What Causes Severe Fatigue In Children?

Posted on Mon, 14 Dec 2015

Question: I need a pediatrician for questions re protein shake for a 14 year old boy in good health – normal height and weight, in fact a bit skinny (47 kgs and 5 foot 8-9 inches or so). He has no real interest in food but eats a reasonably healthy balanced diet.
My son has a long day at school and tennis 2 x late afternoon afterwards, followed by 2 hours of homework. He goes to bed by 9 pm and is up at 5.15 am on school days.
He has been complaining of low energy at the end of the day when he does tennis and wants to know if he should start taking a protein shake.
My questions that need advice:
1.     Should he take a commercial protein shake like those sold by vitamin chain GNC?
2.     If yes, when should he take it – just before his tennis? Before homework to give him a boost?
3.     He takes a daily multi-vitamin aimed at teenagers – good idea or not?
4.     He often takes a 1000 mg Vitamin C drink – should he wait until he feels a cold coming on or not take it at all.
Thank you in advance,

Regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Saad Sultan (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
use protein shake before and after tennis, use balanced diet .

Detailed Answer:
Welcome at HCM
i appreciate your health concerns
As far as protein shake is concerned the important thing about it is timing.
Timing is very important in this regard apart from it type of protein shake also matters a lot.
Based upon the routine which you have mentioned , he should take protein shake before and after tennis. It will be sufficient for it as a beginner and also he is not body building so this time is perfect for it. Apart from it the protein shake must contain glutamine , carnitine.
Secondly I normally don't advocate multivitamin supplements instead he should consume regular balanced diet that must contain fruits egg and milk.
Vit C as far as I think should be taken in setting of acute viral flu. It helps in fighting acute viral flu..
Meanwhile stay calm and feel free to ask if you have any query.

Regards
Dr XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Saad Sultan (14 hours later)

thanks very much for your very detailed and clear answer which seems most sensible.

One other question - lots of teens are using energy drinks to study, sports etc but I have read very bad things about them due to their hyper amounts of caffeine. What is your opinion please?

Thanks,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Saad Sultan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
daily intake of caffeine should not be more than 8 grams..

Detailed Answer:
Welcome XXXXXXX at HCM
i appreciate your followup
I completely agree to you that caffeine is being used by teenagers now a days for variety of purposes. It is important to know about the dose of caffeine. Generally , it is accepted that its intake should not be more than 8 grams in 24hrs, however,some authors advocates for10 grams.
The single cup of coffee on average contains 150mg of caffeine and one can use it with XXXXXXX In contrast to this, various supplements in market do contain a larger amount of caffeine per serving so one should be cautious about the dose, which should not exceed more than 8gram per 24hrs.
Hope your query is adequately addressed if you still have any feel free to ask any time...
Hope it helps
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad