--- title: "Protein supplements increasingly popular among teenagers" url: https://newscentral.site/protein-supplements-increasingly-popular-among-teenagers/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-10-25T16:12:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-25T19:59:21.026Z id: e5ba6bdf-6d1a-40e5-b9c5-f3ee6ba1e02f source: "DW English https://www.dw.com/en/protein-shakes-for-teenagers-good-or-bad-idea/a-79751929?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/protein-supplements-increasingly-popular-among-teenagers/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Protein supplements increasingly popular among teenagers A recent survey by the University of Michigan found that nearly half of parents whose children are aged 13 to 17 reported that their kids had consumed protein products over the past year. Protein supplements have become increasingly popular among teenagers, with many products specifically designed to appeal to young people. A recent survey by the University of Michigan found that nearly half of parents whose children are aged 13 to 17 reported that their kids had consumed protein products over the past year. The study revealed some interesting trends in how these products were being used: boys were more likely to take them for sports and muscle-building, while girls took them to balance their diet or lose weight. The market demand for fitness proteins is on the rise, with a significant surge of around 25% in retail revenue recorded between March 2024 and March 2025 in Germany. This growth suggests that teenagers are increasingly turning to protein supplements as part of their daily routine. Protein plays a crucial role in our bodily functions, serving as the fundamental building blocks for metabolism. It is essential for repairing and building muscle tissue, skin, and organs, and also forms enzymes and antibodies that regulate chemical reactions and protect against infections. The recommended daily intake of protein varies based on age and body weight. For healthy adults, the German Nutrition Society suggests consuming 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. This translates to a specific amount for individuals with different weights. For example, a woman weighing around 65 kilograms should aim to consume approximately 52 grams of protein daily. However, it's worth noting that this requirement can be met through a balanced diet rather than relying on specialized protein products. Young people, who are still growing and developing, require slightly more protein in their diets. According to the German Nutrition Society's guidelines, teenagers should aim for 0.9 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For instance, an adolescent weighing around 45 kilograms would need approximately 40.5 grams of protein daily. The recommended intake also varies for older individuals and young children. People over 65 years old and children aged one to four are advised to consume a little more protein, specifically 1 gram per kilogram of body weight. This suggests that certain age groups may have different nutritional needs than others. Excessive protein consumption can put undue strain on the kidneys, causing damage. This occurs because the kidneys must convert amino acids into urea before excretion, a process that is exacerbated by inadequate hydration or pre-existing kidney issues. The risk of kidney damage is heightened in adolescents due to their age and physiological characteristics. In addition, individuals who engage in high levels of physical activity require more protein to maintain or build muscular mass and strength. Sportspeople are recommended to consume between 1.2 and 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, divided into several portions throughout the day, depending on their physical condition and training goals. This guideline is specific to individuals who train for over five hours a day. Protein-rich diets can also be effective for those seeking to lose weight, as they tend to keep hunger at bay more effectively than other options. However, it's essential to focus on overall caloric intake in the long term rather than relying solely on protein content. Plant-based proteins typically contain fewer essential amino acids than their animal-derived counterparts. These "essential" amino acids are crucial because they cannot be produced by the body on its own, making it necessary to obtain them through diet. When it comes to building muscle, whole grains, legumes, and nuts offer more than just protein - they also provide fiber, vitamins, and unsaturated fats that contribute to overall well-being. This makes plant-based sources of protein a recommended choice by experts. Many protein powders and bars are not only enriched with essential nutrients but also contain unwanted additives like sweeteners, sugar, and artificial flavorings. A study conducted at the German Sport University in Cologne uncovered some alarming findings - certain protein products marketed for muscle-building purposes contained substances that could be considered doping agents. Protein powders often consist of milk proteins, which can cause an increase in sebum production in the skin. This may lead to or exacerbate acne in adolescents, although a direct link between milk protein products and acne has not been conclusively established. Experts have raised concerns about the potential impact of protein shakes on young people's eating habits - they worry that relying on supplements could lead to reduced consumption of regular meals and, as a result, fewer essential nutrients like fiber, micronutrients, and healthy fats. Protein-enriched foods often come at a higher price tag than their natural counterparts. A 2022 study by consumer organizations found that products like cheese, curds, and soya drinks typically become more expensive when their protein content is highlighted. Even athletes with high protein needs can meet their requirements through a well-planned diet, according to the DGE. There's no scientific evidence to suggest that our bodies require protein supplements, especially under normal conditions. In some cases, however, using protein preparations may be beneficial for individuals with allergies or digestive issues, those who struggle with chewing or swallowing, or people with very low appetites. --- Source: [DW English](https://www.dw.com/en/protein-shakes-for-teenagers-good-or-bad-idea/a-79751929?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/protein-supplements-increasingly-popular-among-teenagers/