How much protein your child actually needs – and the danger of too much
Warning over excessive focus on children’s protein intake
- Many parents are increasingly concerned their children are not consuming enough protein, influenced by the widespread marketing of protein-fortified foods.
- Despite these parental worries, most children already obtain sufficient protein for their healthy growth and development through their regular, balanced diet.
- Children's daily protein requirements vary significantly by age, ranging from 12-15g for infants to 46-52g for teenagers; these needs are typically met by common foods such as milk, eggs, and chicken.
- An excessive focus on protein intake can lead to an unbalanced diet, potentially neglecting other essential nutrients like carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fibre, which are crucial for overall development.
- Over-emphasising protein may create mealtime stress for children and has been associated with potential negative health impacts, including kidney issues and excessive weight gain.