Most children in developed countries get plenty of protein from foods without the need for protein powder or other forms of protein supplements. MedlinePlus reports that protein malnutrition in U.S. children is extremely rare, and only isolated cases occur. Most of the time protein powder is unnecessary – or even unsafe – for children.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, protein supplements are common among child athletes, especially teenagers. Protein powders are classified as supplements, not foods. The AAP notes that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not tightly regulate supplements or require them to be tested for effectiveness or safety. Because of this, protein powders and other supplements may contain prohibited substances not listed on the supplement facts label, according to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
Use Under Medical Supervision
Children with illnesses or who are underweight may benefit from taking a high-calorie, medical nutrition shake that contains protein. A study published in a 2009 edition of “Pediatric Blood and Cancer” reports that pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment who consumed an energy-dense protein nutrition supplement containing eicosapentaenoic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid, had a decrease in cancer-induced weight loss compared with patients who did not take the nutrition supplement. However, children should only use protein powders of supplements under medical supervision.
Protein supplements are not only unnecessary for children in most cases, some protein powders may be dangerous. Consuming excessive amounts of protein may cause diarrhea, nausea and in some cases death, according to a review published in a 2006 edition of the “International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.”
Most children who eat a variety of protein-rich foods will easily meet their daily protein needs. The Institute of Medicine reports the protein recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for children is 13 grams for kids ages 1 to 3, 19 grams for children ages 4 to 8 and 34 grams of protein daily for kids ages 9 to 13 (page 4). The RDA is 46 grams of protein for teen girls ages 14 to 18 and 52 grams of protein daily for teen boys within the same age range (ref. 6, page 4).
- MedlinePlus: Kwashiorkor
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Sports Supplements
- Pediatric Blood and Cancer: The Use of a Protein and Energy Dense Eicosapentaenoic Acid Containing Supplement for Malignancy-Related Weight Loss in Children
- U.S. Anti-Doping Agency: Optimal Dietary Intake Guide
- International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism: A Review of Issues of Dietary Protein Intake in Humans
- Institute of Medicine: Dietary Reference Intakes: Macronutrients
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