A poll by the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital found that protein supplements are commonly used by teens between 13 and 17 years old.
 
Two in five parents said that, in the past year, their teen consumed protein supplements (46% boys and 36% girls), such as protein bars (31% boys vs 27% girls; 29% overall), shakes (28% boys vs 19% girls; 23% overall), or powder (20% boys vs 10% girls; 15% overall).
 
More parents of boys say their teen consumes protein supplements to build muscle (56% boys vs 18% girls; 38% overall) and improve sports training/performance (54% boys vs 36% girls; 46% overall), while more parents of girls believe supplements are used to replace a meal when they are too busy to eat (18% boys vs 34% girls; 26% overall), eat a balanced diet (14% boys 26% girls; 20% overall), and help with weight loss (6% boys vs 11% girls; 9% overall).
 
Among parents whose teens consumed protein supplements, 44% said they or another family member encouraged them, along with coaches or trainers (26%), other students (21%), social media (10%), and healthcare providers (9%).
 
Parents were more likely to say that their teen uses protein supplements if they also perceive that any of the following are very important to their teen: getting in shape, losing weight, looking attractive, improving sports performance, and being healthy in general.
 
Most parents (67%) said their teen gets enough protein, while others think they’re getting too little (18%), too much (1%), or they’re unsure (14%).
 
One third of parents (33%) use protein supplements themselves, and these parents are more likely to report that their teen also uses them (54% vs. 18%).
 
The researchers who conducted the poll noted that there are adverse health consequences to consuming too little or too much protein, and it can be difficult for parents to determine whether a teen’s protein intake is adequate.
 
“When a teen engages in strenuous exercise, some of the muscle cells break down; protein helps to repair this damage and rebuilds muscle. For this reason, teens who participate in strenuous physical activity require more protein than the RDA. The best way to consume this protein is through a balanced diet. In certain situations, protein powder may be used as a supplement, but it does not negate the need for the teen to consume protein through a balanced diet,” the researchers reported.