Protein powder

Pediatrics for Parents, March, 2008 by Roy Benaroch

Q Is protein powder an adequate substitute for milk for kids?

A Milk for children is primarily a source of four important nutrients: protein, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A. Of these, only protein is found in abundance in protein powder; in fact, there can be such a concentrated amount of protein that if these powders are consumed without extra water, kidney damage can result. Anyone who uses commercial protein powder supplements should always follow the package instructions carefully. Protein powders will not supply a child with the other important nutrients found in milk, so they are not a suitable substitute for milk.

Roy Benaroch, MD

Roy Benaroch, MD, answers your questions this month. He practices in Atlanta, GA and is a frequent contributor to the newsletter and the Pediatrics for Parents podcast.