Many teenagers are consuming protein supplements such as shakes and powders, according to a new survey.

Researchers at CS Mott Children’s Hospital at University of Michigan Health surveyed nearly 1,000 adults with children ages 13 to 17 nationwide to uncover protein intake habits.

The results showed that two out of five, or 41%, of the parents had a child who consumed protein supplements during the past year. Supplements included protein bars (29%), shakes (23%) or powder (15%).

About a quarter of parents whose children received protein supplements during the year—mostly parents of boys—said their child consumed a protein supplement daily or almost every day.

While protein seems to be having a moment, with one estimate finding that 71 percent of American adults are trying to add more protein to their diet, it might seem shocking that kids are also reaching for it in large numbers.

So what’s behind the trend? And is it healthy for teenagers to eat protein shakes and powders? Here’s what the experts had to say.

Teenagers generally associate protein with appearance, performance and overall health. But the survey found that kids’ reasons for seeking protein tend to break down by gender.

For example, about 55 percent of parents of boys reported that their teens used supplements to build muscle or improve athletic performance. However, only 18% and 36% of parents of girls said their child consumed them to build muscle and improve athletic performance.

However, thirty-four percent of parents of girls said their teens used supplements as meal replacements when they were too busy to eat, while only 18 percent of parents of boys cited this reason. Several parents of girls also said their children took the supplements to help them lose weight or because they thought protein supplements were part of a healthy diet.

Teens may turn to protein bars, shakes or powders to achieve these goals because their parents do the same, experts said.

“Protein supplements have grown in popularity, especially over the past three decades,” Dana Ellis Hunnes, Ph.Dsaid a senior clinical dietitian at UCLA Health Health. “I remember in the early 2000s there were a few protein supplements that were mainly taken by athletes, but now they’re pretty much everywhere.”

The results of the International Council for Food Information’s Food & Health Survey 2024 found that about half of the 3,000 adults surveyed followed a certain diet – with a protein-rich diet being one of the most popular. The percentage of American adults trying to increase their protein intake is 71% this year, up from 67% in 2023 to 58% in 2022.

Given protein’s popularity among adults, it’s no surprise that 44 percent of parents surveyed in the Mott survey said they or another family member encouraged their teen to take protein supplements, and 26 percent said a trainer or coach encouraged this. More than half of parents said a high-protein diet was healthy for their teen.

Another influence is social media platforms like TikTok, where fitness and nutrition influencers sometimes encourage their followers to eat amounts of protein that far exceed recommended doses.

About one in 10 parents cited social media as being responsible for their teens wanting to eat more protein, Sarah J. Clark, MPHco-director of the CS Mott Children’s Hospital National Children’s Health Survey, said Health. “In reality, it’s probably higher.”

Protein it’s a macronutrient—or a nutrient we need in large amounts—that helps build muscle and bone and supports immune function, cell repair, and more.

While specific daily protein requirements depend on factors such as height, weight and activity level, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that boys and girls ages 11 to 14 consume half a gram of protein per pound of body weight daily. That means a teenager who weighs about 110 pounds would need about 50 grams of protein a day — or about 20 grams more than a cheeseburger with a 4-ounce beef patty. The requirement drops to slightly less for older teens.

Clark believes that “parents are turning to protein bars and shakes, assuming they’re a healthy option.” There are “times when breakfast isn’t in the cards or other times when I’m going from activity to activity to activity.”

However, supplements may not always be the best choice, despite their nutritional reputation. The sugar content of protein bars can rival that of candy bars, and some protein supplements may contain herbal ingredients, caffeine or other stimulants, Clark said.

Many children can meet their daily protein requirements through their regular diet. Foods like meat, chicken, low-fat milk, yogurt, and peanut butter are all good sources of protein and also provides a rich variety of vitamins and minerals.

For most kids, there’s no good reason to take a supplement just for the added protein, Clark explained. “Giving your body more protein than it can use it won’t help,” she said. “It’s not going to make you faster or stronger or better at your sport. It will just turn into fat.”

However, she acknowledged that supplements may be helpful for some teens, such as those who are underweight or overly active. “Protein supplements may be appropriate for teenagers who regularly engage in vigorous physical activity—think high school swimmers who do two practices a day, football players who lift weights several times a week, or triathletes Clark said. “For those teenagers, adding protein powder to a smoothie or a glass of chocolate milk can help with muscle recovery.”

Getting adequate protein through a regular diet can also be too expensive for some families, Clark added, and supplements can help fill in the gaps.

Ultimately, there’s no rule of thumb that says teens should avoid protein supplements, Clark said, and it’s best to consult a pediatrician to determine whether they’re needed. However, it is important to recognize that “you can achieve a lot through good food sources”.