do you give collagen to your kids for protein?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Humans (and children) do not need protein at every meal. If they are eating protein for lunch and/or dinner, that is sufficient. In fact, the nutrient that is often lacking in children, is not protein but iron. Foods high in iron are leafy greens, which many children don't like.

And plain cheerios. This is the main source of iron for my 4 yr old that hardly ever eats meat

[Anonymous]

I've used the gelatin to help make jello and my kids seem to like it (you can combine traditional Jello packs and the protein, 50% each, or you could make chewey snacks with fruit juice, but my kids didn't eat those)- I think it has a ton of collagen, it's also from Vital Proteins

I wasn't doing it for health reason though maybe it's not a terrible idea? Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

FWIW collagen does not stay collagen when digested, it breaks down into amino acids which are used to build proteins in the body including (different types of) collagen. Same amino acids are found in food, along with micronutrients needed to aid the process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not talking about REPLACING food with the collagen, people, jeez.
There are very few proteins my kids will eat in the morning (they hate eggs, yogurt, etc) and adding collagen to smoothies would be a helpful way to get some protein into them. Just curious if others have done or do the same.
-OP

Just add nut butter or milk or yogurt to the smoothie. Lots of people do that. Seems shockingly ill informed to think collagen powder is a good source of protein for children. Don't force your food issues on your kids.

[Anonymous]

Greek yogurt pancakes.

Toast with peanut butter.

Chia pudding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Collagen is not a complete protein and says right on the container it is NOT a source of dietary protein. Please don't give it to your kids thinking you are boosting their protein, you aren't.

If you want to give them a protein boost, get a whey protein powder and mix it into pancakes, smoothies, etc. I like Tara's organic unflavored whey protein.

This. It is not a complete protein so is not a good choice with your goal.

If they eat oatmeal, I take it off the burner and whisk in an egg per serving, and let it sit covered for a few minutes, or stir in nut butter, or both. An egg whisked into bone broth (think egg drop soup) is great for protein and collagen both and is a nice warm drink for fall/winter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:because it's hard for them to eat much protein in the morning, and it would be an easy way to get it in.
-OP

Nut butter
Nuts
Cheese
Milk