Teens and supplements

[UNITH]

What age do you guys think a teen should use protein supplements? My brother is entering the 9th grade and is playing football. He has been in the conditioning and lifting program since June. He asked me the other day if he could start taking protein. At first I was like no, wait til your in your junior year. But I wanted to get a better informed opinon, so looked on the internet for some info but couldn't find it. So this week I'm going to talk to his doctor, and ask his coachs and some the varsity players, but would like you guys, if you have information, or can tell me where to find it so I can speak to the doc a little more in depth. My brother is 14, my gut say wait but tell me if I'm wrong. Thanks

[psyko1]

i don't see a problem with it at all. he already gets protein from foods so how could supplementing it be bad for him? it'll probably even be a good idea with all the training he must do.

[Viral]

If anything its a good idea. Just get him started with some basic whey that tastest good, im sure many ppl can help u out, try to work his way up to 1g or 2g of protein per pound of bodyweight. So say he wasy 150, get him 150-300 g of protein. This is good fuel for muscles when ur over working them by weightlifting, and will help his gains for sure. Tell him to eat a lot and drink a lot of water, cut the junk food, lift hard, and he will be happy with the results.

[YellowJacket]

Im going to go ahead and give this one a no. Not because protein would be determental to his health, but at 14, he needs to learn early supplements are just that, supplements. Supplements are only there to aid nutrition, macro and micro nutrients.

Also, nothing against the younger teen age group, but at 14, I doubt he's training hard and intense enough to truly need a protein supplement. Also at 14, his metabolism and want/need to eat should be full throttle.

As his older, wiser brother, teach him the importance of good ol' food. Tuna, eggs, oats, etc. Teach him good nutrition, supplements will come later.

Your brother's a lucky guy to have you hover over him since there's a myriad of information (some not always true) in weight training, nutrition and supplements, so take advantage.

[chromo56]

I just turned 15 and from a year ago maxed went up as such-

bench-135/225
squat-185-355
dead lift diamond-265/510
dead lfit straight bar- believe 185/365
clean-145/175

most of my gains were in the last 4 months. Well all of it probably was. I put on 25lbs in 3 months. I took protein,creatine,glutamine,NOX2, tribex for 2 weeks but it didnt do much but boost my testosterone about 600%, NO-Xplode, and amino acids.

My mom got protein for me when i was 13 and i started lifting at 12.

but 1g per lb of body weight for a 14 is a bit much. Have him take 1-2 shakes a day with about 30g not including milk. I try to have around 150g a day and i weigh 175.

and for people who say young kids dont take liftign seriously, well I do.