Many Teens Use Protein Bars, Shakes to Build Muscle

MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Teenagers are increasingly turning to protein-packed bars, shakes and powders to help them add muscle to their frames, a new study shows.

Two in five parents say their teen has taken protein supplements in the past year, according to the University of Michigan Health CS Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.

Adolescent boys were more likely to use protein supplements, which they were likely to take every day or multiple days, the parents said.

“Protein is part of a healthy diet, but it can be difficult for parents to know if their child is eating the right amount,” said Mott Poll co-director Sarah Clark. “Our research highlights that many young people use protein supplements, especially protein powders, to improve their sports performance and build muscle.”

Boys tend to use protein supplements to boost muscle growth and for sports training, the researchers said.

On the other hand, girls tend to use protein supplements to change their diet when traveling or to help maintain a balanced diet, the results show.

About 1 in 10 parents also indicated their teens use protein supplements to help with weight loss, mostly girls.

This extra protein probably isn’t necessary for most teenagers, Clark said.

“Despite what some young people — and their parents or trainers — think, eating more protein than your body needs will not result in greater or faster weight gain. muscles,” Clark said in a university news release. Instead, it is better to consume the recommended amount of protein consumed throughout the day, at each meal and meal.

However, almost one in five parents think their child is not getting enough protein, the survey results show. More than half of parents think a high-protein diet is healthy for their teen.

However, high-protein diets are generally not recommended for young people, as there is a risk that they may miss out on other important nutrients such as carbohydrates and fiber, Clark said.

The right amount of protein for each child varies by age, gender, weight and level of physical activity, Clark says. It can be difficult for parents to see if they are getting enough money.

Parents can help by providing at least one source of protein at each meal and encouraging teens to eat healthy protein foods such as eggs, nuts, fish, lean meats, lentils and dairy products. , Clark said.

“In general, teenagers can get enough protein from a nutritious diet,” Clark said. sometimes parents may consider protein shakes or protein bars as part of a plan to increase the protein intake of young people.”

But parents also shouldn’t think that high-protein bars or shakes are healthy options, Clark added.

“Many protein shakes and bars have a lot of added sugar and caffeine that isn’t healthy for teenagers,” Clark said. “Parents should help teens read protein supplement labels and choose healthy options, such as those that contain fiber, with little or no added sugar.”

“Relying on protein shakes and iron may not provide the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber that young people need; they are not designed to replace a balanced diet,” Clark added.

Parents also need to be mindful of the example they set for their children, Clark added.

One in three parents said they use protein supplements themselves, and those parents are more likely to report that their child uses them, the survey showed.

The nationally representative survey included responses from 989 parents of 13- to 17-year-olds surveyed in August.

Additional information

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends high protein for young athletes.

SOURCE: University of Michigan, press release, Oct. 21, 2024