CLAIM:
Children should not be given protein shakes, as their nutritional needs should ideally be met through regular home-cooked food. Relying on supplements to meet a child’s protein requirement reflects poor dietary habits and parenting.
FACT:
Protein supplements are generally unnecessary for most healthy children, as their nutritional needs can usually be met through a balanced diet. While excessive or unnecessary use may cause side effects, supplements may still be recommended in certain cases, such as for underweight children or those with specific dietary restrictions, under medical supervision.
In a recent reel posted by Prashant Desai, a health educator who has around 1.3 million followers on Instagram, a claim is made that protein shakes should not be given to children and that parents relying on them are failing to meet their child’s nutritional needs.
In the reel, which has gained over 5.5 lakh views and around 3,178 shares, Desai questions why parents feel the need to give supplements to children in the first place. He argues that meeting a child’s nutritional requirements should primarily come from regular food and that relying on supplements early in life reflects poor dietary habits at home.
“You are not able to meet the protein requirement of a 12–13-year-old. What nonsense is this?” he says in the video, adding that it is the responsibility of parents to ensure children receive adequate nutrition through daily meals rather than supplements.
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Desai acknowledges that protein shakes themselves are not unsafe, saying, “Is protein shake safe? Yes. Do I recommend it? Absolutely no.” According to him, parents should not depend on protein supplements to meet their child’s dietary needs. “If as a parent you are using protein shake as a supplement to meet your kid’s protein requirement, you are not doing a good job as a parent,” he says.
He further stresses that children should obtain their nutrients from home-cooked food, suggesting that simple dietary choices such as drinking milk can provide adequate protein. “If a kid drinks two glasses of milk, he will get protein. Who makes all the whey protein? It is made from milk,” he explains, urging parents to focus on balanced meals instead of supplements.
Are protein supplements safe for children?
Protein powders are sometimes promoted as a quick solution for children who are picky eaters, since they can easily be added to smoothies or drinks. However, experts note that for most healthy children, protein supplements are unnecessary and should not replace balanced meals.
If parents are concerned that their child is not meeting their nutritional needs, they are advised to consult a paediatrician or dietician before introducing supplements.
In many cases, children who consume a balanced diet and drink the recommended daily amount of milk or dairy-free alternatives already receive adequate protein through regular food. Even a 2024 review highlights that “there is no need for healthy children to use dietary supplements.”
Side effects of protein supplements in children
Giving children protein supplements when they do not need them may lead to several potential side effects.
Excess protein intake can contribute to weight gain, particularly if the supplement adds extra calories and sugar to the child’s diet. Very high protein intake may place additional strain on the body. For instance, excess protein can cause the kidneys to work harder and may increase the risk of kidney stones, while the process of breaking down large amounts of protein can lead to nitrogen buildup that strains the liver.
Another concern is dehydration, as higher protein intake increases the body’s fluid requirements. In addition, many protein powders and shakes are not always strictly regulated by the FDA, meaning ingredient labels may not fully reflect what the product contains. As a result, some supplements may include stimulants or substances that could affect children’s health.
Children who regularly consume protein shakes may become accustomed to “drinking their calories,” which can reduce their interest in eating regular meals. The sweetness of many protein powders may also make children less interested in healthier foods, meaning supplements can sometimes worsen picky eating habits rather than solve them.
Signs that your child may need protein supplements
Although most children can meet their protein needs through diet alone, supplements may be helpful in certain circumstances when nutritional requirements cannot be met through whole foods.
Children may need additional protein if they are underweight, extremely picky eaters, following a vegan or vegetarian diet, or living with certain metabolic conditions that affect nutrient absorption.
Parents should always speak with a doctor before introducing protein powders or supplements, as a paediatrician can evaluate the child’s growth patterns and identify any nutritional deficiencies.
Some signs may suggest that a child is not getting enough protein. These include delayed or stunted growth, lower immunity, and persistent hunger that may lead to weight gain. If a child shows these symptoms, it is important to consult a paediatrician for proper evaluation and guidance on improving their nutritional intake.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS