Feeding Your Kid Protein Powder? These Pediatricians Want You To Reconsider.
HuffPost
Doctors explain how that extra scoop could do more harm than good.
My friend Kendra always adds protein powder to her daughter’s breakfasts as an easy way to add satiety to everything from muffins to smoothies. This seemed like a brilliant idea, until her family’s pediatrician made her reconsider.
As it turns out, protein powder isn’t always a healthy option for kids. And there isn’t a one-size-fits-all verdict — it’s more of an “it depends” situation. While a little protein powder might be fine for tiny tummies, an excess of protein can also cause kidney stones and liver damage.
To get a clearer answer, HuffPost spoke with pediatricians about whether protein powder is safe for kids — and, if so, how much their little bodies can actually handle.
How much protein do kids actually need?
The only time I ever worried about tracking my protein intake was when running became my entire personality. But for parents, it’s hard not to stress about whether their little ones are getting enough protein — after all, they’re constantly told it’s the key to growing up big and strong.
It may seem obvious, but you might not think about it when you're sick.
“Proper nutrition is the foundation upon which our mental acuity and vitality rest."
"Of course, your family knows how to push your buttons — they installed them."