Indians have a penchant for food. They walk the extra mile to grab the meal they love. Their day revolves around food and they eat to their heart’s content. Though one would imagine that they have consumed a healthy and balanced diet, however, this is not the case. Studies on dietary intake show that a range of macro and micronutrients often go missing or fail to meet the required levels in the diet of Indians, with protein deficiencies being widely prevalent.
The situation gets even more tricky in kids as they often skip meals and are very choosy about what they eat. This selective approach further deprives them of essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, iron, folate, et al. Each nutrient plays a selective role in the growth and development of the body and brain. Thus, missing out on the required daily requirement in the formative years of growth can have a detrimental impact on the body.
While all nutrients are important for the body in their own way, proteins are especially crucial for the overall growth and development. Any shortfall in the levels of proteins in kids can have an undesirable impact on health. Therefore parents should not only give protein-rich food to kids but also look for alternatives that increase kids’ protein intake.
Table of Contents
What Are Proteins?
Protein is a vital micro-nutrient. They are large, complex molecules made up of smaller units called amino acids. Proteins play a pivotal role in a large range of bodily functions and are thus aptly called the building blocks of life.
Role Of Proteins
Optimum levels of proteins are required for building and repairing body tissues. They are crucial for metabolic reactions to take place and assists in coordinating body functions. Proteins are important for bone development and thus are key to providing the body with its structural framework.
A class of proteins called the fibrous protein is important for glowing skin, strong hair and nails. Adequate levels of protein for kid athletes are especially important as it leads to tissue repair and muscle building. This enhances training endurance. When children play their muscle get tired and undergo wear and tear as well. Proteins help fight fatigue and also aid the body in its recovery process.
Recommended Protein Requirement For Kids
The recommended protein requirement for kids depends upon the child’s age. While a 1-3 years old child will require 13 gms of proteins per day, the levels go up to 20 gms for 4-8-year-olds. The daily protein requirement further increases to 35 gms for children between the ages of 9-12.
As the child enters teenage the ideal protein intake levels further increase to 55gm per day. Furthermore, the requirement of protein for kid athletes is far higher as compared to children who are not engaged in any form of sport. Parents often do not realise this changing need and the regular nutrition through meals starts to fall short unless a reliable supplement is added to cover the gap. It is therefore, vital to focus on the protein intake of active children lest, a protein deficiency affects their overall growth and development.
Sources Of Proteins For Kids
Rice, dal, and roti form India’s staple diet. Having a sumptuous meal is believed to confer the daily protein requirement. Apart from these, the animal-based sources of protein include milk, eggs, chicken, meat, and seafood. Foods like peanut butter, tofu, nuts, soymilk are also rich sources of plant-based proteins.
One can also add a bowlful of high-protein fruits namely guava, avocado, apricots, kiwifruits in the daily diet. And for all those picky-eaters, sipping onto a glass of the best protein drink for kids which is also creamy and delicious helps meet the daily protein requirement in an easy and fun-loving way. Children do not fuss over protein drinks, whether they are given hot or cold. If you add their favourite fruits to the mix it is even better.
Effects Of Protein Deficiency
Kids protein deficiency can have an alarming impact on their overall wellbeing. Besides leading to chronic disorders, protein deficiency slows down muscle recovery and leads to loss of lean muscle mass.
Protein deficient kids are prone to muscle cramping, weakness, and soreness. They also feel fatigued and experience a lack of concentration. This not only impairs their body growth but comes down heavily on academic performance too. Some of the side effects of protein deficiency include –
- Unnecessary urge to binge or overeat
- Stunted growth
- Brittle bones and fear of fractures
- Loss of general muscle mass
- Problems related to hairfall, skin issues, and brittle nails
- Frequent illness and low immunity
- Lethargy and tiredness
Gritzo’s Super Milk – The Best Protein Drink For Kids
Gritzo is a leading kids protein nutrition brand. Packed with high-quality, nutritionally sound nutrients, the yummy Super Milk range of protein shakes provide the required amounts of proteins for active and athletic kids.
As the nutritional requirements in kids vary with age and activity, the specialized formulations target the needs of specific age groups and activity levels of children. Fortified with 21 vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, the protein + nutrition drink powders promise stronger, sharper, and taller kids. Gritzo Supermilk comes enriched with the goodness of DHA that enhances brain function in kids. It is also a rich source of calcium and Vitamin D3 that aids calcium absorbption in the body besides strengthening bones and teeth.
With its best-in-class formulations and ingredients, Gritzo Super Milk is the preferred protein for kid athletes. The scientifically developed formula of Super Milk promises the highest quality whey protein with no soy or gluten. This makes it perfect for children with allergies. Also, with no refined sugar, preservatives, colours, or trans fats, Super Milk confers pure nutrition, making it the best protein drink for kids. With regular usage of this excellent health formulation you are sure to notice a change in the overall strength and immunity of your child. And it’s yummy natural chocolate flavour makes it a ‘no-fuss’ milk drink. No wonder, it’s Super Milk!
