Health experts are advising against the use of protein powders for most pre-teens and teenagers, stating that a balanced diet typically provides sufficient protein for their needs.
Registered dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine highlighted that teenage boys and girls can acquire all the protein they require from food alone. Consultant paediatrician Dr Ramnik Mathur from Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust added that during puberty, while children need more protein for growth spurts, a healthy balanced diet should be adequate.
Concerns have been raised regarding the regulation of protein powders, with Ludlam-Raine noting that the market is not as tightly regulated as medicines. She cautioned that not all companies ensure their labels accurately reflect the product's contents. Dr Mathur also warned that consuming too much protein can overload the kidneys and liver, citing a case where a child's kidneys stopped working due to excessive protein intake.
Potential side effects of protein powders can include bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhoea. Experts suggest that protein shakes, powders, or bars may be useful for specific groups, such as high-level athletes or individuals with certain allergies, but should not replace a healthy diet.