Whey Protein in Measuring Spoon Over Open Package Bag

The Powers Of Whey Protein And Its Importance For Young Athletes

Escrito por: Earl Jhon Nadayag

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Tiempo de lectura 5 min

Whenever whey protein comes to mind, we often associate it with gym enthusiasts and bodybuilders. But did you know it’s also a fantastic option for young athletes? That’s right—kids and teens who are active in sports can benefit greatly from this powerhouse supplement.


Whey protein is packed with essential nutrients that support growth, strength, and recovery. It’s no surprise that it’s a favorite among athletes of all ages. Let’s explore what makes whey protein stand out, its benefits for young athletes, and how to choose the right one to fuel their active lifestyle.

Getting To Know Whey Protein

Whey protein is more than just a supplement; it’s a versatile nutritional tool that supports an active lifestyle. Derived from milk during the cheesemaking process, it’s rich in essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. These nutrients play a key role in muscle repair, recovery, and growth, making whey protein a great choice for active kids and teens.


There are different types of whey protein, and their lactose content varies. Whey protein isolate is highly refined and contains minimal lactose, making it a better choice for individuals with lactose intolerance [₁]. On the other hand, whey protein concentrate has a higher lactose content and may not be suitable for those sensitive to lactose [₂]. It’s essential to check the product label to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs.

Chocolate Protein Shake Smoothie with Whey Protein Powder and Red Dumbbells

How Whey Protein Is Made

The process of creating whey protein is surprisingly intricate. Here’s a simplified breakdown:


  • Milk Extraction: Fresh milk is extracted from cows and transported to a cheese processing facility [₃].
  • Separation: Enzymes are added to the milk to separate the curds from the liquid whey [₃].
  • Purification: The liquid whey is filtered and purified using advanced methods to concentrate its protein content [₃].
  • Drying: The concentrated whey is transformed into powder through spray-drying, making it ready for use [₃].

This careful process ensures the whey protein retains its nutritional quality, making it a reliable option for young athletes.

The process of whey protein

Benefits of Whey Protein for Young Athletes

Whey protein is a delicious power-boosting supplement that has a load of benefits for physically active individuals. These benefits include:

Building Muscle Mass

Whey protein may help build muscle mass to make one stronger (Pasiakos et al., 2015) [₄]. This supplement is a godsend for bodybuilders who love chugging it before and after a workout. The same can also be said for athletes to boost their sports performance.

muscle mass

Helping With Performance Recovery

According to a study of West et al. (2017), whey protein helps with performance recovery for individuals who indulge in a lot of resistance training [₅]. Results show that whey helps the body gain its net protein balance overnight when consumed at night. Drinking more in the morning (about 25g) helps restore whole-body protein balance.

Group of active people exercising together.

Supporting Weight Loss

Protein has essential properties that will make you feel satiated—in turn, preventing you from overeating, which aids in helping you lose weight [₆]. Aside from that, whey also helps boost your metabolism so you can burn more calories faster when doing physical activities such as cardio or strength training. It's important to note that while whey protein doesn't guarantee weight loss, it can undoubtedly support your weight loss efforts. Think of whey protein as a helpful companion on your weight loss journey, providing the support you need to reach your goals.

Weight Loss Icon

Regulating Blood Pressure

Being active in sports or doing too much exercise at the gym will result in high blood pressure. If not prevented, it may lead to health complications such as hypertension, which is the prominent cause of heart disease. Whey protein contains bioactive peptides called lactokinins that help regulate blood pressure—making it a great supplement to prevent high blood pressure (Hassan & Hassan, 2017) [₇].

Blood Pressure

Promoting Growth During Development

A balanced, high-protein diet is essential for healthy growth during childhood and adolescence [₈], as protein provides the building blocks the body needs for bone and muscle development. Whey protein is a high-quality source of protein that can help active kids and teens meet their nutritional needs when paired with a well-rounded diet. While whey protein alone won’t directly increase height, it can play a supportive role in a growing body’s overall development.

Child Growth

How to Choose the Right Whey Protein

With so many options available, finding the right whey protein for young athletes can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to make it easier:

  • Focus on Added Nutrition
    Look for products with additional vitamins and minerals, like magnesium or vitamin B, to support energy and recovery.
  • Prioritize Natural Ingredients
    Avoid options with artificial flavors, added sugars, or preservatives. A cleaner product is better for growing bodies.
  • Consider Lactose Sensitivity
    If your child is lactose intolerant, opt for whey protein isolate, which contains minimal lactose.
  • Pick a Flavor They’ll Enjoy
    Choose familiar flavors like chocolate or vanilla that they’ll love, making it easier to stick to a routine.
  • Check for Quality Certifications
    Look for third-party testing or certifications to ensure the product meets safety and quality standards.

By following these tips, you’ll feel confident about choosing a whey protein that fits their needs. Pair it with balanced meals and proper hydration, and your young athlete will be ready to tackle their next challenge!

Supporting Your Athlete’s Potential

Whey protein is a valuable tool for young athletes, offering benefits that support their growth, performance, and recovery. When combined with a balanced diet and proper hydration, it provides the foundation they need to excel in their physical activities.


Every young athlete has the potential to achieve great things. By fueling their bodies with the right nutrients, you’re setting them up for success—on and off the field. Give them the support they deserve and watch them thrive in their athletic journey.

Niños

References:

 [₁]  Hammer Nutrition. (n.d.). Everything you need to know about whey protein isolate. Retrieved January 8, 2025, from https://www.hammernutrition.eu/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-whey-protein-isolate-174#:~:text=It%20contains%20a%20minimal%20amount,for%20muscle%20growth%20and%20recovery.


 [₂]  FreeRx. (n.d.). Does whey protein have lactose? Retrieved January 8, 2025, from https://freerx.com/Blog/Details?s=%09Whey-Protein-Have-Lactose%09#:~:text=Whey%20protein%20concentrate%20typically%20contains,for%20those%20with%20lactose%20intolerance.


 [₃]  Agropur. (n.d.). How whey protein is made. Retrieved January 8, 2025, from https://www.agropur.com/us/news/how-whey-protein-is-made#:~:text=Whey%20is%20derived%20from%20the,filtration%20and%20ion%20exchange%20technology.


 [₄]  Pasiakos, S.M., McLellan, T.M. & Lieberman, H.R. The Effects of Protein Supplements on Muscle Mass, Strength, and Aerobic and Anaerobic Power in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review. Sports Med 45, 111–131 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0242-2


 [₅]  West DWD, Abou Sawan S, Mazzulla M, Williamson E, Moore DR. Whey Protein Supplementation Enhances Whole Body Protein Metabolism and Performance Recovery after Resistance Exercise: A Double-Blind Crossover Study. Nutrients. 2017 Jul 11;9(7):735. doi: 10.3390/nu9070735. PMID: 28696380; PMCID: PMC5537849.


 [₆]  Medical News Today. (n.d.). What to know about omega-3 fatty acids. Retrieved January 8, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322780


 [₇]  Hassan K, Hassan F. Does whey protein supplementation affect blood pressure in hypoalbuminemic peritoneal dialysis patients? Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2017 Aug 14;13:989-997. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S142641. PMID: 28860783; PMCID: PMC5565383.


 [₈]  Thomas T, Singh M, Swaminathan S, Kurpad AV. Age-related differences in height gain with dairy protein and micronutrient supplements in Indian primary school children. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2020;29(2):355-362. doi: 10.6133/apjcn.202007_29(2).0018. PMID: 32674243.

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