Does your child take protein supplements? Here’s what the experts say CNN

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Using protein shakes, bars, powders and other supplements may seem like an easy solution for those looking to increase their protein intake. But when it comes to teenagers, pediatricians worry that they may be relying too much on supplements.

Two in five parents say their teens have taken protein supplements in the past year, and teenage boys are more likely to use supplements every day or more often than girls. teens, according to a new CS Mott Children’s Hospital Poll released Monday.

Of the 46% of teenage boys who took protein supplements in the past year, more than half of their parents said it was for muscle gain. Of the 36% of teenage girls who took supplements, parents said their daughters used protein supplements to lose weight or change their diet when they were busy. Almost one in five parents say their child is not getting enough protein.

“Marketing may lead people to believe that high protein means a product is healthy—but that’s not true!” said Sarah Clark, a Mott Poll assistant and pediatric research scientist at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, via email.

“Instead, parents and teenagers may want a balanced product that contains some protein, as well as other important nutrients and fiber – but very little (or no) added sugar or caffeine. ”

The Mott Poll was conducted in August with 989 parents of youth ages 13 to 17. The margin of error is plus or minus 1 to 7 percent.

Forty-four parents said that they or another family member encouraged their teen to take protein supplements, especially in cases where the teen expressed an interest in getting in shape, losing weight bodies, to look attractive, to improve sports or to live well.

But taking protein supplements may not solve these problems, Clark said. Although protein is part of a healthy diet, consumption should be considered in the context of a person’s overall diet, he added.

It’s not often recommended that teenagers take protein supplements, said Diana Schnee, a pediatric nutritionist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s in Ohio who was not involved with the Mott Poll.

Teenage girls aged 14 to 18 need 46 grams a day, while boys of the same age need 52 grams a day, according to the Recommended Dietary Allowances.

Protein supplements can put the user at risk of consuming too much protein, which can cause dehydration and put stress on the kidneys, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The US Food and Drug Administration does not test protein powders before they go on the market, which means users may be exposed to other substances, such as stimulants, Schnee said.

The FDA generally regulates dietary supplements as food, and the agency has the authority to take action against “any adulterated or defective dietary supplement product after it reaches the market ,” according to the agency’s website.

If young people get protein in some of their daily meals and snacks, they are probably getting enough protein. Protein supplements do not have a good rationale and can only be recommended for certain young people who follow a restricted diet, such as a vegetarian or vegan plan, Schnee added.

In such cases, he advised people to look for a nutritionist who can point you in the direction of supplements that the NSF, formerly the National Sanitation Foundation, has certified.

Eating and maintaining proper nutrition

One thing to remember about eating protein is that it’s better to eat protein throughout the day than to eat it all at once, Clark said.

In a normal diet, people need to consume adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals and water. These can be achieved by choosing a variety of foods from the five main food groups, including fruits and vegetables, fiber and dairy.

There are nine essential amino acids that people should consume regularly throughout the day. All nine can be found in complete proteins, which are typically found in animals, and only a few are found in incomplete proteins, usually plant-based foods, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

But eating a balanced diet is not enough to support a young person’s body. Getting enough sleep and hydration is also important to ensure the body is given enough time to recover, Schnee said.