Probiotics have been proven to treat and prevent a number of gut problems and infections among adults. Now, probiotic supplements are being formulated to benefit children as well. If you’re a parent, you know you’re feeling reserved about whether your kids need a good bacteria boost at an early age. Probiotics are ‘friendly’ live microorganisms that have the ability to fight infections and boost general immunity. This means that probiotics are very beneficial for children who are susceptible to multiple digestive and intestinal disruptions. Most parents pose this question: Can my child’s body absorb these good bacteria in probiotics? Of course. Premium probiotics for children are lining store’s shelves and being sold online. From this point forward, we will tackle why kids need probiotics and what are the best probiotic products suitable for children.
Why Children Need Probiotics?
When babies are born, the first two years of their lives are critical in the development of their immune responses. The microorganisms that colonized their bodies during infancy continue to thrive and produce. However, the foods and medications that we expose our growing children drastically affect the delicate balance between good and bad bacteria.
Probiotic supplements help promote health in children. They aid in digestion and vitamin absorption. They also prevent and treat diarrhea, skin rashes, inflammation, and blisters. Probiotics have been proven to reduce asthma and anemia, as well as relieves milk allergies.
Furthermore, probiotics have been found to minimize childhood respiratory infections among older children. Other benefits include preventing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and diarrhea. Since good digestion is critical for children’s health, children experiencing illnesses have been shown to improve their nutritional levels when supplemented with probiotics.
You’ll want to administer probiotics to your kids if they are dealing with constipation, diarrhea, allergies, leaky gut, halitosis (bad breath), and eczema. It’s also advisable to replenish the supply of bacteria to your child especially if he or she is undergoing antibiotic treatment. The fresh supply of good bacteria from these supplements help synthesize certain proteins into antibodies, which are immune system fighters against vicious bacteria-causing infections.
Probiotics are the ideal counter treatment to antibiotics. Antibiotics cause diarrhea which proves to be a discomfort for your children. They are also great for cleaning up bowels, regulating bowel movement, and enabling ingested food to be smoothly digested.
As for probiotic side effects, which are anticipated especially if they are administered to kids, just know that children handle them better. Why friendly bacteria suits children? Because they have less hormonal imbalance than adults, meaning that a child’s system is entirely stable and able to withstand the side effects of supplements (gas, bloating, etc.).
Top-rated Probiotics for Kids
There are probiotics formulated just for infants and children. When you’re shopping for a probiotic product, make sure you look for probiotic strains of Lacotbacilli and Bifidobacteria. They are two of the most highly researched genera of bacteria that helps improve overall health. Probiotics for kids are available at most stores like Whole Foods or on online shopping websites.
Check out the top-rated probiotics for children out in the market today. The road to having happy kids with healthier tummies starts now.
According to the Culturelle website, this product is ranked as the ‘top recommended brand’ based on a survey of pediatricians in 2014. It contains a single probiotic strain of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG. The strain aids in good digestion and fights off infectious diarrhea in children. It comes in two packs carrying 30 single serve packets. The product is best for kids one year and above.
- Five billion CFUs (colony forming units)
- Individually double-foil-protected capsules
- Contains powerful and well-researched Lactobacillus GG strain
- Supports children’s natural defense systems
- Increases energy levels
- Reduces occasional digestive discomforts
- Dairy- and gluten-free
- May cause gas and mild bloating during initial dose
- May cause digestive gurgling
Biocodex FloraStor Kids
According to ConsumerLab, Floraster Kids is the top ranking probiotic supplement for children. The product contains fruit-flavored capsules and powder packets that carry Saccharomyces Boulardii Iyo, a friendly yeast strain. Studies show that this strain is beneficial against pediatric diarrhea in children. The product can be taken with or without food. Do not mix in any carbonated or alcoholic beverages and hot foods. Suitable for children two months and above (the packet).
- Contains active yeast strain Saccharomyces Boulardii lyo
- Promotes intestinal health
- Promotes better absorption of vitamins and nutrients
- Recovers energy levels
- Vegetarian capsules
- Three-year shelf life guarantee
- No refrigeration required
- 33 mg Lactose (not for the lactose intolerant)
- Contains traces of soy
- May cause mild gas and bloating
Udo’s Choice Children’s Blend Probiotic
This probiotic, which comes in 60 capsules, is specially formulated for children ages five to 15 years. It’s developed by a trusted brand of natural health care products. It’s recommended that children should take one capsule a day on a full stomach.
- Four billion CFUs per capsule
- Seven child-specific bacterial strains
- Relieves digestive and intestinal discomfort
- Maintains proper digestion
- Boosts energy levels
- Boosts immune system
- Stabilizes healthy childhood microflora
- Refrigeration not required
- Contain traces of milk and soy (not for dairy-free and lactose-intolerant users)
- May cause mild gas and bloating
Nature’s Way Primadophilus Kids
Labdoor rated this product as among the highest in quality and value compared to other probiotic brands. This product carries a blend of three well-researched friendly bacteria strains: Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium Longum. What’s great about this product is that it comes in natural cherry-flavored chewable tablets. It’s developed for children ages two to 12 years. One tablet a day between meals is the recommended use.
- 3 billion CFUs
- Backed by True Guarantee (ensures potency and intestinal delivery)
- Natural cherry-flavored vegetable capsules
- Aids in proper digestion
- Strengthens overall immunity
- Improves energy levels
- Relieves stomach upset
- Better absorption of vitamins and nutrients
- No refrigeration necessary
- May cause mild gas and bloating on first try
The aforementioned probiotic products are just some that you may consider administering to your children. They are ranked, physician-recommended, and trusted brands that will benefits parents and children alike. Match your children’s probiotic supplementation by also providing them foods rich in probiotics such as yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables. When they consume their probiotic supplements, they will get the maximum benefit from these foods that they’re taking. Not only that, you’re helping them grow and keep a healthy lifestyle by promoting good eating habits. Plus, most probiotic brands for kids (especially chewable probiotics) already taste delicious so you won’t have to make a huge effort just to get them to try these products. Give probiotics for children a shot today; it’s a wise decision that millions of parents are already investing in.