harm: When the liver processes protein, it produces nitrogen as a byproduct. Extreme nitrogen ranges can overwhelm the liver, making it tougher to eradicate waste and toxins, and lowering its potential to interrupt down important vitamins.
✅ Digestive points: Extra protein, particularly from sure sources, can upset a toddler’s digestion, resulting in constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and discomfort.
✅ Weight achieve: Extra protein past the physique’s wants can add additional energy, resulting in undesirable weight achieve, if it’s on high of an already full weight-reduction plan.
✅ Extreme satiety: An excessive amount of protein could cause early fullness, making it tougher for underweight youngsters to eat sufficient different nutrient-rich meals for development.

Youngsters may have additional protein in the event that they:

Present slower-than-expected development or have been recognized with development faltering,
Observe a vegan or vegetarian weight-reduction plan, and
Have situations comparable to inflammatory bowel illness or malabsorption syndrome that scale back nutrient absorption.

Even in these circumstances, well being consultants advise selecting complete meals sources of protein over powders and dietary supplements for the healthiest outcomes.

Must you give your youngster protein dietary supplements for an additional increase?

Well being consultants usually say NO. The precedence ought to be assembly protein wants by balanced, whole-food meals relatively than powders or processed merchandise.

Nonetheless, high-protein diets have change into a rising development amongst youngsters, teenagers, and their caregivers, particularly for younger athletes aiming to bulk up and construct energy. Many flip to protein-heavy choices like powders, bars, shakes, smoothies, and different dietary supplements.
These concentrated merchandise can lead youngsters to simply exceed their protein and calorie wants. A high-protein shake could match a hen breast in protein however presents much less satiety, leaving youngsters hungrier and extra prone to snack on much less nutritious meals.

Backside line–Entire meals are usually the more healthy, extra satisfying choice even in youngsters! Medical Disclaimer.

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