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With a growing number of children on different diets, the need for protein for toddlers is of the utmost importance. Most protein sources are derived from meat or animal products. However, there is an increasing trend among parents to include non-meat alternatives in their child’s diet as a healthier alternative. Here are a few points that will help you understand the needs of your child when it comes to protein intake.1
First and foremost, as with any food or dietary change, the best approach to take is to discuss it thoroughly with your children’s doctor. The discussion should include understanding the nutrition facts that accompany each type of protein source and how they will affect your child’s nutritional needs. It should also include discussing any potential allergies or other issues that may arise.2
Toddlers need a balance of protein and other nutrients to grow healthy. Too much protein can cause side effects such as increased urination, thirst, vomiting, or diarrhea. Therefore, it is important for parents to be informed about the appropriate amount of protein their children should consume at different stages in life so that they are not risking any negative health consequences. If you have questions on how your toddler’s diet needs may change over time, speak with your doctor.
Recommended Protein Intake For Toddlers
A child in his or her teens gets up to eight grams of protein per day, and the average adult gets up to twelve to fourteen grams of protein per day. So the average person is probably getting enough protein, and the average toddler probably is not. Children under six, and particularly young children under two, do not have the metabolism to process a lot of protein, so they need much less.3
Adults who get up to twelve or more grams of protein a day are in a class by themselves, and they do not metabolize protein very well. But young children who barely eat anything, or have very little food, to begin with, can hardly metabolize protein. So it follows that the protein intake for toddlers who are under six, and children who have neither reached adolescence, are either too undernourished or too young to properly process the protein they consume.
There are many references available on the internet that can help you find out what the recommended protein intake for toddlers might be for your demographic.4
How Much Protein Can Be Harmful?
Is overconsumption of protein harmful? This is something that many people wonder about. The problem is that the human body cannot break down the protein that has been overprocessed. What this means is that there are dangers of protein overconsumption. Let’s take a closer look at what these dangers are and how you can avoid them.5
The dangers of protein overconsumption can lead to serious health issues if you are not careful. The reason why this is so important is that if you have too much protein, your body cannot properly metabolize it. This means that you can wind up building muscle mass and experience a number of different medical conditions. That’s right, if you overfeed your body, it can act like it’s starving and cause many negative side effects.6
The most common reason as to why someone would overfeed protein is because of the type of protein that they are consuming. Most people tend to eat a lot of meat as well as animal fats. These types of diets do not supply your body with the amino acids that it needs in order to build new muscle tissues as well as keep it healthy.7 This is why most meat-eaters also experience difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. As well, if you are not eating a well-balanced diet, you may find that you have some difficulty maintaining a stable blood sugar level.8
The second reason why too much protein can become harmful is because of the plant-based protein sources that you can get.9 There is no real surprise that a lot of vegetarians, as well as vegans, overuse soy protein as a main source of nutrients. Quinoa is a great example of a plant-based alternative that is loaded with protein. In fact, it is so high in protein that you can gain weight without really adding on extra fat. The other plant-based proteins that are highly recommended by the vegan community are so high in fiber that you will feel satisfied without having to consume excessive amounts of bread or other grains. Most importantly, this kind of protein overconsumption will help you avoid diseases like cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis.10
By taking the time to learn about the nutritional needs of the human body, you will be able to make healthy food choices that fit into your lifestyle. If you want to build muscle mass, eat foods that contain a lot of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. If you want to avoid the risk of developing illnesses like osteoporosis and cancer, make sure that you get enough fiber and minerals. The best way to balance your diet is to eat a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, and seeds as well as healthy oils and fats.
The Side Effects of Too Much Protein
When it comes to managing the side effects of too much protein, dietitians have generally recommended that protein must be consumed in moderation. Protein has become an essential part of a number of diets worldwide, including vegetarian and vegan diets. This is because the body requires protein in order for the body to function properly. In children, however, too much protein intake may cause serious side effects that may even lead to death. Research has shown that when children consume large amounts of protein without appropriate nutrition and balanced meals, they may become sick easily.
A number of reasons may account for why a child develops side effects of protein overconsumption.11 One reason is that when a kid consumes large quantities of protein, he may become dependent on it, which means he will need it even when not hungry. Another reason is that when a kid over consume protein, he may experience gastrointestinal problems and constipation.12
With regards to overconsumption of protein, a balanced diet plan can help prevent these side effects. Protein should only be consumed in small quantities, especially if you are a child or pregnant.13 This is because too much protein consumption can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, protein should be consumed in small proportions, such as less than 1% protein in kids’ meals.14
Image Credits
Baby Destination / 2021
Today’s Parent / June 30, 2016
1 “Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet – Mayo Clinic.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/nutrition-for-kids/art-20049335 Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
2 “Kid’s Healthy Eating Plate | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. ….” https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/kids-healthy-eating-plate/ Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
3 “How Much Protein do Teens Need? – Healthy Families BC.” 28 Feb. 2017, https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/blog/how-much-protein-do-teens-need Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
4 “Daily Protein Requirements: Are You Getting Enough? – WebMD.” https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/protein Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
5 “What Happens If You Eat Too Much Protein? – Healthline.” 1 Oct. 2020, https://www.healthline.com/health/too-much-protein Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
6 “When it comes to protein, how much is too much? – Harvard Health.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/when-it-comes-to-protein-how-much-is-too-much Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
7 “How do you know if you are eating too much protein?.” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322825 Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
8 “The Dangers of Protein Overconsumption – One Green Planet.” https://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/dangers-of-protein-overconsumption/ Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
9 “Protein | The Nutrition Source | Harvard TH Chan School of Public ….” https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/ Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
10 “10 Best Sources of Plant-Based Protein by Whitney E. RD | House ….” https://www.house-foods.com/eat-happy/10-best-sources-of-plant-based-protein-by-whitney-e.-rd Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
11 “Protein intake from 0 to 18 years of age and its relation to health: a ….” 23 May. 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3664059/ Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
12 “Protein Intake during the First Two Years of Life and Its Association ….” 14 Aug. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6121580/ Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
13 “Sample Daily Toddler Meal Plan (And Feeding Schedules).” 3 Feb. 2020, https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/sample-daily-toddler-meal-plan/ Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
14 “A balanced diet for toddlers – BBC Good Food.” 25 Oct. 2020, https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/nutrition-guide-toddlers Accessed 4 Aug. 2021.
