Introduction
As a parent, you want your child to be as healthy as possible. You make sure they eat right and exercise, but what about supplements? Creatine, whey protein, and pre-workout supplements are becoming increasingly popular among kids and teens. So should you let your child take them? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of kids taking supplements.
What are supplements and their purpose?
Supplements are an essential part of health and wellness in today's world. They are specially designed to help the body achieve a better balance of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and other beneficial compounds. Supplements can also help with weight loss and muscle gain, as well as enhance cognitive performance. For children specifically, they have the advantage of being convenient ways to naturally provide their growing bodies with the vitamins and minerals needed to stay healthy. By taking supplements, children can get extra nutrients quickly without having to struggle or worry about nutrient content and ingredients in their foods.
The most popular types of supplements among kids
Supplements can be a great way for kids to help promote their health; however, it is important for parents to do their research before deciding which type of supplement is the best choice for their child. Some of the most popular types of supplements that kids take include creatine, whey protein, and pre-workout. Creatine has been found to help children increase muscle endurance and strength while whey protein helps build muscle mass in children. Pre-workouts give children an extra boost during workouts by increasing alertness, energy, and focus. It is essential for parents to speak with healthcare professionals before starting any supplement regimen as some may interfere with other medications or dietary restrictions. Click here to learn more about the different supplements.
The pros and cons of taking supplements
Taking health supplements, such as Creatine, whey protein, and pre-workout, can be beneficial for children who are looking to build muscle mass and increase their endurance activity. Creatine has been suggested to have a positive effect of improving performance in high-intensity activities, promoting improved brain development, and helping to build muscle. Whey protein is a complete protein which helps with muscle growth and promotes healthy weight management. Additionally, it helps fuel the body by providing essential amino acids needed for energy throughout the day. Pre-workout supplements contain ingredients like caffeine that can help delay fatigue during sports or vigorous physical activity so kids can keep their energy up for longer.
On the downside, health supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so it is hard to know how safe and effective each product actually is. No scientific evidence demonstrates for or against the safety of pre-workout supplements in young athletes. However, it is important to note that these types of supplements are more commonly associated with adverse events, such as mislabeling and product contamination from illegal ingredients like stimulants or steroid analogues. Creatine may cause side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea in some people when consumed in large doses or over a long period of time. Additionally, some pre-workouts contain artificial sweeteners that could potentially cause an upset stomach. Lastly, the cost of certain supplements may be high which might make it difficult for families without much disposable income to afford them.
In conclusion, while taking health supplements is usually thought to have more benefits than drawbacks when done properly with proper guidance from a doctor or nutritionist , it is always important to be mindful of potential side effects as well as safety guidelines concerning age appropriateness and usage instructions before deciding whether this is something your child should take on or not.
Expert opinions on whether or not kids should take supplements
The debate about whether or not kids should use supplements to promote their health is a hot topic in the health and wellness community. While many nutrition and fitness experts disagree on this issue, there are some that firmly believe that kids can benefit from certain supplements. Some argue that moderate use of whey protein, pre-workout, and creatine can aide in building muscle mass, improving endurance, and developing healthy habits for a lifetime. On the other hand, many medical professionals like pediatricians strongly advise against any supplement use by minors due to potential issues with long-term development. The decision ultimately belongs to each individual parent or guardian; it's important they do the necessary research before endorsing any supplementation plan for their kids. It is also important to help kids and teens understand that many of the claims that sports supplement companies make are not proven. The company’s goal is to sell more supplements, and their claims may be misleading.
Conclusion
In conclusion, supplements can be beneficial or harmful to kids depending on the type of supplement and how it is used. Supplements should only be given to kids under professional supervision and with parental consent. If you are interested in learning more about health and fitness for your kids, join YFN academy where we provide expert tips and advice on everything from nutrition to workout routines.
Sources:
Children's Hospital of Orange County. "Are Sports Supplements Safe for Children and Teens?," CHOC, https://health.choc.org/are-sports-supplements-safe-for-children-and-teens/. Accessed 28 January 2023.
Kotz, Kathleen. "Sports Supplements for Teens: What You Should Know." KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, 3 Oct. 2019, kidshealth.org/en/teens/sports-supplements.html.
Mayo Clinic. “Children: Supplements and vitamins for children.” MayoClinic.org, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/is-it-safe-for-my-kid-to-take-supplements#:~:text=It%20may%20be%20best%20for,to%20promote%20healthy%20lifestyle%20choices.
