Is It Safe for 9-Year-Olds to Drink Ensure for Protein Needs?

Q: Is It Safe for 9-Year-Olds to Drink Ensure for Protein Needs?

Owen： Hello. <br>Each bottle of Abbott Ensure has 12 grams of protein, so two bottles provide 24 grams. <br>As for the total daily protein requirement, it needs to be calculated comprehensively. <br>I suggest you consult a coach regarding the child's daily exercise duration and i

Can a 9-year-old child drink Ensure?

Hello, Dietitian Liu.
My son is a swimmer and requires a large amount of high protein to support his energy and muscle development.
I have chosen Abbott Ensure High Calcium and Peptamen, giving him two bottles a day.
Will long-term consumption of these products affect kidney function? Thank you.

owen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/09/09

Dr. Liu Qiaoyun reply Nutrition

Owen: Hello.
Each bottle of Abbott Ensure has 12 grams of protein, so two bottles provide 24 grams.
As for the total daily protein requirement, it needs to be calculated comprehensively.
I suggest you consult a coach regarding the child's daily exercise duration and intensity, and then assess their height, weight, and activity level.
This will help determine the total daily caloric needs and the required protein intake.
After that, subtract the protein obtained from regular meals.
The remaining deficit can then be supplemented with protein supplements.
Therefore, I hope you can calculate this carefully to confirm whether this amount will exceed the necessary intake.
I apologize for not noticing your message earlier; I only received notification today.
I'm sorry for the delay.
My sincerest apologies! Qiaoyun.

Reply Date: 2011/09/09

More Info

When considering the use of nutritional supplements like Ensure for a 9-year-old child, especially one who is an active swimmer requiring additional protein for muscle development and energy, it is essential to evaluate both the benefits and potential risks involved.
Ensure, particularly the high-calcium and high-protein variants, can provide a convenient source of nutrition. Each bottle contains a significant amount of protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and growth, especially in children engaged in rigorous physical activities. However, the concern regarding kidney function is valid, particularly when it comes to protein intake.

Children, especially those who are still growing, have different nutritional needs compared to adults. The general recommendation for protein intake for children is about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For active children, this amount can increase, but it is crucial to ensure that the total protein intake, including both dietary sources and supplements, does not exceed their needs significantly. Excessive protein intake can put a strain on the kidneys, especially if the child has any pre-existing kidney issues or if their hydration levels are not adequate.

In your case, if your son is consuming two bottles of Ensure daily, it is important to calculate the total protein he is receiving from all sources, including his regular diet. If his overall protein intake is within the recommended limits for his age and activity level, then using Ensure as a supplement should not pose a significant risk to his kidney function. However, if his total protein intake is excessively high, it could potentially lead to issues over time.

Additionally, it is important to consider the balance of nutrients. While protein is essential, children also need carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals for overall health and development. Relying too heavily on supplements can lead to nutritional imbalances. Whole foods should be prioritized for their comprehensive nutrient profiles, and supplements should be used to fill in gaps rather than as a primary source of nutrition.

In conclusion, Ensure can be a safe and effective supplement for a 9-year-old swimmer, provided that the total protein intake is monitored and kept within recommended levels. It is advisable to consult with a pediatrician or a registered dietitian who can assess your son's specific dietary needs, activity level, and overall health to ensure that he is receiving balanced nutrition without putting undue stress on his kidneys. Regular check-ups can also help monitor kidney function and overall health as he continues to grow and engage in sports.

Similar Q&A

Are Growth Supplements Effective for Kids Starting School?

I would like to ask: Recently, there has been an advertisement for a growth hormone supplement on television. Is it really as effective as it claims? Is it suitable for children who are entering first grade this year? Thank you.

Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! I'm not sure what you mean by "growth factors." Generally speaking, even health foods should not claim to help with height increase or similar effects. Foods provide the necessary nutrients for the body. What children need is a balanced diet, adequate protei...

Ensuring Balanced Nutrition for Vegetarian Kids: A Guide

Hello, I have a 4-year-old nephew who is vegetarian because my sister follows a vegetarian diet. However, I am concerned that he may not be getting enough nutrients. How can I ensure that he has a more balanced nutrient intake? Thank you!

Dr. Huang Ruipei reply Nutrition
Dear Sir/Madam, Hello! My nephew is currently consuming about 1.5 cups (approximately 360cc) of milk per day, along with 2 bowls of rice (whole grain rice is preferable, with a sprinkle of black sesame), 1.5 servings of soy products (such as tofu, dried tofu, or soy buns), prote...

Milk and Health Foods: Debunking Myths and Clarifying Nutrition for Seniors

In the media, we often hear various experts expressing different opinions about milk, leading to confusion and making it difficult for people to understand. There is a book that interviews renowned doctors from major hospitals about their daily health habits, and none of them enc...

Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello Kiki, this is a very good question. Much of the scientific and medical knowledge comes from years of experience and research experiments. In the past, many studies have shown that various arguments have both pros and cons, and after further research, a consensus has been re...

Can Healthy Seniors Safely Use Dialysis Nutrition Supplements?

Hello, Nutritionist: My grandfather is 91 years old and follows a lacto-vegetarian diet. He usually has a nutritional supplement (like Ensure) for breakfast and eats regular meals for lunch and dinner. However, he has recently lost a lot of weight. We asked at the pharmacy for mo...

Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, dialysis formulas are usually of higher concentration (high calorie and high protein) but have lower levels of potassium and phosphorus minerals. High concentration may cause diarrhea in individuals who are not accustomed to nutritional supplements. If your grandfather doe...