The DOI matches its Crossref record; 31 of the 31 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 53 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.
Protein intake in adolescent athletes: Nutritional requirements and performance implications
Open accessAbstract
Aim: This study investigated the crucial role of protein intake in meeting the specific nutritional needs of adolescent athletes. During adolescence, a phase characterized by rapid growth and development, protein is essential for muscle development, bone health, hormonal regulation, and immune function. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of a well-balanced diet that addresses the unique requirements of adolescent athletes. Methods: This review compiles findings from peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024, focusing on protein intake, metabolism, muscle recovery, and athletic performance in adolescent athletes. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using predefined keywords such as "protein intake," "adolescent athletes," "muscle recovery," and "sports nutrition." While adolescent athletes may have higher protein requirements owing to increased physical demands, this study emphasizes the importance of avoiding excessive protein intake, which could lead to potential health issues. Results: The findings indicate that adolescent athletes require 1.2–2.0 g/kg/day of protein, depending on the type of sport and training intensity. Research suggests that consuming 20– 25 g of protein within 30 min after exercise can enhance muscle recovery. However, excessive intake exceeding 3.0 g/kg/day may lead to increased nitrogen excretion without providing any additional performance benefits. This study advocates for educational initiatives aimed at athletes, coaches, and parents to raise awareness about the crucial role of proper nutrition, including protein, in optimizing athletic performance and preventing injuries. In identifying research gaps, the study outlines areas for future investigation, such as optimal protein timing, the types of proteins, and their effects on performance and recovery in adolescent athletes. A thorough understanding of the protein needs of this demographic is essential for promoting both athletic success and longterm health. Conclusions: In summary, this study adds to the growing body of knowledge regarding protein intake among adolescent athletes, providing valuable insights that can inform nutrition planning, enhance performance, and support overall well-being during this crucial developmental stage. Future research should prioritize protein timing, plant-based protein alternatives, and metabolic differences across various sports.
Overview
CoChat Summary
TL;DR
This narrative review compiles peer-reviewed literature (2010–2024) on protein requirements, timing, sources, and supplementation for adolescent athletes (ages 12–18), concluding that needs range roughly 1.2–2.0 g/kg/day depending on sport and training intensity. It emphasizes a food-first approach, individualized plans, and education for athletes, coaches, and parents, while flagging excessive intake (>3.0 g/kg/day) as offering no additional performance benefit.
Key findings
- Adolescent athletes require 1.2–2.0 g/kg/day of protein depending on sport type and training intensity; sport-specific breakdowns given are strength sports 1.6–2.0, endurance sports 1.2–1.6, and mixed sports 1.4–1.8 g/kg/day.
- Consuming 20–25 g of protein within 30 min after exercise (elsewhere stated as within 2 h) may enhance muscle recovery; evenly distributing intake (~0.4 g/kg per meal) is also recommended.
- Excessive intake exceeding 3.0 g/kg/day may increase nitrogen excretion without additional performance benefit, with further cautions about kidney strain and altered calcium metabolism.
- In industrialized nations, children and adolescents typically consume two to three times the recommended protein (e.g., UK NDNS: 52.9 g/d at ages 4–10 and 64.5 g/d at 11–18, i.e., 1.40 and 2.39× the PRI; Spain ENALIA: 74.45–93.6 g/d, 3.88–1.88× the PRI; US NHANES: 59.7–79.75 g/d).
- Table 1 consolidates guideline comparisons: WHO 0.85–1.0 g/kg/day (general adolescents), ACSM 1.2–2.0, ISSN 1.4–2.2 (adolescent athletes).
Methods
- Narrative review compiling peer-reviewed studies published 2010–2024 on protein intake, metabolism, muscle recovery, and athletic performance in adolescent athletes.
- Studies identified via systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using keywords such as "protein intake," "adolescent athletes," "muscle recovery," and "sports nutrition," supplemented by reference-list checking and examination of specialized sports nutrition/exercise science journals.
- Inclusion prioritized peer-reviewed work on adolescents aged 12–18 in structured training (systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials, observational studies) with quantitative protein data; adult/elderly-only studies, clinical populations (e.g., metabolic disorders), and studies lacking quantitative data were excluded. No formal risk-of-bias assessment tools were used; studies were judged on methodological transparency, statistical rigor, and relevance.
Limitations
- Stated by the paper: the review was restricted to peer-reviewed English-language studies, potentially introducing language bias; unpublished studies and gray literature were excluded, potentially narrowing the scope of findings. No formal risk-of-bias assessment tools were used.
- Evident from the text: despite the stated systematic search, the review is narrative rather than quantitative — no meta-analysis, no pooled effect sizes, and no standardized framework for personalized recommendations, which the authors themselves acknowledge as a gap (lack of consensus on optimal daily intake and distribution, unestablished safe upper limits for this population).
- Evident from the text: several sections (e.g., energy requirements, food supplements, creatine dosing) draw heavily on adult or pediatric-general evidence rather than adolescent-athlete-specific data, and some content (e.g., the statement on fetal protein requirements and gestational age) appears only tangentially relevant to the stated research questions.
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Claims the paper makes
0 Valid · 3 Not valid · 40 Not checked · 17 Own results and interpretations
A result the paper states — it cites no source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“However, summaries of youth energy expenditure may underestimate the energy costs associated with certain activities for heavier youth.”
§ Protein intake in adolescent athletes: Nutritional requirements and performance implications > Energy Requirements
hedgedstates a possible cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
In the paper
“According to data from 1,862 individuals in the National Dietary Survey on the Child and Adolescent Population in Spain (ENALIA) (López-Sobaler et al., 2019), average intakes ranged from 74.45 g/d for children aged 4-8 years to 93.6 g/d for those aged 14-17 years, representing 3.88-1.88times the PRI, respectively.”
§ Protein intake in adolescent athletes: Nutritional requirements and performance implications > Protein Intake Trends
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites López-Sobaler et al., 2019
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainn = 1,862- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
- Not matched
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Research suggests that consuming 20-25 g of protein within 30 min after exercise can enhance muscle recovery.”
§ Protein intake in adolescent athletes: Nutritional requirements and performance implications > Abstract
hedgedstates a possible cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: unclear — It is unclear why the paper says it holds.
A result the paper states — it cites no source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The findings indicate that adolescent athletes require 1.2-2.0g/kg/day of protein, depending on the type of sport and training intensity.”
§ Protein intake in adolescent athletes: Nutritional requirements and performance implications > Abstract
hedgedstates an association- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
In the paper
“According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2014 (NHANES) (Berryman et al., 2018) (n = 15,829; ages 2-80 years), average protein intakes ranged from 59.7 g/d in children aged 4-8 years to 79.75 g/d in those aged 14-18 years.”
§ Protein intake in adolescent athletes: Nutritional requirements and performance implications > Protein Intake Trends
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites Berryman et al., 2018 source
plainn = 15,829- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
29 more claims
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Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
In the citing paper
“Research indicates that adolescent athletes typically consume adequate protein, often 2–3 times the recommended protein levels, without the need for supplementation [94].”
From Optimizing Performance Nutrition for Adolescent Athletes: A Review of Dietary Needs, Risks, and Practical Strategies (2025) · cites this paper as [94]
In the citing paper
“Despite their popularity, most adolescent athletes can meet their protein needs through a balanced diet that includes whole food sources such as dairy, eggs, lean meats, legumes, and grains.”
From Optimizing Performance Nutrition for Adolescent Athletes: A Review of Dietary Needs, Risks, and Practical Strategies (2025) · cites this paper as [94]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Rated minor: it would not touch a result — a value no result rests on, a p-value that stays on the same side of the significance level, or a conflict that is clerical, resolved elsewhere in the paper, or outside its own findings.
In the paper
§ Protein intake in adolescent athletes: Nutritional requirements and performance implications > Protein Intake Trends
“original research from cohort studies, such as the Generation R (Larsen et al., 2018)”
§ Protein intake in adolescent athletes: Nutritional requirements and performance implications > References
“Larsen, M. N., Nielsen, C. M., Helge, E. W., Madsen, M., Manniche, V., Hansen, L., Hansen, P. R., Bangsbo, J., & Krustrup, P. (2018). Positive effects on bone mineralisation and muscular fitness after 10 months of intense school-based physical training for children aged 8-10 years: the FIT FIRST randomised controlled trial.”
Citations
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Cited by
Simanungkalit, S. F., Simanjorang, C., Samaria, D., Listiyawati, M. D., & Sairah, N. A. (2025) · Amerta Nutrition · doi:10.20473/amnt.v9i1sp.2025.55-61 · Cited by 1
Wardany, H. S., & Nasrulloh, N. (2025) · Amerta Nutrition · doi:10.20473/amnt.v9i1sp.2025.202-211
Metadata
- Authors
- Colecchia, F. P., Padova, M. D., Mancini, S., Polito, R., Basta, A., Grosu, V. T., Limone, P., Messina, G., Monda, M., Monda, A., Guerriero, M. A., Messina, A., Caggiano, A., Ruberto, M., & Mancini, N.
- Affiliations
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" (IT)
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Foggia, Foggia, ITALY
- University of Foggia (IT)
- Pegaso University (IT)
- Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (RO)
- ORCID
- Venue
- Journal of Physical Education and Sport
- Publisher
- RO Sport & Art Association
- Published
- 2025-04-30
- Volume
- 25
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 773-784
- ISSN
- 2247-8051 (ISSN-L)
- 2247-806X
- OpenAlex
- W4410260208
- Cited by
- 2
- References
- 31
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2
- FWCI
- 1.02
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Journal of Physical Education and Sport (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" (submittedVersion)
- IRIS eCampus Telematic University (Università degli Studi eCampus) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- Politecnico di Torino
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology (medical) › Exercise and Physiological Responses
- Keywords
- protein intake, youth athletes, protein requirements, muscle recovery, athletic performance, sports nutrition, protein timing, nitrogen excretion, plant proteins, injury prevention, adolescent development
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