How Does Protein Impact Height, Weight & Overall Development?

Table of Contents

• Why Is Protein So Important for Kids?
• How protein for kids support overall growth
• Protein And Height: Is There a Connection?
• How Does Protein Help in Increasing Height?
• Protein and Weight: Balance is Key
• How Much Protein Do Kids Need
• What Happens If Kids Do Not Get Enough Protein?
• Source

Growth and development in children is always associated with protein intake. And rightly so, because protein for kids is one stand out macronutrient that builds the foundation for their physical and cognitive development.

Why Is Protein So Important for Kids?

Different types of amino acids act as building blocks to make various proteins. These amino acids are essential to support different biological functions in the body, especially during rapid growth spurts during childhood.

Did You Know?

Amino acids can be classified into two categories that is essential and non-essential amino acids. Out of 20, there are 9 essential amino acids which cannot be made by the body and must be obtained through the diet. They are necessary for healthy growth and development.

Here’s how protein for kids support overall growth¹:

1. Linear growth: protein helps in building height and weight through bone development.

2. Brain Development: protein helps in making neurotransmitters which support cognitive function.

3. Building Immunity: protein promotes formation of antibodies to promote the immune response.

4. Wound Healing: protein plays an important role in tissue repair and regeneration and hence promotes wound healing.

Interesting Fact:

Protein consists of an essential amino acid called tryptophan which helps in producing “Serotonin” also known as “The Happy Hormone” and can thus promote mood regulation in children.

Protein And Height: Is There a Connection?¹

Yes, absolutely. Multiple studies have highlighted the link between adequate protein for kids and height gain.

How Does Protein Help in Increasing Height?

1. Increases production of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) which is a hormone that stimulates bone growth.
2. Supports replacement of soft cartilage with bones thereby promoting development of long and strong bones.
3. Provides the raw material in the form of amino acids for bone elongation, especially during growth spurts.

Pro-tip:

Secure enough protein for kids by including both animal sources like milk and milk products, eggs, meat, and fish; and plant-based sources like soy, pulses, legumes, and quinoa.

Protein and Weight: Balance is Key

Not only calories but also the quality of nutrients provided determine weight gain in children. Evidence suggests that kids who have enough protein in their diets have better Body Mass Index (BMI) scores as compared to those who don’t.²

Here’s how protein for kids help in weight management:

1. Protein improves the satiety levels and reduces hunger pangs, thereby decreasing the chances of unhealthy snacking.
2. Protein helps in building muscle mass and reduces fat storage.
3. Promotes metabolism and physical activity

How Much Protein Do Kids Need?³

According to Indian Council of Medical Research, 2024; required amount of protein for kids are:

What Happens If Kids Do Not Get Enough Protein?

Lack of adequate protein for kids can lead to⁴:

1. Stunted growth
2. Lethargy and fatigue
3. Poor cognitive function
4. Reduced focus and concentration
5. Increased frequency of infections
6. Mood disorders

As parents, you always want to ensure that your child is getting optimal nutrition. One of the integral components of securing a balanced diet is including complete protein for kids which provides all the essential amino acids for your child’s growth and development. This can be achieved by including diverse sources; both plant-based and animal-based sources in the diet. However, if your child is a fussy eater and is not able to meet the requirement through food, then you can include a nutritional drink like Complan.

Complan consists of 100% milk protein which has all the essential amino acids. The milk protein in Complan is also easily digestible and a single serve of Complan meets 25% of the protein RDA requirement for a 7–9-year-old child. Additionally, Complan has 63% more protein than other malt-based nutritional drink.

Hence, including Complan can support adequate intake of protein for kids which helps in growth and development.

Source:

¹Xiong, T., Wu, Y., Hu, J., Xu, S., Li, Y., Kong, B., Zhang, Z., Chen, L., Tang, Y., Yao, P., Xiong, J., & Li, Y. (2023). Associations between High Protein Intake, Linear Growth, and Stunting in Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients, 15(22), 4821. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224821

²Braun, K. V., Erler, N. S., Kiefte-de Jong, J. C., Jaddoe, V. W., van den Hooven, E. H., Franco, O. H., & Voortman, T. (2016). Dietary Intake of Protein in Early Childhood Is Associated with Growth Trajectories between 1 and 9 Years of Age. The Journal of nutrition, 146(11), 2361–2367. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.116.237164

³National Institute of Nutrition. (2024). Short Summary of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) and Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) – 2020. ICMR-NIN Expert Group on Nutrient Requirement for Indians. https://www.nin.res.in/RDA_short_Report_2024.html

⁴Endrinikapoulos, A., Afifah, D. N., Mexitalia, M., Andoyo, R., Hatimah, I., & Nuryanto, N. (2023). Study of the importance of protein needs for catch-up growth in Indonesian stunted children: a narrative review. SAGE open medicine, 11, 20503121231165562. https://doi.org/10.1177/20503121231165562