Many teens use protein bars and shakes to boost their muscles

MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Teenagers are increasingly turning to high-protein bars, shakes and powders to help them add muscle to their frames, a new study shows.

Two in five parents say their teen has consumed protein supplements in the past year, according to the University of Michigan CS Mott Children’s Hospital National Children’s Health Survey.

Teenagers are turning more often to protein supplements, which they are more likely to take every day or almost every day, parents said.

“Protein is part of a healthy diet, but it can be difficult for parents to know if their child is getting the right amount,” said Sarah Clark, co-director of Mott Poll. “Our survey highlights that many adolescents use protein supplements, especially protein powder, to improve their sports performance and build muscle.”

Boys are more likely to use protein supplements to stimulate muscle growth and for sports training, the researchers said.

In contrast, girls more often used protein supplements to replace a meal when they were on the go or to help them maintain a balanced diet, the findings showed.

About 1 in 10 parents also reported that their teen used protein supplements to help them lose weight, most commonly girls.

This extra protein probably isn’t necessary for most teens, Clark said.

“Despite what some teens – and their parents or coaches – think, eating more protein than your body needs will not lead to greater or faster muscle gains,” Clark said in a press release from the ‘university. “Instead, it helps to consume the recommended amount of protein spread throughout the day, at each meal and snack.”

Despite this, nearly one in five parents think their teenager is not getting enough protein, according to survey results. More than half of parents think a high-protein diet is healthy for their teen.

However, high-protein diets are generally not recommended for adolescents because they may lack other essential nutrients like carbohydrates and fiber, Clark said.

The right amount of protein for each child varies by age, gender, weight and physical activity level, Clark says. It can be difficult for parents to determine whether they are receiving the correct amount.

Parents can help by providing at least one source of protein at every meal and encouraging teens to eat healthy, protein-rich foods like eggs, nuts, fish, lean meats, lentils, and dairy. Clark said.

“Adolescents can usually get enough protein through a well-balanced diet,” Clark said. “There may be situations where adolescents do not eat a lot of protein-containing foods. In these cases, parents may sometimes consider protein shakes or protein bars as part of a plan to increase their teen’s protein intake.

But parents also shouldn’t assume that high-protein bars or shakes are automatically healthy options, Clark added.

“Many protein shakes and bars contain excessive amounts of added sugar and caffeine that are unhealthy for teens,” Clark said. “Parents should help teens read protein supplement labels and choose healthy options, such as those that contain fiber, with little or no added sugar. »

“Relying on protein shakes and bars may not provide the vitamins, minerals and fiber adolescents need; they are not intended to replace balanced meals,” Clark added.

Parents also need to be mindful of the example they are setting for their teen, Clark added.

One in three parents said they used protein supplements themselves, and those parents were more likely to report their teen used them, the survey found.

The nationally representative survey included responses from 989 parents of teens ages 13 to 17 surveyed in August.

More information

The American Academy of Pediatrics has more on protein for adolescent athletes.

SOURCE: University of Michigan, press release, October 21, 2024