Ask the experts: Is it safe for my teenager to take supplements as part of a weight training programme? – The Independent
My 15-year-old son is taking creatine and protein supplements as part of a bulking and shredding weight training programme. How safe is this for adolescents?
Paediatric dietitian Lucy Upton (thechildrensdietitian.co.uk) says: This is a dietary practice were seeing increasingly, and studies have shown use of protein shakes or powders in up to 35% of adolescent boys in the US and 25% in Australia with likely similar figures in the UK.
The scientific literature doesnt present robust evidence that these products are safe supplements for children and adolescents. The risk or implications of their use at the moment are relatively unknown. Although there may be scope to consider their use in certain groups of teenagers, there are also no clear guidelines about how they could be used safely in this group, with examples such as safe upper limits or products nutritionally tailored for the unique needs of children and adolescents.
From the perspectives of both a paediatric and a sport dietitian, they wouldnt be recommended for use. Children and young people have unique nutritional requirements compared to adults thus dietary practices such as this, typically followed by adults, cannot simply be applied to children. Children go through rapid periods of growth, and at varying ages have increased needs for certain nutrients. Meeting these needs requires a carefully balanced and varied diet.
Given the vulnerability of children and adolescents to media, or perceived pressures around body image, its important to reflect on why young people are engaging in these dietary practices. Is it solely to influence sports performance, or is body image or disordered eating practices involved?
Periods of excess calorie consumption for bulking followed by calorie restriction, alongside disproportionate consumption of certain nutrients like protein is likely to impact on young peoples dietary balance overall, risking shortfalls in other key nutrients.
The safety and effectiveness of these supplements, particularly when engaging in dietary modifications, arent well studied in children or teens, and wouldnt be recommended. Supplement use and associated dietary practices could pose risk for a childs or teens physical, emotional and mental health.
The use of dietary supplements with the exclusive intention to enhance exercise performance in adolescent athletes is unwarranted and can be hazardous. Professional advice should be sought if the adolescent displays obsessive or irrational body image attitudes. Its important they understand body composition is only one contributor to sports performance. Dietary and training strategies exclusively designed to manipulate physique, independent of performance, should be avoided.
And sports dietitian Kerri Major, whos also a personal trainer and author of The Dietitian Kitchen, adds: Children and teens, even those who are more active, are typically able to meet their daily protein requirements from food with ease. Wed always recommend a food first approach, and its important to remember dietary sources of protein offer additional nutrients that contribute to overall health for children and teens too.
Inappropriate or misjudged use of these supplements theoretically could have implications for mood, growth, hormone and cardiovascular functioning.
See more here:
Ask the experts: Is it safe for my teenager to take supplements as part of a weight training programme? - The Independent
- Gluten: What You Dont Know Might Kill You [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast diet: best ways quick easy healthy [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- Nutrition Tips for Healthy Living : How to Do a 30-Day Wedding Diet [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- Raw Food Dog.MOV [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2011]
- Boxing Workouts for Kids : Teaching Kids How to Use Punching Bags [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- Boxing Workouts for Kids : Teaching Kids about Angling in Boxing [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- 500 Calorie Diet- Safely Use a 500 Calorie Diet [Last Updated On: July 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 25th, 2011]
- Cholesterol Healthy Diet : How to Safely Raise HDL Cholesterol [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- Healthy Eating Guidelines : How to Use Diet Pills Safely [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2011]
- Lose Up To 10 Pounds Quick and Safe: Hollywood 48-Hour Miracle Diet [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- How To Lose 5 kgs In A Week Safely with this diet program? [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Weight Loss Program-How To Lose Weight Fast And Easily And Safely.flv [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2011]
- Diet Tips - Lose Weight Safely - The Lunch Box Diet [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Whole Foods Installs Eco-Safe Ozonated Water Sanitization Technology [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- 29 Fad Diets You Should Avoid [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Safely | The Diet Solution Program [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2011]
- Doctors Quick Weight Loss Sarasota - the hCG Diet for fast, easy, safe weight loss [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Meal Plans For Diet - Do Carbs make you Fat? [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program Best Foods For Diet - Protein Burn Fat [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- LSD Gave Me My Ego - Safe use of drugs in Spiritual Practice [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- Diet [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Best Foods For Diet - Truth About Sat Fats [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- Is it safe to purchase HCG online? I see lots of ads offering HCG at real low prices. [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- Cheating safely on your diet-Cruisin' in my 64 Galaxie [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- Miss Universe Introduces Coffee Slender [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2011]
- Coffee Slender with Miss Universe Part 1 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- HCG Diet - 30 Day Weight Loss Program - Lose 30 Pounds Safely w/o Injections - Fast Weight Loss Plan [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Improve Your Health : How to Cleanse the Body of Toxins Through Diet [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- The UltraSimple Diet: Kick-Start Your Metabolism and Safely [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Utah HCG - Can't I lose weight without using HCG diet drops? [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Is the hCG Diet Safe and How Does it Affect You? [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- "Food Allergies and Autism" Real Look Autism [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Heartburn, Reflux, Diet [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program - How To Lose Weight On A Diet [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program - What Diet Is The Best For Sexy New Body [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- High Protein Bodybuilding Breakfast [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 17 Day Diet - Reviews, Book, Plan, Recipes [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program Review | The Diet Solution Program [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Kleen-Safe™ Touchless Cleaning System [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Weight loss diet tips from the best diet plan for women and men [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Diane's hCG Diet VLOG -- I'm on P3 and am okay with it! The real HCG diet [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Radical Healing with Plant Foods - Teaser [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program Insight Into How To Lose Weight On A Diet - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Safe and Effective Diet Pill - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Utah HCG - Why a 500 calorie diet with the hcg diet drops? - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- The Dangers of Aspartame (Artificial Sweeteners Sugarfree Diet Coke Zero No Sugar Added E951) - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Boxing Workouts for Kids : Teaching Kids how to Diet Safely in Boxing - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Before and After Pictures! Very Inspirational! - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Coffee Slender with Miss Universe Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- WEIGHT LOSS MADE EASY FLAT TUMMY DIET - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- How do you know the raw food diet works? - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2011]
- Raw Milk and Raw Eggs - Can You Safely Eat Them? - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Safely Build Fitness Exercise Activity - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- Best diet to lose weight, lose weight and keep it off, fast easy weight loss - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- Losing Weight Quickly Safely and Permanently-Top Diet. - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program and Counting Calories - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program and Tomatoes - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program And The Best Fat Burning Workout - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2011]
- African Mango Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2011]
- Could A Fast Diet Program In Fact Allow You To Reduce Weight Safely? - Video [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2011]
- hCG diet drops miracle - Video [Last Updated On: December 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 1st, 2011]
- How To Cut a Pineapple Safe Swift Easy AND Instant Lunch - Video [Last Updated On: December 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 3rd, 2011]
- Ben Pakulski's MI40 Workout [Last Updated On: December 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 3rd, 2011]
- Better Without - Gluten-free dining out - Video [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program And Cooking Oils - Video [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2011]
- Body Cleanse - What to Expect on a Cleanse - Video [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2011]
- Zhen De Shou Diet Pills - Official Source Worldwide - See testimonials, reviews and promotions - Video [Last Updated On: December 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 20th, 2011]
- Diet for GERD: Foods to Avoid with GERD - Video [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2012]
- Obesity Before [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2012]
- Raw Food Vegan bananas only diet! - Video [Last Updated On: January 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 16th, 2012]
- Diet for GERD: Foods to Eat with GERD - Video [Last Updated On: January 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 16th, 2012]
- Mitt Romney nears Florida win with cash, a steady hand [Last Updated On: January 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 31st, 2012]
- ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. to Present at the Leerink Swann 2012 Global Healthcare Conference [Last Updated On: February 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 1st, 2012]
- Yalecrest residents wary of Sunnyside lane-reduction plan [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2012]
- Diet Pills For Weight Loss? - Video [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2012]
- Orexigen Therapeutics Shares Flat After Firm Says Diet Drug Safe for Approval - Video [Last Updated On: February 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 3rd, 2012]
- Mark Hyman, MD: 10 Rules to Eat Safely for Life (and What to Remove From Your Kitchen) [Last Updated On: February 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 5th, 2012]
- NextAdvisor.com Reviews Cloud Storage Services [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- From ‘Ketosis’ to ‘quota’ [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2012]