Is TruHeight protein powder good for your child's growth?

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a pilot study published in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Nutrition Open Science, children who used the TruHeight Growth Protein Shake showed a statistically significant increase in height over a six-month period compared to a control group. This finding raises an important question for parents: is TruHeight protein powder a reliable and beneficial supplement for a child's development?.

Quick Summary

This article explores the safety, ingredients, and effectiveness of TruHeight protein powder for kids and teens. It provides a balanced look at potential benefits, potential drawbacks, and how it compares to other options.

Key Points

Nutrient-Rich Supplement: TruHeight offers protein, vitamins, and minerals to fill nutritional gaps, especially for picky eaters or active children.
Small-Scale Study Shows Potential Growth: A pilot study suggested a height growth advantage in a small group of participants, though larger studies are needed.
Results Are Not Guaranteed: A child's final height is largely determined by genetics, and supplements cannot override this genetic potential.
Ingredients Require Scrutiny: The inclusion of Maltodextrin in some formulas has raised concerns among some consumers due to its high glycemic index.
Consult a Pediatrician First: Always consult a healthcare professional before introducing any new supplement to a child's diet to ensure safety and appropriateness.
Not a Meal Replacement: TruHeight is intended as a supplement to a balanced diet, not a substitute for whole-food meals.
Vegan Options Available: For those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance, a plant-based version is available.

TruHeight Protein Powder: An Overview of Claims and Ingredients

TruHeight protein powder, marketed as a growth supplement for children and teens, is presented as a pediatric-endorsed product designed to support natural growth and development. The powder typically features a blend of whey protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, aimed at complementing a child's diet. The product highlights its low sugar content compared to many conventional kid-focused supplements, which is a positive attribute for health-conscious parents. However, a closer look at the ingredients reveals components that warrant careful consideration.

What's Inside TruHeight Protein Powder?

An ingredients list for the whey-based TruHeight protein powder typically includes a mixture of whey protein concentrate and isolate, as well as several vitamins and minerals. Key ingredients often include:

Whey Protein: Provides amino acids for muscle and bone growth.
Vitamins and Minerals: A blend of 18 essential vitamins and minerals, such as Calcium, Vitamin D, and Zinc, are included to support bone strength and overall well-being.
Nanometer Calcium: Some formulations include this for purportedly quicker absorption, though the clinical significance of this specific form is a subject for further research.
Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb has been mentioned in some formulations, known for effects on overall wellness, but its specific role in childhood growth requires more targeted evidence.
Maltodextrin: An ingredient that has caused some concern among consumers and nutritionists. It is a processed carbohydrate used as a thickener and sweetener and has a high glycemic index, which can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar.
Stevia Leaf Extract: Used as a natural, low-sugar sweetener.

Is TruHeight Effective for Height Growth?

TruHeight's primary marketing angle is its ability to support height growth. The company points to a six-month randomized controlled pilot study involving 32 participants, aged 4 to 17, as evidence of its effectiveness. According to this study, children taking the TruHeight shake grew an average of 2.94 cm, versus 2.23 cm in the control group, though improvements in body composition were not statistically significant.

While these results are presented as promising, it's crucial to contextualize them:

Genetics and Nutrition: A child's final height is largely determined by genetics. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, protein, and essential nutrients is the foundation for optimal growth. Supplements like TruHeight can only fill nutritional gaps, not override a child's genetic potential.
Long-Term Studies: The cited study was a small, short-term pilot study. Larger, more extensive, and longer-term clinical trials are needed to provide more definitive conclusions about the product's long-term effectiveness on height and overall health.
Picky Eaters vs. Full Meals: For picky eaters, a protein shake can provide much-needed nutrients. However, as some reviewers note, it may not be satiating enough to replace a full meal and should be used as a supplement, not a substitute.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While TruHeight markets its products as safe and beneficial, potential drawbacks and important considerations exist for parents:

Allergen Concerns: The whey protein-based formulas are unsuitable for children with milk protein allergies or lactose intolerance. For these individuals, TruHeight also offers a plant-based version using pea protein.
Ingredient Quality and Transparency: Some customers have reported discrepancies between the ingredient list online and on the product label, particularly concerning the inclusion of Maltodextrin as a primary ingredient in some versions. Maltodextrin has raised concerns due to its high glycemic index.
Supplement Dependency: Relying too heavily on supplements rather than a varied, whole-food diet can create nutritional imbalances. It’s important to remember that supplements are intended to supplement, not replace, a healthy diet.
Varied Results: Customer reviews are mixed, with some parents reporting positive growth results, while others see no noticeable change. Individual outcomes can vary widely.

TruHeight vs. Other Kids' Protein Powders


Feature	TruHeight Protein Powder	Competitor Brands (e.g., Orgain Kids Protein, Pediasure)
Primary Goal	Supports height growth in children and teens aged 5+.	Offers general nutritional support, weight gain, or supplement to picky eaters' diets.
Key Ingredients	Whey protein, nanometer calcium, vitamins, minerals, and sometimes botanicals like Ashwagandha.	Varies; often uses whey, milk, or plant-based proteins, and a standard vitamin/mineral blend.
Added Sugar	Relatively low sugar content (e.g., 2g per serving).	Varies, some may have higher sugar content; many health-conscious options are also low-sugar.
Evidence	Cites a small pilot study showing potential height growth benefits.	Effectiveness claims based on general nutritional support rather than specific growth metrics.
Allergen Options	Offers both whey-based and vegan, plant-based formulas.	Wide variety of options, including allergen-free and vegan alternatives.

Conclusion: So, Is TruHeight Protein Powder Good?

Ultimately, deciding if TruHeight protein powder is good for your child depends on their individual needs and your expectations. As a dietary supplement, it provides a convenient way to boost a child's intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals, especially for picky eaters or active kids. Its low sugar content and pediatrician endorsement are reassuring for many parents.

However, it's essential to temper expectations regarding specific height growth. While a small pilot study showed promising results, a child's height is predominantly governed by genetics. A supplement cannot promise a specific growth outcome. Potential concerns about ingredients like Maltodextrin and the conflicting results reported by some users highlight the need for careful consideration. For parents prioritizing overall nutrition, other established protein powders or simply focusing on a whole-food diet may be a more straightforward approach. Before adding any new supplement to your child's diet, always consult a pediatrician to ensure it is appropriate for their specific needs.

Disclaimer

The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

While a small pilot study suggested a statistically significant height increase in participants using the shake, a child's ultimate height is primarily determined by genetics. The powder provides nutritional support, but it is not a magic solution for growth.

The product is marketed as pediatrician-endorsed and made in a USA GMP-certified facility with natural ingredients. However, those with milk allergies should avoid the whey version, and parents should consult a doctor before use.

Key ingredients include whey protein (or pea protein in the vegan version), essential vitamins and minerals (like Calcium, Vitamin D, and Zinc), and sometimes botanicals like Ashwagandha. Some formulations also contain Maltodextrin and Stevia.

Yes, TruHeight can be beneficial for picky eaters by providing a convenient way to add extra protein and essential nutrients to their diet. However, it should not replace balanced, whole-food meals.

Side effects are uncommon with appropriate use, but like any whey protein product, high doses can cause digestive issues such as bloating or nausea. Allergic reactions are also possible for those sensitive to milk proteins. It's best to consult a doctor if any concerns arise.

TruHeight is specifically marketed for height growth, a unique claim supported by a small study. Other kid-focused protein powders generally emphasize overall nutrition, though many offer similar low-sugar, high-nutrient profiles. TruHeight also provides vegan options, similar to many competitors.

TruHeight is specifically formulated for children and teenagers aged 5 and older. Its nutritional profile and protein content are tailored for younger individuals, and it is not intended for adult consumption.