At what age can I start taking supplements?

Asked by: Susan Webb

While many supplements shouldn’t be given to kids, children of any age can usually take vitamin supplements as long as they are formulated for their age group.

At what age should you start taking supplements?

Consider waiting until a child reaches age 4 to start giving a multivitamin supplement, unless your child’s doctor suggests otherwise.

Is there an age limit for supplements?

Dietary supplements can be beneficial at any age, but they can also have unwanted side effects, such as unsafe prescription drug interactions.

Can I take supplements under 18?

Health Risks

Protein shakes and other dietary supplements have been designed for and tested on adults before hitting the market, so their effects on teens who are still growing and developing are unknown. For that reason, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics does not recommend that any teens take protein supplements.

What supplements should I take at 14?

The most important vitamins and minerals that your kids needs are:

1. Calcium. “Calcium is the essential building block of bones and teeth,” says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. …
2. Fiber. …
3. B12 and Other B Vitamins. …
4. Vitamin D. …
5. Vitamin E. …
6. Iron.

Should a 20 year old take multivitamins?

Foroutan notes that individuals in their 20s and 30s, who are otherwise healthy, should consider taking a high-quality multi-vitamin/multi-mineral, vitamin D3, omega-3, probiotic and a B-complex.

Can a 13 year old take women’s vitamins?

Children older than 4 years of age may have similar recommended daily values for certain micronutrients as adults. However, it’s generally safest to wait until age 12 before giving an adult vitamin to a child. Making sure that a child gets enough iron is very important.

Can a 15 year old take supplements?

If you’re concerned that your teen may not be getting the vitamins they need, speak to their pediatrician about dietary changes or a vitamin supplementation plan. Although most over-the-counter vitamin supplements are typically safe, they can cause toxicity if taken above the RDA.

Can a 15 year old take protein powder?

Although protein shakes can help teens meet their recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for protein, dietary supplements are generally not recommended for children and teenagers.

Can a 14 year old take protein powder?

An underweight 14-year-old may (with a physician’s recommendation) benefit from adding a medically-formulated, prepackaged protein shake to her daily diet. These shakes also contain a carefully regulated balance of vitamins and minerals that the body requires to function at its best.

Can kids drink muscle milk?

Muscle Milk comes in kid-friendly flavors such as cookies-n-creme. “We encourage parents to carefully consider all aspects of their children’s nutrition and exercise, including any potential vitamins or nutritional products, to work toward a balanced, healthy life,” the CytoSport statement to The Dispatch said.

Are protein shakes ok for 13 year olds?

Offering a protein shake or supplement may seem like an easy fix, but use caution. “You shouldn’t give protein drinks to children simply because they’re underweight,” Schnee says. “Don’t use these products without consulting a pediatrician.”

Is whey protein safe for kids?

Is Whey Protein Safe For Your Child? Whey protein is completely safe. It is derived from cow’s milk. The cow’s milk is made up of 80% casein (a type of protein that gets digested slowly) and 20% whey.

Can a 12 year old have protein shakes?

Unless a child is taking in excessively high levels of protein, the drinks themselves are unlikely to be harmful. However, if these drinks and shakes are used to replace regular meals, children may be deprived of vital nutrients that they might find in other foods.

Can whey protein make you taller?

Does protein powder make you grow taller? Protein supplements are just food, and will not miraculously trigger height growth. They are simply an easy, convenient way to boost your protein intake, which might help with height growth.

What age is protein powder for?

Teens see protein powders and supplements as a quick fix to accelerate growth. However, Safe Food warn that the effects of taking these supplements on an underage person is unknown and for this reason, those under the age of 18 should steer clear.

Can a teenager take whey protein?

YES! This we can pay attention to; small amounts of protein throughout the day is the most efficient and effective way to consume protein. Pay special attention to snacks before and after exercise.

Do you have to be 18 to buy protein?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using body-shaping supplements — supplements are unregulated by the US Food & Drug Administration — for males and females under age 18. Despite the adults-only labeling, it is legal for minors to buy these products in 49 states.