Protein Powders & Youth Athletes. Are they Safe?
- Dawn Weatherwax, RD,LD,ATC,CSCS
- Jan 21, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Are protein powders safe for young athletes? This question is vital for coaches, parents, and the athletes themselves. Today, we will delve into this topic, guided by expert advice from Dawn Weatherwax's Sports Nutrition Academy.
Choose Whole Protein First!
Choosing Whole Protein First
While protein powders are not a requirement, they can be a convenient option for many young athletes as a supplement to meet their daily goals. However, it should be noted that whole protein sources should be prioritized due to their complete nutritional profile.
Safe Protein Checklist
When choosing a protein powder, you want it to contain mainly macro nutrients and quality is verified.
Carbohydrates
Protein
Healthy Fats
Third party tested/Organic
Avoid Artificial
Many protein powders on the market are filled with artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. These can be harmful and should be avoided. Always check the ingredient list before purchasing.
Supplement Content
Safe and effective protein powders should contain only carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, should also be included. Look for products with minimal ingredients to ensure you're not consuming unnecessary additives.
Organic and Third-Party Options
We at Dawn Weatherwax's Sports Nutrition Academy recommend opting for organic and third-party tested options whenever possible. These products are more likely to be safe and effective.
Fullscript Link to: Klean, Thorne, Garden of life. A regulated site for medical professionals that checks lot numbers, expiration dates and safety.
Amazon Link to protein powders. When you order off amazon beware of imposters. It is better to order directly from the company for safety.
Homemade High Protein Yogurt!
If you're looking for a natural, wholesome alternative to protein powders, consider homemade high protein yogurt. It's a quick and easy recipe that requires only three ingredients, a button press, and voila – a protein-rich snack is ready! Go here for complete directions for regular, vegan, Fairlife, organic milk, whole, low-fat yogurt options and more!
Cheerios the New Hot Cereal!
Did you know Cheerios can be a great post-recovery option? It's a great breakfast or dessert option that only takes 2 minutes to prepare! For more informa
tion, check out our blog post
Success Stories
Proper nutrition can make a tremendous difference in an athlete's performance. For example, one athlete took a gap year to improve his swimming speed enough to compete in college. By adding sports nutrition and testing to his training, he gained 10lb lean weight, exceeded time cuts, and received three college offers. Another
athlete gained 10lb lean weight in 10 months and continued to improve by incorporating sports nutrition and testing into her training regimen.
Who is Your Trusted Resource?
70% of coaches & youth athletes cannot answer a general nutrition question correctly! When seeking specific nutrition guidance, look for professionals with RD, RDN, or CSSD credentials. Dawn Weatherwax, RD,LD,ATC,CSCS is a trusted resource in the field of sports nutrition. Remember, nutrition is a science, and it's essential to trust the experts.
Fueling Youth Sports
Proper nutrition is a critical part of youth
sports. It's essential to understand how much fuel young athletes need, what they should eat, and when. Proper hydration also plays a significant role in their performance and recovery. Join Dawn Weatherwax's Sports Nutrition Academy for comprehensive guidance on building a better student-athlete through nutrition and testing. This will optimize their growth, academic performance, and athletic ability.
or call 513-779-6444.
Team Challenge: For Everyone
Join us at Dawn Weatherwax’s Sports Nutrition Academy for our Team
Challenge. It's a fun and engaging way to learn about nutrition and its impact on athletic performance. Optimally refuel and recharge with us! Participate in our #Cheeriosteamchallenge on social media and tag us @sportsnutritiontogo. It's time to fuel those muscles and make every day count!
Time to Go Fuel Those Muscles!
Proper nutrition is a key component of athletic performance. Whether it's through whole foods, protein powders, or a combination of both, it's important to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best. Thank you for reading and taking the time to fuel your knowledge!
To understand more about Dawn Weatherwax's Sports Nutrition Academy. or Sports Nutrition 2Go call us now at 513-779-6444 or visit our website www.SN2G.com for more info.
This document discusses the role of protein powders in youth athletics, offering guidance on their safe use. It also includes information on dietary needs for young athletes and the importance of nutrition in athletic performance. The information is provided by Dawn Weatherwax's Sports Nutrition Academy.
Protein powders are not a requirement for young athletes, but can be a convenient supplement to meet daily protein goals.
When choosing protein powders, prefer whole protein sources and ensure they are safe, containing carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.
Avoid artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.
Protein powders should be third-party tested and ideally organic.
Homemade high-protein yogurt is suggested as a simple and nutritious snack for athletes.
Young athletes can benefit from a balanced diet, including popular options like Cheerios as part of a post-recovery meal.
Case studies are presented of athletes who improved their performance through sports nutrition and testing.
Dawn Weatherwax, a registered dietitian and certified strength and conditioning specialist, is highlighted as a trusted resource for nutrition advice.
Joining the Sports Nutrition Academy is encouraged for learning about nutrition needs in youth sports.
The importance of refueling and recharging for athlete performance is emphasized, with a team challenge involving Cheerios being presented.
Top FAQs: Protein Powders for Young Athletes
❓Are protein powders safe for young athletes?
You're not alone in wondering this—it's one of the top questions parents and coaches ask.Many worry about side effects, additives, or long-term harm. The truth? Most concerns stem from unregulated products or misuse.
✅ When used correctly—and chosen carefully—protein powders can be safe and helpful for young athletes, especially when food intake falls short due to appetite, time, or training load.
🎯 Always choose third-party tested, minimal-ingredient, food-first options.
🔗 See our recommended protein list here
❓Shouldn’t they just eat real food instead?
Yes!Whole food is always the first choice because it provides more than just protein—like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats.
🥣 Protein powders are tools, not replacements. They help fill gaps when meals are skipped, practices run late, or growth demands increase.
❓What should I look for in a safe protein powder?
So many products out there… it’s overwhelming.Here’s a quick checklist to simplify it:
✅ No artificial dyes, sweeteners, or fillers✅ Contains protein (and possibly carbs/fats)✅ Third-party tested (e.g., NSF Certified)✅ Organic preferred✅ Simple ingredient list
🚫 Avoid anything with unregulated “proprietary blends.”
❓How much protein does my athlete really need?
Great question—because more isn't always better.
👉 Protein needs depend on:
Age
Gender
Growth stage
Sport + intensity
Lean body mass
📊 A 13-year-old soccer player may need 70–100g/day, but timing matters too!
🔎 Want a custom breakdown? Try our Fuel to Win Calculator
❓Are there clean brands you recommend?
Yes! We’ve vetted options based on safety, transparency, and youth athlete needs. Here are our top picks:
💪 Klean Athlete🌿 Thorne🌱 Garden of Life SPORT🥛 Fairlife Core Power (ready-to-drink)
📦 Access our professional dispensary here:👉 Fullscript Protein Guide
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