Supplementation is necessary when diets are lacking in any element, macro or micro, to prevent any physiological imbalance that can have unintended repercussions. This becomes much more important as a child develops and the characteristics of his or her body and mind are established. A growing child’s nutrition should, in theory, be sufficient for optimal development, but this is rarely the case.

A macronutrient called protein is essential for a child’s growth and development. However, studies on American children’s eating habits indicate that 1 in 7 school-age children do not meet their daily intake targets. For India, this number can be greater. The standard protein source for kids, milk, may not always be suitable. Today, most pediatricians consider protein supplementation to be standard practice.

Previously restricted to whey/casein, the protein source for supplements has expanded to include various sources, particularly plant-based proteins. There are many different plant sources of protein, including tofu (soy), chia, hemp, rice, peas, chickpeas, lentils, and others. However, when creating a plant protein for children, there are a few more requirements that must be met.

*First of all, is that source a go-to for the area?

Will the child continue to consume the same when he becomes an adult? For instance, lentils, or daal, are a staple of the subcontinent. Knowing that her child is receiving the equivalent of a cup of daal through the supplement would make any Indian mother delighted.

*Two, the protein’s plant-based source’s quality

In terms of its digestibility (PDCAAS score) and amino acid profile (is it a complete protein), how does it compare to whey? and the BCAA quantity. The most crucial factor is, of course, whether the amount of total protein supplied in a serving is sufficient to make up the deficit.

The third is palatability

Children can be picky eaters, and typically, an item is accepted or rejected based on flavor. Contrary to whey, plant-based sources have distinctive smells and scents that must be expertly concealed without sacrificing the formulation’s total nutritious content. Even the best-grade plant proteins for children would not be widely embraced, even if they had a mildly unpleasant taste.

The other ingredients are:-

Even if a formulation of plant protein for kids can include a ton of micronutrients, they should be important for a child’s development. Many formulations already include vitamins and minerals, but adding child-specific compounds like taurine and carnitine would be quite beneficial.

Five, a standard serving size.

Children’s requirements for protein vary depending on their age group. It is 13 gms for ages 1-3, 19 gms for ages 4 to 8, and 34 gms for ages 9 to 13. Different age groups should be catered for in the serve size, with an option to add an extra serve if necessary.

It is sufficient to mention that creating a suitable plant protein for children is not an easy task. The aforementioned points show how much consideration and nutritional planning goes into them, but rest assured they are just as effective as any whey-based product.