Protein Powder and Kids

You need to ask your Pediatrician.
Do not guess at it.
In a child, too much protein for example, can overload the kidneys.
Eggs, are a good protein source for morning.

But adding protein powder, when you don't know how much is appropriate or inappropriate, can be a health risk.

these things are made for adults. Adults have Bigger bodies and the organs in a child is still developing.
I personally, would not rely on protein powders, for kids.
Kids also like Carbs... because it is a quick energy source over time. Athletes for example, eat lots of complex carbs, before any game or long activity.

all the best,
Susan

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I made breakfast smoothies for my girls when they were younger and they still really like them (teens make their own breakfast here!). I use 1/2 cup non-fat, plain (no sugar added) greek yogurt, 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (costco or trader joe's, just berries no sugar), 1/2 cup V-Fusion juice (100% fruit and veggie juice), and a small banana. Greek yogurt has twice the protein of regular yogurt. The banana adds plenty of natural sugars to make things sweet. A little cocoa (not ovaltine or such, just plain unsweetened cocoa powder) is nice in this too. Like a chocolate covered berry. :) My kids are pretty big eaters so I would usually give them a slice of whole wheat toast with a little fruit spread or honey as well.

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I would agree about staying away from protein powders. I read recently that a lot of this stuff is made in China and contains heavy metals. Even if that is not true, too much protein can cause kidney problems. Also be careful with peanut butter. Can't bring it to school. Too many peanut allergies. Seems like nothing is easy any more.

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I've heard from our doctor that protein powder for children is NOT a good idea. Their bodies can't handle that much, plus most protein from powders comes from soy- which mimics estrogen.
Its really ok if they don't eat a whole lot of protein for breakfast. Remember, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt- all have yummy good protein, and kids don't need a lot of protein.
My idea of good eating was heavier carbs in morning (longer lasting energy/fuel for day), and lunch/dinner lower carbs and more protein because they don't need that complex carb energy in the evening.
:)

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If you want to be sure she has some quality protein in her breakfast, then I would use whole food to do so, not a powder. The exception might be if she wants an instant breakfast drink made with milk. The breakfast powder adds about 5 grams of protein to the protein already in the milk (about 9 grams per cup in just the milk), but is FAR less than protein powders. My husband drinks protein powder drinks fairly regularly... and they can have 18 grams of protein (or more) in a serving! That is a LOT of protein for a child in one sitting.

But if you want to stay away from powders altogether:

Scramble her an egg (approx 6 grams per egg). Or put it on 1/2 of a whole what toasted english muffin with a slice of cheese. (open faced). Or even roll it up in a soft tortilla for a breakfast "burrito".

Or smear peanut butter on a piece of toast or a toasted frozen waffle. (For several years that is all my daughter would eat for breakfast: a toasted Kellogg's cinnamon toast waffle with Skippy smeared on top).

Or give her a cup of yogurt with some granola sprinkled on top; just stay away from MOST of the "kiddie" yogurts... they can be just LOADED with sugar.
If she likes oatmeal, try that out. It doesn't take very long to make, and you can sprinkle cinnamon on top if she likes that.

The trick to giving kids a hearty breakfast before school isn't just in the protein. It's good quality carbs, too. A balance. Not quickly absorbable sugars (like pancakes and syrup or white bread toasted with jam on it or processed cereals). A little fiber, a little protein and a little low-glycemic index type carbs are wonderful.

My son will eat sliced apples with 1/2 cup of peanut butter to dip them in. Sprinkle cinnamon(not cinnamon sugar- just plain cinnamon) on the apple slices. That with a glass of milk. Very good quality breakfast.

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Dear C.,
You didn't say how old your daughter was--and I have teenagers, so it can be different. But mostly my kids leave for school or practice around 6 am. So they just aren't hungry. I have started buying those uncrustable sandwiches (p,b&j) and putting a couple in their lunch bags. I let them know they are there and that if they want one to "snack " on they can have it.
This has been working out well, b/c it's something they can eat after practice or in between classes etc. I think it has like 9 grams of protein (don't quote me--but that's what I remember). It's fast and easy for them and for me.

K.
P.S. There are those carnation protein breakfast drinks that taste good (have a lot of sugar), but aren't crazy in protein.

1 mom found this helpful

great question! I have the perfect answer! at Winnco, in the bulk isle, they have protein powder in bulk, it is vanilla flavored, but you can add a scoop of that to her milk, cereal, etc... also at Elliott's they have a protein powder that supposedly unflavored , but I can taste it add a scoop of that to her food, even if she can taste it, she might like it! also, at CVS, they have protein powder that is in a container, called "pure protien" 25 gr, per serving, it can be mixed with any form of milk or even water, 2 flavors, chocolate and vanilla, I do the chocolate, it is very good, also, there are protein bars from "pure protein" 21 grs a bar, that is what I live on pretty much...you can mix the protein powder with any type of fruit/ and or ice to make a shake... they also make the shakes in a can, but I have noticed a difference in making it on my own and having those, there seems to be a lot of sodium in them, but there again makes you enjoy water! and lots of it... really try the powder it is only 11.99 at CVS...

I do use a protein powder mde from hemp. Because we, as a culture, tend to underestimate the amount of protein we get, I am really on top of what protein my kids get.

Look online for the amount appropriate for your child's age and really research foods. There are lots of food with protein in them.

I usually add it to a smoothie and really research the manufacturer of these powders. I agree that a lot of them are made in china and are probably full of JUNK and dangerous chemicals, metals, etc.

I wouldn't avoid protein powders like some have suggested. As long as you are informed you will be fine.

My doctor said NO, but when pushed admitted that it is their response because parents tend to overuse protein, but that if done in an educated and informed way, they can be used appropriately. I'd avoid those instant drinks...number one, I have never seen any organic ones and they have fillers.

Make a yummy smoothie with organic fruits and veggies (make sure it ends up a pretty color) and add some protein powder and/or yogurt or milk...although if you can get the yogurt and milk in your child, you may not need the protein.

I also add it to my son's oatmeal and fruit breakfast and put a bit in our homemade waffles and pancakes.

I've noticed a difference after meals that are low in protein, so I do try to sneak it in to my son's food.

But take a good long look at what she's getting over the course of a day rather than at one meal.

Good luck!

Hi,

I have a five year old son and he has seen a nutritionist for some health issues and to help boost his immune system. During each appointment, he places his hand on a biofeedback machine. The machine tells us what herbs or supplements his body needs at that time. During the last appointment, his body was asking for protein. I, too, have noticed that he doesn't eat enough protein for breakfast (he usually eats cereal with whole raw milk and maybe toast with butter from pastured cows). Anyway, our nutritionist recommended whey protein powder. I tried the strawberry whey powder a couple of days ago, and he loves it. I do one scoop and mix it with 4 oz of raw milk. One scoop has about 10 ounces of protein and only 2.5 grams of sugar. Here is the link for the protein powder we use.

http://proteinpowder.mercola.com/Miracle-Whey-Protein.html

I give my son one for breakfast and another one during the day if he asks for it. I have noticed that he hasn't crashed and burned on the days when he drinks the milk with the protein powder.

Good luck!

I wouldn't do anything without first asking your pediatrician.
Not sure how old your child is but you should him/her if you
could buy premade protein shakes to give your child as a supplement/on-the-go quick and easy breakfast.
Again, I would ask the dr. first.

I found a great protein powder that is safe for children in vanilla and chocolate and when you add the Omega to it, it safely replaces one meal. It is dairy, wheat, soy, whey and gluten free. It is made with pea protein and has prebiotics and probiotics in it to help the digestion system and your child will stay full until lunch.
Pea protein is the easiest protein for our bodies to digest.
My grandaughter and nephews love it. They look forward to it every morning before school.
If you want more in let me know.

N. Marie

My children can't function without a protein-rich + whole grain breakfast. Protein powder smoothies have been a godsend for us. Soy protein is estrogenic, so not okay for kids, but there are some very good whey-based protein powders. Milk (cow or almond milk) plus fruit (frozen fruit is especially delicious) plus protein powder makes a really good, really fast smoothie. Serve it with a slice of whole grain toast, bagel, or english muffin and it makes a great, balanced breakfast.

I don't know anything about the drinks, but peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and my granddaughter loves a slice of peanut butter toast for breakfast!