Protein is the main building block for developing and maintaining muscles, bones, blood and organs. Protein is made up of amino acids, with 22 of them being essential to human health. Whey protein is commonly used in protein shakes and drinks for supplementation purposes. According to Hugh O'Brodovich, M.D., former Pediatrician-in-Chief at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, many health-care professionals do not recommend dietary supplements at all, especially for adolescents. If you choose to give your children protein drinks, consult with your child's physician prior to use and ensure careful evaluation of the product for safety.
Recommended Daily Protein Requirements
Most of your child's daily protein requirements should come from animal and plant sources. Kids need to eat about 0.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight, or 1 gram for every kilogram they weigh, according to KidsHealth. Your child's diet should include a wide variety of protein from several different foods to ensure they receive 9 of the 22 essential amino acids each day.
Purpose of Protein Drinks
Protein drinks -- whey, casein and soy -- are usually consumed by athletes who want to enhance performance and build muscle. Some children and teens may consider drinking protein shakes to help them supplement what they don't get from their diet alone. According to AboutKidsHealth, protein powders used to make these supplemental drinks are no better than protein from natural sources such as milk, lean meat, fish and legumes. Likewise, the body can't make use of more than two grams of protein per kilogram of body weight; any excess amount may be considered harmful.
Quality Protein Drinks
If you do choose to give your children or teens protein drinks, be sure that the quality of protein is suitable for their health. According to AboutKidsHealth, good quality protein should be evaluated for safety, provide a long-term study that supports advertised claims, be distributed by a trustworthy manufacturer and include proper labeling on the package.
Types of Protein Drinks
There are two main protein powders that are commonly used as dietary supplementation for children: whey and soy. Whey protein concentrate is the most common type of protein used in protein drinks for kids. Whey is a high quality protein from cow's milk. According to Whey Protein Institute, the second most abundant component in whey protein is alpha-lactalbumin, which is one of the main proteins in human breast milk. On the other hand, if your child is lactose intolerant, soy protein is a good option. There are healthier forms of soy protein that include soy milk. One serving of soy milk provides around 8 grams of soy protein plus several other essential vitamins necessary for child development, according to HealthCastle.com's registered dietitian community.
Side Effects of Too Much Protein
Although consuming a protein shake may not be harmful, taking in too much protein from protein drinks and supplements could cause long-term effects. According to CBS News Correspondent, Susan Koeppen, too much protein can lead to dehydration and digestive problems, increase risk for osteoporosis and cause kidney problems. The quality control of protein drinks is important because some products may contain traces of lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury, which are hazardous to your child's health.
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