Protein supplements are often assumed to be necessary for muscle growth and athletic development. While certain populations such as vegan or adult athletes may benefit from additional protein intake, it is largely unnecessary for middle or high school-aged individuals. On average, a teen or young athlete is required to consume only 20 extra grams a day of protein in order to observe muscle growth. However, data has shown that most teens exceed the recommended intake by two or three times the norm (Winkleman, 2019). There are three primary reasons as to why teenage athletes do not require protein supplements.
Middle and high school-aged athletes may receive any form of necessary additional protein through their diet. Lean meats, fish, egg, tofu, dairy products, beans, and nuts can be incorporated into a diet in order to increase the daily protein intake of a teen in a more natural and simple way. Protein supplements are often ineffective or dangerous when consumed at the wrong time while protein-rich foods do not have this issue. An increased intake of protein does not correlate with more muscle growth. Young athletes require the work of anabolic hormones within their physical training in order to increase muscle mass. While certain levels of protein are necessary, increasing the intake has no proportional relation to muscle growth.
Diets that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates have the potential to cause a number of problems. Due to the fact that too much protein with not enough exercise can cause the heightened use of water and energy, teen athletes may experience nausea, diarrhea, stress of the liver and the kidneys. As such, protein supplements are less beneficial to younger athletes than they are to adults and are largely unnecessary.
Work Cited
Winkleman, Jacqueline. “Protein Powders and Teens: Are They Safe? Are They Necessary?” Children’s Health of Orange County, Web.