Infancy, childhood, and adolescence are measured by many demanding physical and cognitive milestones. Babies’ first goals are to double their birth weight, then sit-up, crawl, and walk. We watch as toddlers learn to run, jump, and recite their ABCs. Teenagers demonstrate expanding intelligence and physical capabilities. Proper nutrition is required for the mind and body to fully develop in support of this explosive growth.

Depending on the age and weight of a child, serving sizes and exact percentages will vary.

Between the ages of 4 and 18 years old, protein requirements can reach up to as much as 30% of total caloric intake. (2)

Our body’s growth relies heavily on protein. Proteins, along with fats and carbohydrates, provide needed calories to our body. These added nutrients are necessary during the aggressive growth and development which occurs from birth until early adulthood.

Infancy, childhood, and adolescence are measured by many demanding physical and cognitive milestones.

• Crawl
• Walk
• Run
• Speak
• Read
• Memory

Protein is available from many foods; however, all proteins are not created equal. The source of protein does matter.

Our body’s metabolic processes require proteins, which are made up of twenty amino acids, to properly function. We can naturally produce eleven; the other nine essential amino acids must come from the food we eat. The majority of plant proteins are incomplete, missing at least one of the essential amino acids that our body needs. Animal protein sources are considered complete, containing all of the essential amino acids that we require. Some critical vitamins and nutrients are most commonly found in animal-based proteins. (3)

The 2010 Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recommends consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds to reduce the risk of chronic disease and ensure adequate nutrients are consumed. However, they do not recommend the elimination of animal proteins from the diet, particularly for children. Animal foods provide a higher quality, as well as a greater quantity of protein per calorie. This combination is particularly valuable to the cognitive and physical developments that occur during childhood. (4)

To read more detailed findings, download Volume 2 of Miniat’s Awareness, Benefits & Change series, The Benefits of Protein in Early Childhood Development.

Legal/Sourcing:

1 United States Department of Agriculture, 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines.

2 Getting Childhood off to a Strong Start with Protein. International Food Information Council Foundation, October 2010.

3 Animal vs. Plant Protein-What’s the Difference? Healthline, June 2017.

4 Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture, 2010 Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.