Why Power of Proteins Required for Your Child?

When your children are growing up and learning new things, it is natural to be concerned about their nutrition. I find parents coming to my clinic looking for answers – and the oft-asked question revolves around “what are the best foods for my growing child”. It is natural to be concerned – and also to be confused in this age where information is coming from all sides and one does not know what to follow and what to ignore! Various studies have reported that if a child does not get adequate nutrients in the growth phase, it may prevent a child from reaching his/her full growth potential, but I tell you this – even if your child is lagging behind, it is possible for your child to catch up… but first, let’s understand which foods are most beneficial for growth… 

Power of Proteins - Most Beneficial Food-group for Growth

Growth is referred to as a positive change in size (height and weight). Recent studies show that suboptimal nutrition in childhood may contribute to inappropriate growth as per age. While macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) both are essential for the growth and well-being – for a child between 3 to 9 years there is one nutrient which stands out and tops the list is protein.  [Know: How to Get Proteins from Vegetarian Diet?]

Why Proteins?

Proteins play a critical role in the growth process. Proteins are made up of various smaller units known as amino acids and guess what – there are 20 different amino acids which can be combined to make up a single protein molecule. Amino acids are essential for a growing child but here is a newsflash: Not all amino acids support adequate growth. It’s only the Essential Amino Acids (EAA) that can help support growth. The source of EAA is good dietary protein. Essential amino acids (EAA) cannot be synthesized by the body, hence need to be provided by either diet or supplement. EAA is extremely important for growth especially compromised growth. Recent studies reveal that amino acids such as Arginine, Ornithine, and Lysine are important for optimum growth of a child. Let us discuss each of these…  

• Lysine: Plays an important role when it comes to the formation of collagen which mainly found in the skin, bones, tendons, and cartilages. It is also instrumental in the absorption of calcium and helps in growth.
   
• Ornithine: Helpful to release the growth hormone and hence accelerates the growth process. Studies show that it is readily absorbed by the body.
   
• Arginine: Known to be a growth stimulator, it is considered to be a modulator for linear growth. It can help in stimulating the growth of bones and cartilages. It also helps in the retention of amino acids which make up a protein. Arginine is usually found in supplements in order to ensure proper growth in terms of height and weight. Apart from enhancing growth, it helps in muscle building, enhances the immune system, improves fat metabolism and also aids in the healing of wounds all of which is necessary for a child in the age group of 3-9.  

And the wonder protein… Whey Protein – it can work wonder for growing children. 

Benefits of Whey Protein

• It promotes growth
• It helps in the production of hormones
• It keeps the metabolism going
• It can also boost the immune system 

Supplementing your growing child’s diet with some whey protein is a good idea.  Consider giving whey protein to your child, if…

• Your child has been diagnosed with nutritional deficiencies
• Your child is a picky eater
• You are a vegetarian family
• Your child is super active  

What kind of Protein Powder should you select for your child?

Protein powder is naturally processed, low in sugar and is non-GMO-Soya free. In the end, a short term intervention with nutritional formula can be feasible, effective and a safe approach for promoting height and weight gain in growing children. 

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and recommendations expressed in this article are of Huda Shaikh and intended as an educational aid. This is an awareness drive powered by Horlicks Growth Plus to help your child catch up on lost growth. Horlicks Growth plus is clinically proven to show visible signs of growth in six months. You are encouraged to obtain professional advice concerning specific health / medical matters.