Children, like adults, require a certain amount of protein daily in order to maintain proper health. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends that 10 to 35% of daily calories come from protein. Children between the ages of 1 and 3 should have approximately 13 grams of protein a day. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 should consume 19 grams daily, and children between the ages of 9 and 13 should have 34 grams. Girls between the ages of 14 and 18 should have 46 grams and boys between the same ages should have 52 grams.

On the Other: Children Should Not Be Given Too Much Protein

Again like adults, children should not consume too much protein. This can negatively affect their health. If children eat too much protein they can be at an increased risk down the line of such conditions as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. They can also experience intestinal disturbances in the meantime.

Bottom Line

While it is important to ensure that your child is getting enough protein in his diet it is just as important to make sure he isn't being overdosed with protein. Unless you have a very picky eater, protein shakes won't likely be necessary. A diet rich in protein can come from so many different sources that it even picky eaters should have plenty of options. Try to get protein into your child's diet with meat and vegetables and only use protein shakes as a last ditch effort.

Source:

Baylor College of Medicine: How much protein do children need?

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Nutrition for Everyone: Protein

American Heart Association: High-Protein Diets