My 16 yr old son is working out and he wants to take protein powder as a supplement, what are the pros and cons of this???

I don't know anything about it, but I feel he gets enough protein in his diet.

one pro is that he is not taking steroids!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein_powder

There is a section on "protein" supplements.

I know there are quite a few of us here that have or do use something or other for a protein supplement. Particularly after a workout as a recovery.

Without knowing age and level of activity, it's hard to make much of a suggestion from my perspective, but there are other BOLers that might be more helpful.

There is a need to be careful, there are all kinds of things out there in these supplements besides the protein itself. But protein itself, I don't know what cons there would be to a recovery drink after a work out. If he's drinking 4-5 shakes a day and taking in 200g of it on top of his normal food intake, that might be a bit excessive/expensive/wasteful though.

I think JJ is familiar protein supplements.

He seems like the "working out" type.

I have been working out (lifting weights, running, yoga, etc) for 15 years now. A legitimate Whey protein powder is the first thing any one lifting weights ingests upon completing their workout. While not a doctor, I don't really see any negatives to this. When I played football in college we were shooting for one gram of protein per pound of body weight. Unless you’re cooking nothing but meat and egg whites, no way he will hit that. Multiple doctors have told me that lifting weights is an excellent way to strengthen bones and would help prevent issues later in life. Plus, it kept me off the streets, which in turn kept me out of trouble at that age.

The one word of caution I would offer is, at that age his body is still developing. I would steer him clear of compound, heavy movements such as squatting, hang cleans, etc. Just my opinion.

Exactly my thoughts. I didn't lift weights AT ALL until college, but I should have. I didn't start taking any kind of protein powder until this year, and I do it because of what it does in the way of recovery.

I started by buying Wheybolic from GNC. WalMart sells good stuff for a lot less as well. Branch Chained Amino Acids are the key, I'm told.

If this were Facebook, I'd "tag" Bankbb1 as he is well versed in all of this. Seek his advice, for sure.

Well said Pup. Without going into specifics, lifting weights breaks down the muscles and the body will (in theory) repair them bigger and stronger. Drinking a good whey protein (which is absorbed faster) is an excellent way to help in the recovery process.

Thanks everyone.

It does not mix with gin. Just going to put that little bit of wisdom out there!

I'm going to go wash out my drink blender now, from this morning's chocolate protein shake!

I would not drink that carp... I'd rather have a steak... and a gin

I've just started working out with a trainer this year and weight lifting is a major part of my routine. I was told that protein powder is absolutely required plus Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's). I was extremely nervous about this, so I did a ton of research, talked to my own doctor, and then started taking both as a protein shake after each workout.

The difference in recovery and how I feel after working out (and the next day) is incredible. Whey protein powder plus BCAA's has undoubtedly helped me stick with working out and staying on track to achieving the goals I've set for myself.

A good friend of mine who is a physician also coaches high school athletes and recommends whey protein powder and BCAA's to his teens, too. There are no harmful side effects if they limit intake to recommended dosages.

One recommendation I followed was to start at a lower dose of the protein (half a scoop) and work up slowly to the full recommended dose for my weight (one and a half scoops). I also make sure I eat a healthy balanced diet rich in protein, low in carbs and fat, and high in whole fruits and vegetables.

There is a lot of good information on this site

http://www.livestrong.com/protein-powder/

The owner of the site would never be caught taking anything that was a harmful substance.

Man, I ALWAYS forget that part!!

I've been forgetting that part most of the last 15 years (and packing on the pounds each year). I'm remembering it this year, and now I'm ounces away from having lost 25 pounds since the beginning of this year. I made my doctor laugh when I said, "Hey, this exercise and eating right thing really works!"

Nice.

I've lost 10 pounds since Jan 1, and all I've really done differently is the pushups. Actually, I had lost 6 or 7 in the first month and mostly plateaued since then.

Eating right is probably the most difficult thing to find time for. Also, I have been taking the full whey powder dose since the beginning (staring in early March), so I'm sure that doesn't really accelerate weight loss. Mostly, I use it for the recovery.

Depends. Protein shakes that are low in sugars/carbs and high in protein/fiber used as a meal replacement can definitely help in weight loss. I do an Atkins or a SlimFast Carb Smart protein shake most mid-mornings and eat a very small healthy balanced breakfast early morning, eat a healthy lunch (my biggest meal of the day) and the morning shake helps me feel full and not be tempted to snack on unhealthy fattening foods. Then I eat a really healthy small balanced dinner, work out, then have my protein shake with BCAA's.

I think without the protein and fiber the shakes help provide, I would be hungry all the time and be much more likely to eat junk and make poor choices. At least for me, I credit the protein and fiber with half my success and the 6 days a week exercise with the other half.

You're supposed to have protein within 30-45 minutes after a workout. First person to tell me that was BankBB1 and when I did it, I coudln't believe the difference it made in next-day soreness. You body really does suck it up and repair your muscles faster and better having that protein boost right away. I get a Jamba Juice smoothie after working out with added whey protein. But at $5.60 twice a week for those, I shoudl mayeb look into somethign else.

I've started chugging a glass of milk after workouts. That's as 'shake' as it's gonna get for me.

Again, thanks all!

No, I am not going to post buy it on Craigslist.

The post above from livestrong has an article on how to make your own.

Lots of people say that it's one of the best recovery drinks, so that's totally acceptable. It's got a lot of protein in it, some even have whey protein mixed in. You can do chocolate too, it only seems bad for you

Ed, I'd make my own but I workout during my lunch break and homemade smoothies in the lunch room are NOT happening

Hubby and I get the Whey protein powder, (Gold Standard Whey, I think...) and after my morning runs, I throw it in the blender with a banana and some almond milk. Breakfast! A good protein recovery, and the banana makes me fuller longer. Some nuts or trail mix while I'm zoned out over the computer screen, and I'm good until lunch.