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While it may sound like a horror movie, it’s a fact of nature: Your gut is swarming with bugs. But don’t freak out! If you’re healthy, those little bugs are friendly. Those bugs that I’m referring to are the millions of bacteria that are present within your digestive tract that starts with an infant’s trek down the birth canal. This collection of microflora includes varieties of bacterial strains. These strains can be altered throughout life due to various factors such as lifespan, diet changes, exposure to pathogens, and changes in the gastrointestinal (GI) system as you age. As parents, we desire for our kids to live a long, healthy life. And one of the ways we can encourage a healthy gut is by the use of probiotics for kids. Many parents are now wondering what and when for offering probiotics for kids and the health benefits.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for gut health and can be found in some foods or supplements. In this blog post, we’ll explore when kids should take probiotics, how to pick the best probiotic for your child, and the difference between prebiotics and probiotics.
What are probiotics and why are they important for kids?
Explaining probiotics to my 3 and 6-year-old was somewhat vague and confusing. Trying to tell them about teeny bugs crawling around in their bodies to help keep them healthy didn’t seem overly reassuring. But to be more technical for the parents – according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, probiotics are live microorganisms that can be ingested through food or dietary supplements to enhance the number of healthy bacteria present in the digestive system. They play a crucial role in the gut microbiome, which refers to the trillions of microorganisms that live in our bodies, primarily in the intestines. The gut microbiome is essential to overall health as it supports our immune system, helps regulate mood, and aids in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Prebiotics and probiotics are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. While probiotics are living bacteria that are beneficial for gut health, prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that act as food for probiotics, helping them thrive and colonize in the gut.
In other words, prebiotics are like the fertilizer that nourishes the probiotics. Without prebiotics, the probiotics might not survive or have as much of an impact on gut health. Prebiotics can be found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. These include onions, garlic, bananas, peas, jicama, flax, cabbage, soy, and asparagus, to name a few.
Natural probiotics versus supplemental probiotics
Probiotic supplements are lab-grown strains of bacteria and other microorganisms that can be taken orally in various forms. While probiotics supplements are generally considered safe for kids to take, there is not enough evidence to support a recommendation for all children to take them on an ongoing, daily basis. The effectiveness of probiotic supplements depends on many factors, including the type of strain, the dose, and the health status of the child.
Probiotics can be a beneficial addition to your child’s diet and may support a healthy gut microbiome. However, it’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional before giving any new supplements to your child.
Probiotic foods include fermented foods such as:
- Yogurt
- Kombucha
- Kefir
- Tempeh
- Fermented pickles
- Miso
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
However, it can be challenging to know precisely how much probiotics your child is getting from food sources alone.
Supplemental probiotics, on the other hand, are designed to provide a specific amount and strain of bacteria. They can be a helpful way to ensure that your child is getting enough probiotics to see the benefits, especially if they have a particular health condition that requires a higher dose.
Ultimately, choosing natural or supplemental probiotics will depend on your child’s specific needs and preferences. It’s always a good idea to talk to your pediatrician before starting your child on any new supplement regimen.
When should kids take probiotics?
Kids can take probiotics at any time, but there are specific situations when it might be more beneficial for them to do so.
One of those situations is when they are taking antibiotics. Antibiotic use can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to digestive problems and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Probiotics can help replenish good bacteria and prevent issues such as diarrhea. It’s important to note that probiotics should be taken at least two hours before or after antibiotics to avoid interference.
Another situation where probiotics may be helpful is for children who experience constipation. Research has shown that certain strains of probiotics can improve bowel movements and relieve constipation symptoms.
Studies have also shown probiotics to be beneficial for kids with a fever, cough, upper respiratory infections, or stomach flu. If your child also struggles with ongoing nausea and upset stomach, consider asking your pediatrician if a probiotic is right for your child.
How to choose the best probiotic for your child
When considering probiotics for your child, choosing a high-quality supplement with the appropriate strains and dosage for their age is important. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a probiotic for your child.
1. Ensure the product is safe and effective for your child’s age and health needs.
2. Consider whether the probiotic also contains prebiotics.
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that help to nourish the good bacteria in your child’s gut, which can enhance the benefits of probiotics. Some probiotics contain both prebiotics and probiotics, while others focus solely on the latter.
3. Look for ones with multiple strains.
Probiotic supplements are measured in CFUs, which estimate how many viable cells are in a dose. This count is listed on the probiotic packaging. This will give you an idea of how quickly and effectively the probiotics will work.
Additionally, you’ll want to look for a probiotic that contains a variety of different strains of beneficial bacteria to ensure maximum benefits.
There are 4 forms of probiotics for kids
It’s important to choose a probiotic supplement that your child will accept and that fits into your family’s routine. For example, some supplements need refrigeration, while others do not. Also, some supplements can be blended into food better than others. Depending on the age of your child and their acceptability of supplements will help you determine which one they will be most open to.
Chewable tablet
For children who can safely chew the tablet, this is a great option. These are generally mild in flavor. You can also crush the tablet and mix it into soft food.
Liquid form
Liquid drops are a great option for infants to ensure they receive the full dose. These can be purchased in flavorless options.
Powders
These generally come in single-serve packets making them easy to mix into foods such as yogurt and applesauce. You can also mix them into beverages, however, they don’t dissolve as well in liquids.
Gummies
These are often a favorite way for little ones to consume probiotics, however, the gummy form often contains a smaller amount of probiotics than if consumed in a liquid, tablet, or powder form. Because these can be easily mistaken for fruit snacks, make sure to keep these out of reach to avoid over-consumption. They may contain artificial sweeteners or added sugar that sticks to their teeth so make sure to have them brush their teeth after eating them.
Probiotic Strains
Probiotic supplements can come with a single strain of bacteria or yeast, while others may contain multiple. Because everyone responds uniquely to probiotic strains, it is a good idea to choose one with multiple strains. The strain of the probiotic does tend to target specific symptoms. For example, if your little one is struggling with diarrhea, you are going to want to look for the strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii at 5-40 billion CFU per day.
Different probiotics have also been shown to help with various illnesses such as viral infections including upper respiratory tract infections, fever, cough, and acute gastroenteritis (stomach flu). They can also be used to help treat constipation, atopic dermatitis or eczema, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
How old does my child need to be to take a probiotic?
The answer to this question depends on the individual child and their specific health needs. Generally, infants and young children can benefit from the consumption of prebiotics found in breast milk and formula, which help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. However, introducing supplemental probiotics to young children should be done under the guidance of a pediatrician.
Some probiotic supplements are formulated specifically for infants and toddlers, while others are more appropriate for older children. It’s important to choose a probiotic that is appropriate for your child’s age and health needs. Additionally, it’s important to introduce probiotics slowly and monitor any reactions or changes in your child’s digestion.
How long should my child take a probiotic?
Probiotic use is only effective for as long as you take them and will need to make them part of your daily routines. But keep in mind, not every child needs to take a probiotic every day in order to be healthy. Some kids struggling with antibiotic-associated diarrhea may take a probiotic for up to a month and see a positive effect and that’s all that is needed. However, your pediatrician can provide further guidance on the duration of use.
What are the risks of kids taking probiotics?
While probiotics are generally safe for children to take, there are some risks to be aware of. One risk is the possibility of an allergic reaction to the specific strain of bacteria in the probiotic supplement. Another risk is the potential for harmful bacteria to thrive in the gut if the probiotic supplement is not properly stored or handled.
In Summary
Not every child needs a probiotic in order to have a healthy digestive system. However, some kids receive the benefit of probiotics for various health concerns such as antibiotic use, constipation, upper respiratory infections, and autoimmune diseases to name a few. When choosing a probiotic supplement for your child, look for ones with various strains. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance on if a probiotic is appropriate for your child and how long they should supplement.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3424311/
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know
