Parents concerned about their children's overall nutrition--or those with athletic children who participate in sports--might add protein powder to smoothies or milkshakes to ensure their children get enough protein. Protein acts as a building block for muscles -- the framework of your body -- and your body needs it for organ growth, brain function and cell regeneration. Children who do not get enough protein might lack the energy they need to participate in daily activities or high-energy sports.
Significance
Although child athletes might need more protein than less-active children might, most children get enough protein in their day-to-day diets, according to Dr. Mary Gavin of the Kids Health from Nemours website. Gavin asserts that contrary to popular opinion, athletes do not need huge amounts of protein to build strong muscles. Protein powders are not necessary for most children and, if used excessively, can potentially hurt your child's body. They might also contain artificial sweeteners and other additives unnecessary to your child's diet.
Misconceptions
Despite societal myths and perceptions about the role of protein powders and supplements in athletic success, the American Heart Association reports that protein powders and protein supplements do not increase the size, shape or endurance of your child's muscles any better than protein found in whole food forms, such as eggs, lean meats and dairy. Your child will probably excrete the extra protein or store it as fat.
Considerations
Overdosing on protein is rarely a concern for healthy children and adults, according to Dr. William Sears, the author of "The Family Nutrition Book." In order to consume too much protein, your child would need to eat at least twice the amount his body actually needs. If this occurred on a long-term basis, your child might experience dehydration, calcium loss and kidney problems.
Prevention/Solution
Instead of giving your child protein powders, ensure he gets enough protein in his daily diet by feeding him plenty of high-protein foods. Sears' top protein picks include yogurt, cottage cheese, a peanut butter sandwich made with whole wheat bread, scrambled eggs with cheese, and cottage cheese with toast. Instead of making smoothies with protein powders, you can boost the smoothies' protein levels naturally by adding peanut butter or tofu.
Potential
As your child grows older and increasingly active, his protein needs will increase along with his weight and fitness level. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that the protein needs of very active children and teens rarely exceeds 1 gram per pound of body fat each day. Sears suggests that increasing daily protein by 1/3, about 16 to 20 grams of meat or fish, usually satisfies the needs of teens and adults on strenuous exercise programs. An average, moderately active child or teen can usually accommodate her protein needs by eating about ½ gram of protein per pound each day.
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