Archive · 18 Aug 2025
Nutritionist's Advice: When Should Boys and Girls Start Protein Shakes?
Imagine your body is like a growing tree.
Protein shakes are like extra fertilizer.
Experts say boys shouldn't use them until they're around 22-23, and girls around 16-17, when they've mostly stopped growing.
This is because, during childhood and teenage years, it's best to get protein from whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
Protein shakes are helpful for some adults, especially with exercise.
But it's important not to have too much, as it could potentially cause issues with the kidneys.
Always consider the shakes as an aid, not a replacement for a healthy diet.
Nutritionist Suman Agarwal says boys should start protein shakes at 22-23 and girls at 16-17.
Dt. Gulnaaz Shaikh, a dietitian, agrees, linking it to the body's natural growth stages.
Protein shakes are concentrated protein sources, best with balanced diet and exercise.
Early use may displace whole foods important for adolescent development.
Excessive protein intake can stress the kidneys; consider portion size and dietary needs.
- Who
- Nutritionist Suman Agarwal and Dt. Gulnaaz Shaikh.
- What
- Advice on the appropriate age to start consuming protein shakes.
- When
- Boys around 22-23 years old and girls around 16-17 years old.
- Where
- N/A
- Why
- To support fitness goals and avoid interfering with natural growth, emphasizing whole foods during development and avoiding potential kidney stress from excessive protein.
- Boys' Recommended Age
- 22-23 years old
- Girls' Recommended Age
- 16-17 years old
- Expert 1
- Suman Agarwal (Nutritionist)
- Expert 2
- Dt. Gulnaaz Shaikh (Chief Dietitian)
- Best Use
- Combined with balanced diet and exercise