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Protein supplement for teens
My 13 year old daughter is in full-time ballet training and I have been giving her (on the advise of one of her teachers) her the Sanatogen protein supplement bought from Boots. However, I have been told they have now discontinued this product and although I have searched in health stores, I have found nothing except bodybuilding supplements which I am not sure would be appropriate for a teenage girl. Can you suggest an alternative?
If you want to carry on giving your daughter the Sanatogen protein powder you have been using, then you can easily mail order it from one of the big mail order specialists. Victoria Health (0800 413596) for example, sells a 250g packet for £5.69 and you should give your daughter two teaspoons, dissolved in a cup of cold water, three times a day.
This product contains something called modified milk protein. The modification is the addition of phosphates which are critical to the body’s energy-producing cycles. Alternatively, switch her to a low carbohydrate whey protein supplement. You will find this on sale in the “bodybuilding” section of the health stores but it is perfectly safe to give your teenager as long as you stick to the dosage of one scoop (around 25g) again dissolved in one cup of water and to be given both before and after strenuous exercise.
Whey is another by-product of milk and Biochem’s Whey Protein Powder costs £14.99 for 350g from the same mail order supplier. You must take care not to over-dose with protein supplementation since this would place an extra burden on the liver which would be counterproductive.