Hi, hope this is the right category. I have a 16 (almost 17) year old son who is very physical. He plays ball and now is weight lifting every day on top of other activities. He is about 6'4" and 230 lbs. All of his friends now are drinking protein drinks and he has been interested. Anyones kids take these. I am going to research on the web first and am suprised at how many kids are taking these. I will talk to the Dr. also but wanted other opinions. Thanks.
Protein drinks for teens
- Thread starter robbie
- Start date
What would be wrong with a protein drink? That's a serious question because I honestly can't imagine why it would be bad.
Sweet 16
^^8^^
I would be interested if anyone has opinions or info. on this too. My son plays ice hockey and he's tall and skinny -- all muscle and not an ounce of fat. I thought about suggesting it to him and of course I would check with his doctor first. I don't think it will matter anyway because he's a picky eater and probably wouldn't drink the stuff.
Looked it up last night and seems to be safe but some warnings. Definitely no Creatine. It seems to fool around with the hormones which in teens are already whak. It does say protein bars do the same. I did see one warning which said too much protein in a growing body can cause some trouble with kidneys. Will ask Dr. today. If it were me, I would prefer to just eat a protein bar. My sons friend said the drink mix is expensive and I see the bars for $1 in the groc. store all the time.
Without sounding like a smartalec, Boost has the supplement drinks in the High Protein Formula - you just keep them cold and they taste like a creamy milk drink. And they're safe, as far as I know. The elderly live off of them! 
smilin
BOXER NATION
I've been drinking that stuff for years with no effect other than it helps keep the weight on.
The thing you have to remember is to eat more calories than you use up.
The idea that eating a million grams of protein helps you get bigger doesn't work. What really happens is when you work out properly and drink or eat lots of protein your muscles get stronger and (here is the catch) MAYget bigger, depending on your body makeup and physique, there is no guarantee. Try protein with branched chain amino acids, it seems to work the best, but bring your check book. Take your calculator and help your son figure out how much he should drink, that way you can keep an eye on him.
Protein is pretty harmless as far as I know, definitely stay away from the exotic (Creatine) mixtures and any type of steroids. If you drink too much protein it will just be an expensive trip to the bathroom every time.
Moderation is the key, like anything else, if you over do it it may cause your kidneys to work overtime. Talk to your son's doctor and his coach.
B
Big Fatty
Guest
Have your kids start eating more. Protein is easy to eat through meats/dairy/eggs/etc.
I see nothing wrong, though, with a teen SUPPLEMENTING good eating habits with a basic protein drink/bar.
The general guideline I found to be similar across the board by experts is from .5-1.5g/lb or bodyweight. Start low with your kid to see if he/she will stick to the plan and more is not always better.
I see nothing wrong, though, with a teen SUPPLEMENTING good eating habits with a basic protein drink/bar.
The general guideline I found to be similar across the board by experts is from .5-1.5g/lb or bodyweight. Start low with your kid to see if he/she will stick to the plan and more is not always better.
smilin
BOXER NATION
Try this question on the dieting & exercise section, you should get lots of good advice.
Although he is 6'4" he is already 230 lbs. He isn't chubby but very solid and strong now. He wants to get stronger for ball and I understand that but I don't think he needs to add any more weight. Eating is his HOBBY. He grazes like a cow and I am amazed at what he eats, almost every two hours. He had a physical and is fine but now "everyone" is doing this. Will call Dr. today. Thanks for the advice. He thinks I'm too safety conscious about everything but now days you never know what will cause probelm after using it for a while. Thanks.
Lilypad
Well-Known Member
Read the label robbie, most protein powders are loaded w/crap (for lack of a better word) I'm partial to Nature's Plus, Spirutein.
smilin
BOXER NATION
Very true, good point - you get what you pay for.
B
Big Fatty
Guest
You are awesome for researching and trying to get information. Most parent s don't. Thanks for bringing a kid into this world that will know something about something. Don't stop with just the doc's advice though. There is more info out there!
Protein shakes are great for assisting in building muscle...but as somebody mentioned before it requires you to actively work out via weighlifting and really straining your muscles.
I was on creatine for a summer back in college. I went to the gym twice a day 6 days a week. I got huge. Best shape I have ever seen......then I started doing some research on the stuff and kids all over the nation were dying left and right because of it. So DO NOT let your kid get hooked on any of that crap.
Best thing I can say is to truely monitor him and what he is taking. Really talk up protein shakes...most everything else can really really hurt him.
I was on creatine for a summer back in college. I went to the gym twice a day 6 days a week. I got huge. Best shape I have ever seen......then I started doing some research on the stuff and kids all over the nation were dying left and right because of it. So DO NOT let your kid get hooked on any of that crap.
Best thing I can say is to truely monitor him and what he is taking. Really talk up protein shakes...most everything else can really really hurt him.