A 12-year-old boy named Ben has been asking his mother repeatedly about trying protein powder, claiming it would make him 'fitter and bigger' and that his male friends use it. The BBC health reporter, Nat Wright, investigates the growing trend of protein supplements marketed to young people, including protein powders, bars, and high-protein foods. The article highlights concerns from health experts about the safety and necessity of protein powder for pre-teens and teenagers. Registered dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine states that teenagers can get all the protein they need from a healthy balanced diet, emphasizing that focusing too much on protein could lead to missing out on other essential nutrients like iron and calcium, particularly important for teenage girls. Pediatrician Dr. Ramnik Mathur warns that excessive protein intake can overload the kidneys and liver, citing a case where a child's kidneys failed due to excessive protein consumption. The article notes that protein powder is not tightly regulated like medicines, and some products may contain high amounts of added sugar, artificial ingredients, or hidden stimulants. Experts recommend that young people prioritize whole foods over supplements, spreading protein intake across meals with 20-25g per meal being ideal. The piece concludes with the reporter's decision to tell her son 'no' to protein powder, aligning with expert advice that a healthy diet is sufficient for children of his age.

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