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Protein supplements for teens
My son is 15 years old, about 5ft 7ins and weighs nine stone. He participates in cross-country, football, cricket and athletics. He has been lifting weights for about ten months. He now wants to add supplements to help him bulk up, like amino acids or protein drinks. Is this OK and what kind of programme should he follow?
I was pleased to get your question since teenage athletes can often wreak havoc with their diets in order to gain an advantage on the competition. Protein and amino acid supplements are great for those making money from them and at best do no harm to those who take them. At worst, there may be some long-term risks associated with them. They have not been proven safe or effective. One of the risks associated with protein supplements is dehydration. That is because excess amino acids - whether from too much protein, food or from supplements - that cannot be incorporated into new proteins are converted either into energy or fat. During the conversion process excess urea is produced, increasing the body's need for water, which can lead to dehydration. In a sport like cross-country, proper hydration is paramount. A dehydrated runner can suffer from heat exhaustion and worse.
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