Best Children’s Probiotic For Constipation

Viridian Synerbio Childrens Powder 1490 For 50g Best For Added Immunity Support

Suitable for: 1-14-year-olds

Type: Powder

This probiotic powder for kids features two billion probiotics in four strains of good gut bacteria.

It also contains added prebiotics and vitamin C, which sets it aside from many others on this list and helps your little ones in numerous ways including by supporting their immune system.

As an extra plus point, its made in the UK and is free from gluten, wheat, lactose, sugar, preservatives and artificial colourings.

Available from:Viridian, Naturismo and

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Probiotics For Kids Compared

The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.

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Which Probiotics Are Best For Constipation

Constipation can be very distressing for both parent and child. Research into probiotics and constipation has been quite inconsistent, some declaring that there is not enough evidence and others have found that probiotics could help constipation in some children, particularly by helping them go to the toilet more often .

However, if you did want to trial probiotics for your little one, there are two probiotics which may help with constipation . These are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. One or both strains are found in:

• Ultimate Flora Kids

In addition, research published in 2020 found that the strain Bacillus Coagulans may help constipation and the associated symptoms for some children.

This is found in the probiotic gummy

• Bioglan Smart Kids Vitagummies .

Probiotics may also help with tummy aches and improving the consistency of stools.

They have been found to be particularly useful alongside other treatment options such as the stool softener Lactulose .

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Olly Kids Multi + Probiotic Gummy Multivitamin

For those of you who are looking for a real boost and improvement in your childs immune system, youll absolutely love these

The OLLY Kids Multi + Probiotic Gummies are a 2 in 1 supplement, not only do they contain healthy bacteria , but theyre also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that ensure the healthy development of your child.

These include Zinc, as well as Vitamins A, C, D3, E, B6 and B12.

The main reason behind the vast popularity of this supplement is its taste, these gummies are naturally flavored and the berry taste is simply delicious.

Theyre super affordable as well and will last you the entire month if you take 2 per day as per the recommended dosage.

Optibac Probiotics 1699 For 30 Sachets Best For Mums And Kids

Suitable for: 0-12-year-olds, plus pregnant and breastfeeding mums

Type: Powder

These probiotics are suitable for kids from birth right up to the age of 12, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mums, meaning you wont have to pick up multiple products to suit the needs of your family.

The powder, which can easily be sprinkled on top of porridge or mixed into a drink, contains three billion natural live cultures per sachet, in three well-researched strains .

According to the brand, they have all been tested to survive both stomach acidity and bile salts meaning theyll actually reach where they need to and make a difference.

It also contains fructooligosaccharide a dairy fibre with various benefits. And, as an extra bonus, theres no added sugar, colourings or flavourings and its suitable for vegetarians and gluten-free kids.

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What Is The Best Time Of Day To Give My Baby Probiotics

The best time to give probiotics for constipation is either first thing in the morning before their first feeding, or last thing at night after their last feeding. Be sure to read the recommended time on the packaging if the probiotic you choose for your baby.

Some probiotics recommend taking on an empty stomach, whereas other recommend taking it with food.

I hope this guide helped you to find the best probiotics for baby constipation! With this information in mind, you should be in a great position to make the right choice for your family. As your baby grows older, be sure to check out my post about the Best Probiotics for Kids!

Note: Before using any of these products for your child, please consult with your pediatrician on the proper dosing and to make sure they approve of the probiotic you have chosen. Im not a doctor and this post is not meant as medical advice.

Best Kids Probiotic Reviews

Now that you know a little bit about how we made our decisions lets check out our top eleven best probiotics for kids. Remember, we rated these based on overall health, so make sure to read each review to discover what the products have been tested for in clinical trials and which will help with specific conditions more than others.

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The Benefits Of Probiotics

Theyre especially helpful for diarrhea or constipation both of which are common for kids, especially during potty training. Probiotics may help ease some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease as well.

Children already taking antibiotics can benefit from probiotics, too. Antibiotics can cause stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, and probiotics can ease these side effects. But not all probiotics are effective while taking antibiotics, so talk to your childs pediatrician or pharmacist about which probiotic is best for your child.

Smartypants Kids Gummy Probiotic

SmartyPants is such a great name, and also such a great probiotic supplement.

This kids probiotic is a delicious strawberry and cream flavored chewable supplement, that includes 4 billion CFUs per single serving, which is quite a lot.

Another bonus is the fact that the supplement includes both probiotics and prebiotics, which stimulate the healthy bacteria in your childs digestive system and thus improve their health and well being.

SmartyPants Kid Gummies are also 100% dairy free and are a certified vegan vitamin according to AVA .

An excellent choice if you ask me.

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Benefits Of Probiotics For Kids

In general, probiotic foods and dietary supplements benefit human health by enhancing the total number and variety of good bacteria and fungal species in the gut microbiome . With greater biodiversity in the gut comes a more robust immune system, a stronger digestive system , a reduced risk of autoimmunity, and lower levels of chronic inflammation in the body . All of this is true for children and babies as well as adults.

Specifically, kids can benefit from probiotic supplements in a number of ways as early as infancy.

• A systematic review of 20 randomized controlled trials showed that infants given probiotics were less colicky and irritable, had less diarrhea, fewer spitting episodes, and fewer respiratory infections .

Probiotics have also been shown to help prevent serious GI illnesses in premature, low birth-weight babies as well as improving lactose tolerance and symptoms of IBS . Risk of candida overgrowth a fungus that can result in thrush, facial rash, and diaper rash can also be reduced with probiotics, as can risk of ear and respiratory infection in babies [6

Trusted SourcePubMedGo to source].

Garden Of Life Baby Probiotics

Garden of Life Baby Probiotics includes a blend of seven probiotic strains. One challenge with combining multiple bacteria strains is that it can be challenging to tell how the strains work together. The blend consists of 4 billion CFUs designed to help with colic, digestion, and immunity.

Its important to note that liquid probiotics have a much shorter lifespan than freeze-dried probiotic bacteria found in many powder supplements, including Omni-Biotic. Every time you open the bottle, the bacteria are exposed to oxygen and contaminants, making the probiotics less effective.

The nutrition label for Garden of Life Baby Probiotics recommends this product for infants 6 months and older.

• Type: Liquid
• Dietary Considerations: Non-GMO, Certified gluten-free, certified vegan, certified USDA organic
• Clinical studies using the final formulation: No

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What Do Probiotics Help With

While probiotics may help infants with numerous different gut related issues, here are some of the main ones. Keep in mind that there is very little research on probiotics and infants but some clinical trials and anecdotal evidence has shown that they may be helpful for:

• easing colic
• improving mood, motivation, and cognitive health
• repairing damaged tissue from injuries

Even if your baby or toddler isnt experiencing any of these symptoms, chances are they still could benefit from a probiotic.

Fear Or Other Emotional Causes

Ah, potty training isnt it a delight? In addition to the not-so-joyous elements of poo accidents and setting up camp for hours in the bathroom, potty training comes with difficult emotional aspects for some children.

Toddlers may feel fearful, skeptical, or even embarrassed about using the toilet. Then theres the possibility of feelings of resentment at having to give up the familiarity and convenience of diapers. Any of these negative emotions can lead to minimal output.

Finally, distracted play can make some kids less likely to stop what theyre doing and answer the call of nature because who wouldnt rather stack blocks than visit the boring old potty?

Fortunately, getting your child to better bowel movements doesnt always have to involve major intervention. In many cases, some simple changes can help.

For mild, temporary constipation, try these at-home steps:

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How Do Probiotics Help With Constipation

Although the exact mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated 7, several suggested mechanisms by which probiotics can alleviate occasional constipation include:

• Production of SCFAs . SCFAs are produced as a result of the bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates in the gut by both Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli 7. SCFAs are suggested to enhance colonic motility by stimulating neural receptors in the gut wall smooth muscle causing peristalsis. They have also been suggested to increase serotonin concentration in the colon which is an excitatory neurotransmitter and also can stimulate peristalsis 8.
• due to increased production of lactic acid and SCFAs by both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species. Increased acidity of the gut luminal contents stimulates peristalsis and reduces colonic transit time 9.
• Increased bile salt metabolism by strains of both Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in the gut stimulates peristalsis as there is an increased level of deconjugated bile salts which can stimulate colonic motility 10.

Probiotics For The Prevention Of Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema is a common type of atopic dermatitis. It affects 15% to 20% of children and 1% to 3% of adults worldwide.

A systematic review and meta-analysis recommend starting probiotics early during pregnancy and for the first 6 months of babys life. This could be advantageous particularly if a pregnant woman has a history of allergies and eczema herself.

To prevent atopic dermatitis, supplementing with L. rhamnosus and L. paracasei during pregnancy and beyond were shown to be the most effective. However, no benefits were documented when supplementation continued beyond the babys 1st birthday.

Rhamnosus should not be confused with the probiotic rhamnosus GG. A meta-analysis of 5 randomized clinical trials found that the latter did not reduce the risk of eczema in children. This was the case even if taken early during pregnancy.

Heres an exciting piece of research. A New Zealand study was the first randomised controlled trial to show that Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 can be beneficial for childhood eczema. The key is to start supplementation with rhamnosus HN001 early from 35 weeks of pregnancy until two years of age.

The health benefits of rhamnosus HN001 include reduced risk of childhood eczema by 44% until the childs 6th birthday and beyond. The protection continued even after supplementation was stopped by the childs 2nd birthday. This confirms that not all probiotics are the same.

Rhamnosus HN001 is also thought to reduce symptoms of postpartum depression in women.

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Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Organic Probiotic

These cherry flavored chewable probiotics include 14 DIFFERENT probiotic strains that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your childs gut.

These strains include many popular and highly-researched probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus paracasei, and others!

This is an all natural, organic probiotic free of gluten, dairy and sugar so we can guarantee that the bad bacteria , actually get detoxed out of the body.

There are over 5 billion CFUs per dosage and the product is certified organic by USDA, which is always a plus.

Which Are Best For Older Children

Many childrens probiotics are suitable for up to 12 years.

• Digestive Advantage is a probiotic for children aged 3-12 years containing a bacteria called BC30. There isnt a great deal of published research to support its use and so it cant be recommended.

• Optibac Probiotics for Babies and Children may aid constipation in children up to 12 years.

• Culturelle Kids daily chewable tablets are suitable for 3-12 years and may help both constipation and diarrhoea.

• Alflorex chewable tablets are suitable for children over 3 years and also could help aid constipation.

• Symprove is primarily aimed at adults but their website states it can be used with children at the discretion of the parent. Its friendly bacteria are associated with improving diarrhoea, constipation and colic.

There are many other brands available and parents should decide which is best for their child. Seek the help of a Registered Dietitian if you are unsure.

Have you tried probiotics with your children and have they helped?

If you would like to see the full reference list for this blog, please contact me.

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Should Children Eat Probiotic Foods

Some studies suggest that probiotics may be good for children. One study found that children who were given probiotics every day for 3 months were less likely to have respiratory problems and diarrhea than children who were given a placebo.

And while more research is needed, probiotics may reduce childrens risk of developing certain conditions like autoimmune diseases, allergies and asthma.

On the other hand, some researchers note that probiotics may not have much effect on children. Because their microbiome isnt fully developed, probiotics may simply be passed as normal waste.

Probiotics are considered safe for kids with some exceptions, notes Dr. Drass. You should avoid giving your child probiotics if they have a compromised immune system or cancer, or if they are a premature infant. In these cases, probiotics can put them at risk for infections.

In general, its better for kids to get probiotics through foods instead of supplements unless their pediatrician recommends otherwise. Talk to your childs doctor if youre thinking about using probiotics to help your childs digestion because keeping your child safe and healthy is their prime concern.

How To Pick A Kids Probiotic And Prebiotic Blend

What the Science Says

Recently a team of medical scientists from UNC Chapel Hill found several benefits for kids who consumed a yogurt drink containing several key prebiotics and probiotics, including Inulin, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Bifidobacterium lactis .

For 3 months, 76 kids drink the yogurt drink every day, and 73 other kids drank a placebo drink. Kids who drank yogurt drink showed several advantages. First, they showed reduced days of sickness and reported fever. Second, they showed improved social functioning: they got along better with other kids, were less likely to be teased, were more confident in their abilities, and were better able to keep up with other kids. Finally, they also showed improved school functioning: it was easier to pay attention in class, keep up with school work, and they were less likely to forget things and miss school. This is in addition to all the benefits that have been reported in previous studies, like reduced obesity, gut health, reduced eczema, reduced colic, etc. The authors did find one little possible drawback of probiotic consumption: the kids tended to poop more often, and the poop was sometimes loose .

Overall, the authors found improved health, social functioning, and school quality of life for kids who consumed the yogurt drink. The one side effect seemed to be more frequent pooping, for better or worse. This paper was published in the highly ranked Journal of Pediatrics.

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Can I Use Probiotics Long Term For My Childs Chronic Constipation

I am not a huge fan of the long-term use of probiotics. I dont think that they are the only or the best solution to re-populating gut bacteria. Probiotics are great for short-term use after a viral infection or after an antibiotic or when you are trying to get bacteria in your very picky child and they refuse fermented foods but even the best probiotics used long-term can cause you to develop a monoculture of bacteria. By long-term, I mean more than a bottles worth.

When you look at a bottle of probiotics it will state how many billion live cultures it contains. But the truth is that these are just billions of copies of a very limited number of bacteria. Most contain 1-13 strains of bacteria and those strains are multiplied over and over again until you get X Billion of copies of the same strain or 3 or 7 or 8 etc strains.

PEG kills off bacteria in the gut so if your child has been on Miralax, they really need their gut bacteria repopulated. Please read all labels on every personal care product, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, vitamin, medicine etc to make sure you arent undoing the good work you are doing with working to get good bacteria in your child by giving them medicines or having them brush their teeth with a product that contains PEG.