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Is Whey Protein Safe For Kids?
Joaquin Miranda has a question for us: Is whey protein safe for kids?
Hi Joaquin, thanks for your question. Your question is, is whey protein safe for kids?
Whey protein, generally speaking, is very safe for consumption. It is not so much of whether whey protein is safe for kids or not. It's more a question of HOW MUCH whey protein is safe for kids.
As you know, the needs of children are quite different from that of a full grown adult. For example, a full grown adult weighing 200 pounds can easily consume 50 grams of whey protein a day. That is, in fact, common in the bodybuilding world.
However, children, bring young, are more sensitive to their surroundings and to the foods that they consume. For this reason, whey protein is usually NOT recommended in huge servings for children.
Also, a child is still growing and his or her body needs a different mix of nutrients - more calcium, fiber and vitamins. So whey protein alone may not be adequate.
There are specially formulate protein shakes for children in today's market and they usually come fortified with calcium and other vitamins. The amount of protein in these packs are also a lot lesser than the serving recommended for an adult. An adult will consume 25 grams of protein in a shake or more, while a child only consumes less than 10 grams of protein in a single serving.
And since the body of a child is a lot more sensitive than that of an adult, you have to watch out for any adverse reactions such as allergies. For example, a child may simply be allergic to milk ingredients (commonly found in protein shakes). Lactose intolerance may be a possible cause for discomfort.
It is advisable to consult a qualified nutritionist or doctor before consuming whey protein. When it comes to children, always be extra cautious as the results are often more unpredictable.
Usually, when a child reaches teen hood and has no adverse reactions to milk products, whey protein would be considered safe for consumption.
Hope that helps.
