Protein for Child Development (2024)

Protein for Child Development | Abbott Nutrition

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How Protein Benefits Growth and Development in Kids

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Protein for Child Development (1)

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AUG. 08, 2018 2 MIN. READ
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Protein is a macronutrient that is vital for child growth and development, yet research shows that one in seven school-aged children do not meet their daily protein intake goals.1

If a child is growing slowly or is small for their age they may not be getting all the protein and nutrients needed forhealthy growth. The good news is that with a few changes you can help your child get on track.

Learn how protein supports healthy growth, plus simple tips for packing more protein onto every plate.

Protein for Kids' Growth

Protein plays an essential role in many bodily functions, including recovery and repair of tissues in the muscles, skin, organs, blood, hair and nails. Of the 20 amino acids that make up protein, the body can produce 11 — the other nine must come from food.

"Many sources of protein provide important nutrients like vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc, iron and magnesium and its part of nearly every cell in your body," says Jennifer Williams, MPH, nutrition research scientist with Abbott.

Williams added that children who don't get enough protein may experience health issues, including fatigue, poor concentration, slowed growth, bone and joint pain, delayed wound healing and decreased immune response. But with small changes you can protect against protein deficiency.

Protein Recommendations

Below, by age group, are the National Academies of Science dietary protein recommendations for children, but Williams notes that these represent the minimum amounts needed to prevent deficiency. Talk to your pediatrician about individual protein needs based on age, activity level and any other considerations to determine what's best for your child.

Sources for Kids

According to recent National Health And Nutrition Examination survey data, snacks can make up about30 percentof U.S. children's daily calories, and many of those snacks are often from low-nutrient snacks, desserts and candy.2

Kids can bepicky eaters, but luckily there are plenty of great options for adding protein to their diets outside of meals. "Milk is a really easy source of protein to give to kids, and it provides calcium and vitamin D, which are important nutrients for bone growth," says Williams. She also recommends other dairy products, like Greek yogurt, drinkable yogurts and cottage cheese.

Nutrition questions?For general nutrition guidance check out theFeeding Expertline.

For kids without food allergies, Williams also recommends adding nut butters to smoothies, toast and snacks. If your child is a more adventurous eater, they may be open to hard-boiled eggs, trail mix, deli meat, or edamame.

If you are still having trouble getting enough protein on the plate, protein-rich drinks can be one solution. "PediaSure®SideKicks is like an insurance plan for protein," says Williams. With 10 grams of protein per serving and added nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, fiber and potassium, it's an easy way to help fill gaps in your child's diet.

Kids can learn to balance nutrients at meals with the USDA's MyPlate, but parents can also teach them to follow these same principles at snack time.

Meeting daily protein intake goals is an essential part of child growth and development. When kids get the nutrition they need, they're in the best position to begin long, healthy lives.


References:
1. Data on File, April 2018. Abbott Nutrition. NHANES data analysis. 1 in 7 school-aged kids defined as 6-13 years. National Academies of Science's RDA for protein ranges from 13-34g daily in children.

2. Generating Targetable Strategies for Improving Malnutrition Status among 2-5 Year Olds. Archdeacon AL, et al. Presented at 2018 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting, Toronto, Canada.

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Protein for Child Development (2024)

FAQs

Protein for Child Development? ›

Protein for Kids' Growth

Protein plays an essential role in many bodily functions, including recovery and repair of tissues in the muscles, skin, organs, blood, hair and nails. Of the 20 amino acids that make up protein, the body can produce 11 — the other nine must come from food.

How does protein help a child's development? ›

Protein for Kids' Growth

Protein plays an essential role in many bodily functions, including recovery and repair of tissues in the muscles, skin, organs, blood, hair and nails. Of the 20 amino acids that make up protein, the body can produce 11 — the other nine must come from food.

What happens to children who do not consume enough protein in the first 5 years of life? ›

Protein provides important essential amino acids that contribute to the mental and physical health of your child. Without enough protein in their diet, your kid may experience the symptoms below in the chart: fatigue, lack of concentration, slowed growth, lowered immunity and more.

What is the importance of proteins in growth development? ›

#2 - Aid in the growth of new cells: Proteins help with repair and regeneration by assisting the body to create new cells. They also aid in the regeneration of tissue, blood replenishment and the growth of hair and nails.

What happens if children don't get enough protein? ›

Protein is essential to health. It helps with growth and development, and it helps repair cells and make new ones. Protein deficiency can cause symptoms such as swelling, stunted growth, a weakened immune system, skin and hair changes, and bone and muscle loss.

What is the role of protein in development? ›

Proteins serve as structural support, biochemical catalysts, hormones, enzymes, building blocks, and initiators of cellular death. Proteins can be further defined by their four structural levels: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.

How do you explain protein to a child? ›

Protein builds, maintains, and replaces the tissues in your body. (Not the tissues you blow your nose in! We mean the stuff your body's made up of.) Your muscles, your organs, and your immune system are made up mostly of protein.

What can too much protein do to a child? ›

Some parents think that providing more protein will make their children healthier. However, in fact, consuming too much protein does not make muscles develop more, but only makes the kidneys and liver work harder, increasing the risk of dehydration, causing many harmful diseases for the baby.

Which disease is caused due to lack of protein in children? ›

Kwashiorkor is a type of malnutrition characterized by severe protein deficiency. It causes fluid retention and a swollen, distended abdomen. Kwashiorkor most commonly affects children, particularly in developing countries with high levels of poverty and food insecurity.

What are signs of malnutrition in a child? ›

Symptoms. Malnourished children may be short for their age, thin or bloated, listless and have weakened immune systems. Nutritional disorders can affect any system in the body and the senses of sight, taste and smell. They may also produce anxiety, changes in mood and other psychiatric symptoms.

Why is protein needed for children? ›

Proteins are the building blocks of our tissues, muscles, hair, enzymes, antibodies, and much much more. Protein is incredibly important, particularly during periods of growth, exercise, and injury. As such, protein is vitally important to your child's health.

What is the role of protein in child development? ›

Protein is a macronutrient that plays an important role in children's growth. Its intake is a factor affecting height, hence, individuals with low intake have a higher risk of stunting. Based on the results, 30.6% of children with protein intake below the recommended standard are stunted.

What happens if you don't get enough protein? ›

Without an adequate amount of protein, you may be prone to stress fractures, brittle hair and nails, a weakened immune system and feeling unsatisfied after meals. To prevent this from happening, be sure to get consume an adequate amount of protein daily.

How does protein help brain development? ›

Protein is the second largest matter in the brain, second only to water, so it's important to nourish your brain with protein rich foods. Proteins also help neurons within the brain communicate with each other through neurotransmitters made from amino acids.

Why is protein very important for growing? ›

Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones. Protein is also important for growth and development in children, teens, and pregnant women.

What role does protein play in the healthy development of a baby? ›

Amino acids and proteins play a pivotal role during growth and development. Besides acting as building blocks during tissue synthesis, amino acids or proteins act specifically by upregulating defense systems or by stimulating key sites in metabolic pathways.

Why is protein important for youth? ›

Protein is needed for growth and to keep your muscles healthy. Not eating enough protein when you are still growing, or going through puberty, can lead to delayed or stunted height and weight. Not enough protein is common when you go on strict diets.

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