High Protein Diet for Children in their Formative Years can have serious side effects.
Proteins are the building blocks of the body. There are approximately 10,000 different varieties of proteins present in the body. Almost every tissue of the body such as bone, muscle, hair, skin, nails, blood (haemoglobin), enzymes, etc. has protein content in varying proportions. Proteins and essential amino acids are crucial for the growth and development of a child during the formative years.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the protein intake that is safe for all individuals is around 1.43 g per 100 kcal (5.7% of energy intake) at the age of 1 year and 1.2 g per 100 kcal (4.8% of energy intake) at the age of 2 years.
Ayurveda suggests that in cases where the protein intake exceeds the prescribed limits, a number of health conditions come into the picture. Several studies established the link between the risk of obesity and inappropriate body mass index (BMI) with the amount of protein intake in toddlers. In general, the changes in the body are observed in the later part of childhood.
How does excessive protein intake affect the body in the formative years?
Studies revealed that High Protein Diet for Children in the early years of life leads to an increased concentration of the amino acid in the plasma that stimulates the release of insulin. The stimulation of insulin release and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), causes fat deposition and consequent weight gain. Later, it may lead to adiposity, obesity, and other associated conditions. This condition is sometimes referred to as school-age obesity.
Conditions resulting from an excess of protein intake
During the early years of life, excessive protein intake (exceeding the prescribed levels) can lead to several health conditions. Some of them are as follows:
- Weight gain
- Obesity and abnormal body mass index (BMI)
- Allergies
- Food sensitivities
- Type I diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes)
- Type II diabetes (noninsulin-dependent diabetes)
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Cardiovascular issues
How does the source of protein matter?
The source of protein makes a huge difference in the cycle of nutrition. As per the studies conducted by the researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, minute changes in the diet could contribute to weight gain in the long run; for instance:
- Consumption of higher quantities of processed or red meat contributed to a greater tendency of weight gain in the long run. However, intake of protein from the plant sources such as nuts, and seeds depicted minimal weight gain in the later part of life.
- Daily servings of chickpeas, lentils, beans, peas, and other such sources of plant proteins helped in managing a healthy weight in the later years.
It was concluded that plant proteins should be preferred over animal proteins and dairy proteins. In plant sources, a healthy supply of fibre, minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients is obtained along with the protein content. On the contrary, proteins from animal sources contributed excessively to the deposition of body fat.
Causes of high-protein in the infant diet
Several surveys revealed that parents are going overboard on protein. They are unaware that excess of nothing is good and thereby proteins consumed only within the prescribed limits are beneficial for the child. Some places where the parents overrate proteins in the diet of children are:
- Weaning too early
Feeding mothers tend to cease breastfeeding at an early stage of the life of the infant. The source of nutrition for the infant is switched to cow’s milk. However, cow’s milk has high-protein content as compared to mother’s milk. This supplies the infant with proteins more than the required amount.
- Infant formulas
Parents have a tendency to pick high-protein infant formulas. Nevertheless, they do not realize the nutritional needs of their children.
- Animal proteins
In some cases, infant formulas are supplemented by cow’s milk and proteins from animal sources. This increases the protein intake way beyond the optimum levels.
What is the solution?
According to Ayurveda, some methods to rectify this issue are as follows:
- Education of parents
Parents should be educated about the nutritional needs of their children. They should realize that excessive protein intake will not build strong muscles and bones but incur detrimental effects on the child’s health.
- Healthy diet
Mother’s milk is considered the best source of nourishment for the infant. Weaning should not be too early. In the early years of growth, proteins from plant sources such as nuts, seeds, etc. should be preferred over proteins from animal sources.
- Childhood obesity
If your child is obese, you must focus on the diet and levels of physical activity. Limit fried and processed food. Encourage them to go for more outdoor games as compared to indoor games.
- Emotional support
Parents should encourage and support kids emotionally so as to keep them motivated and in a positive frame of mind.
- Lifestyle changes
A sufficient amount of sleep is necessary for efficient metabolic processes. In addition to this, meditation and yoga can help keep them physically and mentally fit.
