Protein powder in rotis at age one
Digital creator Pratika Thakur consumed protein powders starting at age one and began whey protein at age twelve, when her mother mixed the supplement into rotis. Thakur shared these details on Instagram regarding her upbringing by a nutritionist mother, The Indian Express reported.
Her household offered snacks such as makhana or walnuts. Eating junk food required consuming regular food or a protein shake beforehand.
“I never had chocos and milk or anything like that before school. I used to have a protein shake with a fruit every day,” Thakur said. Every member of her family lifts weights.
Protein shakes might displace essential whole foods
Young bodies experience natural growth spurts supported by hormones and adequate food intake, according to Gulnaaz Shaikh, chief dietitian at KIMS Hospitals, Thane. Shaikh told The Indian Express that early protein shakes may not directly inhibit growth, but they can displace whole foods that provide necessary vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre.
Protein shakes work best when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise to meet elevated targets, Shaikh said. She suggested that teenagers can easily accomplish protein goals through food.
“If a person already can meet their protein needs completely through food, protein shakes may not even be necessary,” Shaikh told The Indian Express, warning that excessive amounts can cause stress on the kidneys.
“This approach not only improves protein absorption but also helps you feel full longer, supports muscle recovery, and keeps energy levels steady,” Shaikh said.
Frequently asked questions about youth protein use
Can children safely consume whey protein?
Teens and young children can usually meet their daily requirements through a balanced diet of whole foods. Shaikh said that supplements can be avoided when food intake suffices.
How should protein be distributed throughout the day?
Shaikh suggested dividing protein consumption across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and one or two healthy snacks instead of eating a large amount in one meal.
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