Proteins are not children game
Recently we heard from our customers that some supplement companies start selling sports supplements for kids (protein drinks for example). Those companies claim for health benefits to support your kid's health.
The important thing they forgot to tell you is the danger hiding in those supplements. This is why the Australian government forces companies to label their product with “sports foods are not suitable for children or pregnant women.”
Pure Product Australia manufacture only supplements suitable for adults and people in the health and fitness industry NOT children.
The risks of giving protein powder or high-protein “energy” drinks to kids are been proven in many research. If your child gets more protein than they need, it won’t be used efficiently. Rather, it may impose a metabolic burden on their organs. In addition, high-protein/high-meat diets may also be associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease or cancer.
There are several side effects that your child might experience, such as:
Digestive issues. If you give your child whey protein powder, they may have problems digesting it. This could cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea. Most of these side effects are due to lactose intolerance.
Weight gain. If your child takes in more protein than they need, his body will store the excess calories as fat. One-third of children in the US are overweight or obese, which places them at a higher risk of developing chronic weight-related health and medical problems.
Organ damage. A high-protein diet may make your child’s kidneys work harder to filter out waste products, wearing the kidneys out over time and contributing to dehydration. High protein levels can also cause kidney stones. Processing protein creates nitrogen in the liver, which makes it harder for the body to process waste and toxins and decreases the body’s ability to break down nutrients.
There are many signs your child might not be getting enough protein, including:
Delayed or stunted growth rate
Lower immunity
Hunger (which may lead to weight gain)
If your child is displaying or complaining of any of the above symptoms, contact their pediatrician.
Tips for Preventing Protein Deficiencies in Children
First, get familiar with the daily protein recommendations for your child’s age group and be aware of the signs and symptoms of protein deficiency listed above. In addition, take the following steps:
Add more protein-rich foods to their diet. Find ways to provide protein for your child throughout the day without relying on protein shakes. There are plenty of healthy snacks for kids; you’re bound to find some they’ll enjoy.
Be aware of the risks of malnutrition. Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition. The main cause of kwashiorkor is not eating enough protein or other essential vitamins and minerals. It's most common in some developing regions, but it can happen to any malnourished child.
To conclude talk to your pediatrician if you aren't sure where to start or still have questions or concerns about your child’s protein intake. They may refer you to a registered dietitian for additional guidance.
