Best Protein Powder for Kids (2025): Picky-Eater Approved

If your kids are anything like mine, they’re super picky eaters. Some weeks, they seem to live off crackers, applesauce, fruit snacks, and chicken nuggets. I often wonder if they are getting the protein they need to grow strong bones and muscles and fuel healthy brain development. I recently started making kid-friendly shakes for breakfast, packed with fruit, peanut butter, oats, milk, and protein powder for kids. They love them, and I feel better knowing they’re eating a balanced breakfast.

You’re likely here because, like me, you want to offer your kids top-quality, nutrient-dense meals despite their picky eating. In this review, I break down several of the top-rated protein powders for kids to help you boost nutrient intake to foster their growth and energy needs. These versatile protein powders can be added to your kid’s yogurt, smoothies, or oatmeal to enhance their overall protein intake. We’ll dive into each product’s formulation, cost, customer reviews, and notes from our GGR expert testers (and their kids!) to help you make an informed choice on the best protein powder for your kids. 

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR always recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested.

6 Best Protein Powder for Kids 

• Best Overall Protein Powder for Kids: Nurished Kids
• Best Whey Protein Powder for Kids: Healthy Heights Grow Daily
• Best-Tasting Protein Powder for Kids: Drink Wholesome
• Best Protein Drink for Picky Eaters: Kate Farms Pediatric Standard
• Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Kids: Else Nutrition
• Best Protein Powder for Kids for Baking: PB&Me

Compare Side-By-Side

	Nurished Kids	Healthy Heights Grow Daily	Drink Wholesome	Kate Farms Pediatric Standard	Else Nutrition Kids Organic Shake Powder	PB&Me Powdered Peanut Butter
Rating	4.07	Coming Soon	Coming Soon	Coming Soon	Coming Soon	Coming Soon
Price Per Serving	$0.84	$2.64	$3.39	$4	$2.08	$0.73
Protein Per Serving	9 g	12 g	20 g	12 g	5 g	6 g
Type	Whey protein isolate	Whey protein	Egg white protein	Pea protein	Plant-based blend	Peanut butter
Third-party Tested?	—	—	—	—		—
Calories Per Serving	30	180	90-170	300	220	45
Flavors	Chocolate\, Strawberry	Chocolate\, Vanilla\, Plain	Chocolate\, Vanilla\, Mocha\, Matcha\, Peanut Butter\, Unflavored	Chocolate\, Vanilla	Chocolate\, Vanilla\, Banana and Chia	Peanut butter
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Best Overall Protein Powder for Kids: Nurished Kids

Good for: Picky eaters who love the taste of chocolate milk but could benefit from eating more protein and veggies 

Best Overall

Nurished Kids

GGR Score: 4.07

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Product Highlights

• Whey protein powder for kids
• Suitable for ages 2 and up 
• 9 g of protein per serving
• Contains vitamins and minerals

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sweetened with monk fruit extract
• Contains 2 billion probiotics
• Contains organic spinach

Cons

• Only two flavors
• Low in calories

Bottom Line

Nurished Kids is a protein powder formulated for children as young as 2 years of age. Both flavors offer 9 grams of protein per serving and around 60 to 70 calories.

Nurished Kids Mighty Milk acts as a multivitamin, probiotic, protein powder, and super greens supplement wrapped into one. It’s made for picky eaters ages one and up who love the taste of chocolate or strawberry milk but don’t need all the added sugar that comes with it. What’s more, it’s a protein power for kids made with real ingredients and doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners, dyes, or artificial flavors. 

GGR Head of Content Kate Meier tried the chocolate version of this product with her kids, who scored it 4 out of 5 for taste. “My two kids are picky, but they eat good food,” she says. “They will eat broccoli and salad and chicken and apples, but they don’t want to eat asparagus or raspberries. So they are oddly picky. They both tried Nurished, and they both agreed that it was ‘OK,’ but it wasn’t something they wanted to drink. ‘I don’t like the bitter aftertaste,’ my daughter, age 10, said. They also rarely have anything with sugar alcohol/artificial sweetener, which may have also thrown them. I personally tasted this, and I thought it was great. It isn’t as good as the best-tasting protein powders, but I think many kids would like this taste, or you could easily put it in a smoothie, especially for kids who drink smoothies (mine definitely don’t).” 

Each scoop contains 30 calories, 4 grams of protein (9 grams for two scoops, ages four and older), and 2 grams of sugar. High-quality whey protein isolate comprises the protein content, a complete protein source that fuels little muscles with all nine essential amino acids for growth and repair.

The next main ingredient is organic whole spinach leaf powder, packed with carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin A, for a strong immune system and antioxidant protection against free radicals. This is a great way to provide a source of micronutrients to kids who don’t love eating vegetables. 

The remaining key ingredients include acid-base protease (a digestive enzyme) and a probiotic blend. Digestive enzymes help break down nutrients, so they’re better absorbed and utilized by the body. Probiotics add beneficial bacteria to the gut to support proper digestion and gastrointestinal health.

Nourished Kids uses monk fruit extract, cocoa powder, natural chocolate or vanilla flavors, and only 2 grams of real cane sugar to make this a clean product that is still tasty.

Amazon customers rate the product a 4.2 out of 5 stars. One happy customer says, “It worked for my picky eater. We needed something that she would actually eat. And she does! And actually asks for it! The taste is good! The quality is great!” However, some reviewers mention it’s hard to mix. One writes, “It’s a little chunky when you first mix it, but I started putting it in a blender bottle, and it mixes really well!” 

Best Whey Protein Powder for Kids: Healthy Heights Grow Daily

Good for: Children ages three and over who struggle to meet their daily protein needs for growth and development 

Best Whey

Healthy Heights Grow Daily

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Product Highlights

• Whey protein drink for kids
• Developed by pediatric doctors 
• Contains amino acids
• Contains vitamins and minerals

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Suitable for children 3 years or older
• Ideal for picky eaters
• May help replenish active kids

Cons

• Not suitable for milk allergies
• Some reviewers say kids don’t like taste

Bottom Line

Healthy Heights Grow Daily is a whey protein powder developed for children by pediatricians. This formula is designed for children 3 years of age and older. It’s ideal for kids who are picky eaters or are having trouble gaining (or maintaining) weight. Healthy Heights also has a formula (containing more protein) for kids over the age of 10.

Healthy Heights Grow Daily is a clinically studied, gluten-free whey protein powder for kids that supports children’s growth and development. Created by pediatricians, this product is made for kids three years of age and older who could use a boost in protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to help them grow tall and strong.

Kate Meier, GGR head of content, said, “I had three boys, my son and his two friends, ages 12-13, try the vanilla flavor. They are all very active; they play basketball and they go to the gym and work out regularly. They all drink protein regularly, too. I mixed this with milk in a blender cup and gave the boys each a glass. Two of the three boys LOVED this taste. They both took pictures of the bag and asked their parents if they would buy it for them. My son, who loves vanilla Muscle Milk, said this tasted good, but he prefers Muscle Milk.” 

RELATED: Muscle Milk Review

A clinical study¹ that observed the effects of Healthy Heights showed that it helped kids grow healthily without increasing their body mass index (BMI). It’s important to note that BMI isn’t always reliable and doesn’t take into account body composition, ethnicity, race, gender, and age. For kids, focusing on healthy habits over weight loss is best. 

Each serving packs 12 grams of whey protein concentrate and 350 milligrams of l-arginine, an amino acid that may promote linear growth (height gain) in children with consistent intakes². 

Among various other ingredients are maltodextrin, inulin, and added micronutrients (calcium, zinc, vitamin A, iron, and vitamin C). Maltodextrin provides a quick source of energy but can raise blood sugar levels and should not be consumed in large amounts. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and may help relieve constipation. The added micronutrients support immune health, bone strength, muscle function, and brain development. 

Customers on Amazon rate this product a 4.1 out of 5 stars. One customer says, “My very athletic 8 yr son is a picky eater and low in his growth scale. When we found Healthy Heights, it was a game changer. He will drink the chocolate flavor blended with 2% milk without any complaints and it will keep him full until lunchtime. I honestly recommend this shake to my friends with picky eaters.”

Best-Tasting Protein Powder for Kids: Drink Wholesome

Good for: Kids who are lactose intolerant or have sensitive digestive systems 

Best Tasting

Drink Wholesome

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Product Highlights

• Egg white protein powder
• 6 flavors
• No artificial sweeteners
• Dairy-free, lactose-free
• Made in USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Suitable for lactose intolerant
• Ideal for sensitive stomachs
• Ideal for anyone following low-FODMAP

Cons

• Egg-like smell
• Sticky texture
• Foams easily

Bottom Line

Drink Wholesome egg protein comes in Chocolate, Vanilla, Mocha, Matcha, Peanut Butter, and Unflavored options. It’s easy to digest for lactose intolerant folks and provides 20 grams of protein per serving.

Drink Wholesome is a milk-free, lactose-free, protein supplement formulated with a short, simple list of clean ingredients. This product is suitable for children or adults with sensitive digestive systems that don’t tolerate dairy well. Made with ingredients like egg whites, coconut, cocoa, and monk fruit, Drink Wholesome doesn’t contain any questionable additives or artificial ingredients but still maintains a great taste. 

GGR Social Media Manager, Brittany Combs, tried the vanilla flavor with her family and said, “It’s not bad at all! Now, I’m not a big milk drinker and the instructions say to drink it with milk, so I didn’t quite enjoy that and thought with water it was just fine. My kids LOVE drinking milk and they felt like this just made their milk a little more sweet and they really enjoyed that. The only thing I will say is that it does have coconut in it, so if you’re not a fan of coconut you will not like this at all.”

Brittany rated it a 4 out of 5 for both taste and solubility, saying, “In a blender this blends very nicely. In a shaker cup… ehhh… you could feel the protein in your mouth more with a shaker bottle. Put it in pancakes for your kiddos for some protein pancakes and they’d have zero idea it was there!”

Egg protein is considered a high-quality, complete protein that’s highly digestible. Each serving contains 20 grams of protein from egg whites, which is too much for younger kids, considering those four to eight years old only need up to 19 grams daily³. Reduce the serving size considerably to avoid giving your child excess protein. 

RELATED: Best Egg White Protein Powder

Drink Wholesome never includes artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols commonly used in other protein powders, such as erythritol, Ace K, or sucralose, which may disrupt healthy gut bacteria and cause uncomfortable side effects, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Instead, depending on the flavor, all-natural monk fruit extract or maple syrup serves as sweeteners in this product.

This protein powder includes coconut, providing essential minerals such as potassium, but it also contributes a significant saturated fat content of 6 grams per serving. While some children may benefit from the boost of calories from fat, it’s best to consume heart-healthy fats from foods like avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish. 

Customers on Amazon rate this product a 4.3 out of 5 stars. Customers like the taste and that it doesn’t upset their stomachs, but some complain that it’s difficult to mix and that it’s on the expensive side. A verified purchaser writes, “I try to avoid artificial ingredients and have had issues with protein powder in the past. This stuff is good! Clean ingredients. Doesn’t upset my stomach.” 

Best Protein Drink for Picky Eaters: Kate Farms Pediatric Standard

Good for: Children with health conditions that make it difficult for them to achieve and maintain a healthy weight 

Best for Picky Eaters

Kate Farms Pediatric Standard

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Product Highlights

• Plant-based protein shake for kids
• 12 g of protein per serving
• 27 vitamins and minerals
• Flaxseed and MCT oil
• USDA organic 
• Non-GMO 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Organic ingredients
• No artificial sweeteners
• Contains prebiotic fiber

Cons

• Over $3 per serving
• Fat content outshines protein

Bottom Line

Kate Farms Pediatric Standard protein shakes for kids contain 12 grams of protein per serving, 12 grams of fat, and 36 grams of carbohydrates. It also contains prebiotic fiber and 27 vitamins and minerals.

Kate Farms Pediatric Standard is a plant-based, USDA certified organic protein drink that helps even the pickiest eaters reach and maintain a healthy weight. This convenient, ready-to-drink shake is free of dairy, soy, corn, gluten, nuts, and artificial colors or sweeteners. It’s pediatrician, parent, and kid-approved. 

These Kate Farms shakes offer a simple way to increase your child’s protein intake during meal times or as a snack. Each carton provides 300 calories and 12 grams of organic pea protein. Pea protein is one of few complete plant-based protein powders that contain all nine essential amino acids, optimal for growth and strength. 

RELATED: Pea Protein Benefits 

With vitamins A, C, D, and zinc, these shakes support immune health to keep kids feeling their best. Additionally, each drink contains a phytonutrient blend that includes extracts from nutrient-dense greens like broccoli and kale. 

Amazon customers rate this product a 4.6 out of 5 stars. They approve of the product’s taste, quality, and convenience, but some dislike the cost. One customer writes, “This product is used for lactose intolerant 2 year old with growth issues and underweight. She is also a very picky eater! Kate Farms Pediatric Standard has worked well for our little one!” 

Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Kids: Else Nutrition

Good for: Kids who need a well-rounded nutrition drink with balanced carbs, protein, and fat content 

Best Plant-Based

Else Nutrition Kids Organic Shake Powder

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Product Highlights

• Organic, nutritional drink mix made for children
• Whey-free, soy-free, and gluten-free
• Available in Banana and Chia, Chocolate, and Vanilla flavors
• 95% whole plant ingredients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• USDA organic ingredients
• Plant-based ingredients
• Soy-free
• Whey-free
• Gluten-free

Cons

• Serving size is 6 scoops
• Only three flavors available

Bottom Line

Else Nutrition Kids Organic Shake Powder is made to be a healthy alternative for children instead of other processed snacks and foods. Made with certified organic ingredients, this shake powder is made with plant-based ingredients, free of dairy and soy products. Although the powder only comes in three flavors, many customers add different fruit to the mix to make shakes and smoothies.

Else Nutrition is a plant-based nutrition powder for kids made with organic ingredients that nourish growing children. It’s a dairy-free, soy-free option for kids who struggle with lactose intolerance or milk or soy allergies.

RELATED: Plant-Based Protein Powder Benefits

The main ingredient in this product is buckwheat flour, a carbohydrate high in fiber. Fiber helps relieve constipation, manage healthy blood sugar levels, and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Not only that, buckwheat flour is a whole grain that provides sustainable energy for physically active children.

Brittany Combs, GGR’s social media manager, tested this product and rated the flavor a 2.5 out of 5. “This did not taste very good,” she said. “One of my kids said it was OK, but my other one didn’t like it at all.” 

She rated the solubility a 3 out of 5, saying, “In a blender it was OK, but the instructions are 6 scoops for a half cup of water. This just seemed wayyy too concentrated and thick to us.” 

Each serving contains 5 grams of protein, which doesn’t sound like much to adults but is a fair amount of protein for growing kids whose macronutrient needs are much lower than ours. The protein content comes mostly from almond butter, known for also containing healthy fats and vitamin E (great for immune health). 

Furthermore, each serving of Else Nutrition contains a variety of essential nutrients needed for optimal growth and development throughout childhood. Kids need calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, B12 for energy metabolism, and iron for sufficient oxygen delivery throughout the body. This supplement contains all these vitamins and more in each serving.

Product users on Amazon rate Else Nutrition a 3.9 out of 5 stars. Customers approve of the product’s quality but have mixed reviews regarding taste. One customer says, “The flavor was good enough considering the high nutritional value.” 

Best Protein Powder for Kids for Baking: PB&Me

Good for: Peanut butter-loving kids who would rather eat their protein than drink it 

Best for Baking

PB&Me Powdered Peanut Butter

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Product Highlights

• Organic powdered peanut butter
• Gluten-free
• 6 g of protein per serving
• No sugar added
• Reduced fat

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No added sugars
• High protein and lower fat
• Gluten-free
• Can be great for smoothies

Cons

• Taste is reported as mild and bland
• May contain tree nuts almonds and hazelnuts, which some may be allergic to

Bottom Line

PB&Me is a powdered peanut butter with reduced fat and higher protein content than typical peanut butter. Although some reviews report the flavor being mild, the powder is great to add to shakes or smoothies. The peanut butter powder has no added sugars and is also gluten-free.

Even the pickiest kids often like peanut butter, which means they may approve of PB&Me, a powdered peanut butter that provides protein without the extra saturated fat and sugar. PB&Me can conveniently be added to smoothies, baked into bread, or mixed into waffle or pancake batter.

GGR Social Media Manager Brittany Combs rated the flavor a 4 out of 5 and said, “If you’re a peanut butter lover, this does taste like a traditional PB but kind of watered down. You can taste the peanut butter for sure, but the flavor isn’t as strong as others.”

She rated it a 5 out of 5 for solubility: “The nice thing about this is if you like a chunkier PB you just add less water. Want it more creamy? Add more water! It blends really nicely,” she said.

With only one simple ingredient, organic peanuts, you know exactly what you’re getting in this light protein-rich powder. Each two-tablespoon serving includes 6 grams of plant-based protein to help your child grow strong muscles and bones and build a resilient immune system. 

RELATED: Best Organic Protein Powder

What’s more, PB&Me doesn’t contain the oil and added sugar in regular creamy peanut butter, resulting in only 1.5 grams of fat and 1 gram of sugar per serving. However, because peanuts are a good source of fiber, you still get 2 grams of fiber with every serving, which improves satiety and normalizes bowel movements. 

Amazon customers rate PB&Me a 4.3 out of 5 stars. They appreciate that the product is organic and low in sugar, but not everyone loves the taste. One customer review says, “The best low carb PB powder I’ve found! Blends smooth and packs a good PB taste punch without having to add a ton. Definitely doesn’t have the chalky taste I’ve found with others.”

Customers who don’t like the taste generally find it tolerable when mixed into shakes or cooked into baked goods. 

Other Protein Powder for Kids We Researched

Several protein powders for kids exist, but not all have secured a place on our best protein powders for kids list. This doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of other quality kid-friendly protein powders that may fit your family’s needs better. If our top picks don’t meet your criteria, explore the alternatives listed below.

• Orgain Kids Protein: This organic protein powder comes from a Certified B Corp and includes lots of essential vitamins and minerals. With only 10 servings per container, however, it didn’t quite make our list.
• Kinder Sprout Plant-Based Protein Shake: These ready-to-drink shakes are organic, vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. While there are only a few reviews on the website, they rave about the taste of these, saying both kids and adults love them.
• Amazing Grass Kidz Superfood Protein + Probiotics: This protein powder offers 10 grams of protein and only 70 calories. It is organic, plant-based, gluten-free, and non-GMO. 
• NuBest Tall Protein Powder: This protein powder is packed with nutrients designed to help kids grow. Most reviews are positive, but some people complain of the high price.

How We Picked the Best Protein Powder for Kids

Our team deliberately selected a range of kids’ protein powders to cater to diverse dietary needs, ingredient preferences, and budget considerations. We chose several shakes made with organic, plant-based ingredients—ideal for those with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, or a vegan/vegetarian diet. For individuals not following a plant-based diet and lacking digestive sensitivities, we opted for shakes incorporating high-quality whey protein.

Our choice of protein powders emphasizes complete protein sources, ensuring they contain all essential amino acids vital for optimal nutrition and growth. Considering the target audience is children, our focus was on products with minimal sugar content. The majority of items on our list steer clear of artificial sweeteners and colors, and several of them are third-party tested. 

Benefits of Protein Powder for Kids

Protein powders may offer several advantages for children, but prioritizing nutrient intake from whole foods should be the primary strategy for weight gain and promoting growth. Consider protein powders a supplement rather than a substitute for a balanced diet. Below are some potential benefits of incorporating protein powders into a child’s nutrition when meeting nutritional needs through food alone proves challenging.

Supports Growth and Development

Kids need protein for growing muscles, bones, and tissues. When children don’t consume enough protein, they may experience trouble focusing, slowed growth, joint pain, and a weaker immune response. Before considering a protein supplement, try increasing protein through foods like peanut butter, nuts, beans, chicken, and milk. If your child has fallen off their growth curve, your doctor may recommend a protein powder supplement. 

RELATED: How Much Protein Do I Need?

Convenience

Protein powders offer a convenient way to add protein to shakes, baked goods, oatmeal, and yogurt. Protein powders for kids typically need to be mixed with water, milk, or a smoothie for a quick protein drink. Some protein supplements can be baked into healthy breakfast cookies and bread. 

Added Nutrients

Protein powders often include ingredients with several nutrients. For example, some include sources of whole grains that are packed with fiber. Others contain greens powders made from leafy vegetables that enhance antioxidant intake. 

Management of Medical or Special Diets

Many protein powders cater to children who need to avoid certain ingredients due to medical concerns or conditions. Some are formulated for kids with gastrointestinal issues, food allergies, and those struggling to put on weight. Because these diets can be difficult for parents to navigate, protein powders may offer a convenient way to ensure their kids are getting a nutrient-packed meal that won’t cause uncomfortable symptoms or distress. 

Dosing and Interactions 

It’s easy to worry your child isn’t consuming enough protein. However, it’s imperative to remember that a child’s protein needs are much lower than ours. Most adult protein powders are not suitable for children. They contain much higher protein amounts than what’s necessary for a child. Too much protein over time can be dangerous and cause health risks. 

Here are protein needs for children³ ages 6 months to 13 years old.

• 6-12 mo: 11 grams/day
• 1-3 yrs: 13 grams/day
• 4-8 yrs: 19 grams/day 
• 9-13 yrs: 34 grams/day

If you have concerns regarding your child’s diet, weight, or overall growth patterns and are contemplating adding a protein supplement to their regimen, seek guidance from a pediatrician. A doctor or registered dietitian can determine if a protein powder is appropriate and take into account any potential interactions with existing medical conditions or prescribed medications. 

Third-Party Testing

As parents, we aim to secure quality products from reputable companies, ensuring our children consume reliable and trustworthy nutritional supplements. Protein powders lack FDA regulation and may contain substances not listed on their labels. To address this concern, we prioritize supplements subjected to third-party testing by independent laboratories. This rigorous testing assesses purity and potency, guaranteeing that the product has only what’s written on the label. 

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Protein Powder for Kids

It’s important to consider several factors when choosing a protein powder for kids. Take into account the following key aspects to ensure you choose a protein powder that meets your child’s needs. 

• Type of Protein: Consider whey or egg white protein, both complete protein sources, for children without a milk allergy or lactose intolerance. High-quality plant-based options include pea protein or soy protein (avoid for kids with a soy allergy).
• Diverse Nutrients: Opt for a protein powder that also contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 
• Low Sugar Content: Select a protein powder with low sugar content, including added sugar. Too much sugar can cause unwanted health concerns. Instead, opt for products with natural sweeteners like monk fruit extract or stevia.
• Check for Allergens: If your child has a food allergy, review the label for common allergens such as dairy, soy, nuts, or gluten.
• Third-Party Testing: Favor products that undergo third-party testing to ensure the purity, quality, and transparency of the ingredients listed on the label.
• Appetizing Flavors: Choose a product with flavor options that are picky-eater-approved.  
• Confirm the Age Range: Avoid purchasing a protein powder for children above your child’s age range. These products likely contain a high protein content above your child’s needs. 

RELATED: What to Look for in Protein Powder

Protein Powder for Kids: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Healthy Heights. Dietary Supplement Demonstrates Efficacy in Short and Lean Children. Nutritional Growth Solutions. 
2. van Vught AJ, Dagnelie PC, Arts IC, et al. Dietary arginine and linear growth: the Copenhagen School Child Intervention Study. Br J Nutr. 2013;109(6):1031-1039. doi:10.1017/S0007114512002942
3. Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): Recommended Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes, Total Water and Macronutrients. Accessed December 21, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56068/table/summarytables.t4/?report=objectonly