Chugging a protein shake after a heavy-duty workout has long been the practice of bodybuilders and athletes. But for children and teens who do sports, it\u2019s especially important to take in protein after exercise, says a Brock University exercise\u00a0physiologist.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very dangerous for children and adolescents\u2019 developing skeletons and anti-inflammatory processes if they don\u2019t replenish quickly with enough nutrients for their body after exercise,\u201d says Professor of Kinesiology Nota Klentrou.<\/p>\n
To investigate this further, Klentrou has led a series of studies on how protein supplementation affects various physiological processes in active children and youth.<\/p>\n
It turns out whey powder and Greek yogurt are ideal protein sources to help young bodies fight inflammation and ultimately get stronger.<\/p>\n
In one study, published in October 2020<\/a>, lead author and then-PhD candidate Brandon McKinlay (MSc ’16, PhD ’21), Klentrou, Professor of Kinesiology Bareket Falk and their team examined the effect of post-exercise whey protein consumption on subsequent exercise performance, muscle damage and inflammation in a group of 58 male and female adolescent competitive swimmers.<\/p>\n Research participants performed several swims spread out over a couple of days. Following each swim, they were given either whey protein, a carbohydrate solution or water; neither they nor the researchers knew what they consumed at the time.<\/p>\n Researchers collected participants\u2019 blood samples at three points over 24 hours.<\/p>\n