Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Best Children’s Probiotic While On Antibiotics

Do Probiotics Disturb Antibiotic Functioning

Taking Probiotics with Antibiotics or Anti-microbial Herbs

There is no suggestion in current research that probiotics interfere with the action of antibiotics in any way. In fact, doctors and GPs are often now recommending probiotic supplements and probiotic foods, such as yoghurts or kefir, to be taken alongside a course of antibiotics.

The Lack Of Consistency In The Findings On Probiotics Comes In Part Because They Are Being Treated Like Conventional Drugs

This opens the door to developing personalised probiotic treatments based on someones genetic profile. Such a system is realistic and could be developed relatively soon, says Elinav, but at this stage it remains a proof of concept. To become a reality, it will need more research on probiotic tailoring and testing more bacterial strains in larger groups of people.

This kind of personalisation may release the full potential of probiotic treatments for gut health. At the moment, the lack of consistency in the findings on probiotics comes in part because they are being treated like conventional drugs. When you take a paracetamol tablet, you can be more or less sure that the active component will do its job and work on receptors in your brain, dulling your sensation of pain. This is because most peoples pain receptors are similar enough to react in the same way to the drug.

But the microbiome is not just a receptor it is closer to an ecosystem, and sometimes likened to a rainforest in its complexity.

As a result, finding and tailoring a probiotic treatment that will work on something as intricate and individual as your own internal ecosystem is no easy task. And with that in mind, its not so surprising that a dried-out pack of bacteria from a supermarket shelf may well not do the trick.

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Floratummys Probiotic Sprinkles 2699 For 30 Sachets Best For Those With Food Allergies

Suitable for: 1+

Type: Powder

These probiotics for kids contains five billion live bacteria cultures in two probiotic strains, as well as a prebiotic to help nourish the beneficial bacteria in your childrens gut.

Its suitable for non-dairy kids, free from major food allergens and suitable for vegans. As a powder, it can also be easily mixed into drinks, added to yoghurt or sprinkled on top of cereals and porridge.

It may not contain a huge diverse number of bacterial strains, but the brand promotes the formula as being able to naturally help with a range of issues including diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, belly pain and colic, too.

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What Else Can We Do To Stay Safe Avoid Antibiotics In Our Food

Did you know that antibiotics are not only given to sick animals, but they are given to conventionally raised animals to fatten them up more quickly?!

to pass a law banning the routine use of antibiotics in healthy livestock and poultry, a move aimed at battling the rise of dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as superbugs

The World Health Organization has warned that human infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a grave threat to global health. Such infections are estimated to kill at least 23,000 Americans annually, although a recent Reuters investigation found that many infection-related deaths are uncounted.

These are not easy issues and we have a right to make sure our families are safe from accidental exposure to these lethal strains!

The reality is, if California and Maryland can ban the routine use of antibiotics, every state can.

We must stay focused on the real problem overuse of antibiotics, particularly in factory farms.

How To Identify The Best Kids Probiotics

Bio

Probiotics for kids may be administered within cold food such as:

  • Yoghurt
  • Fresh fruits and vegetable products that are fermented
  • Dairy products like cheese that are fermented

You also have the option of upgrading the kids’ dietary intake with the right supplements, such as Bio-Kult for infants or Revive Active Junior for older kids.

To ensure you get the best for your kid, look out for

  • Live cultures – Ensure the probiotics are not expired.
  • A range of bacteria strains – Probiotics with various strains yields better results than those with a single strain.
  • Size – The probiotic should be big enough to form a colony, and it’s possible to measure this using the colony-forming units or CFUs. Get a probiotic that is suitable for the kids’ size and age.
  • Form – Since probiotics are available in different forms, including powder, chewable tablets, and liquids, go for the form most suitable for your child.
  • Safe – Ensure the probiotics you choose are safe for children. Consult your child’s doctor on the daily probiotic dosage that is right for your kid. Children with other conditions such as autism can also have probiotics administered, but you need to know the correct strain for such kids.

Also Check: Is Yogurt A Good Probiotic

What Helps Diarrhea From Antibiotics

Not all children will experience diarrhea or GI issues when taking antibiotics. To help prevent any side effects, only take antibiotics as prescribed and follow all directions given with the medication.

If your child does experience diarrhea or other stomach problems while taking an antibiotic, the most important thing to do is ensure your child is drinking enough water and staying hydrated. If GI symptoms do not resolve within 7-10 days, call your pediatrician.

Antibiotics And Gut Health

There is no doubt that antibiotics have an essential role to play in modern medicine in preventing and curing bacterial infections. Thanks to antibiotics, bacterial infections are no longer the most common cause of death in the modern world1. However, in recent times it has become increasingly recognised that antibiotics negatively affect our gut microbiome2.

The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of trillions of microbes that live together in harmony in our gastrointestinal tract. These microbes have far reaching effects on human health, enhancing digestion, immunity, skin health and energy3,4,5. A balance is required between beneficial microbes and more harmful microbes that naturally colonise the gut. This balance can be disturbed by various lifestyle factors including low-fibre diet, travel and infection, among others.

So, what happens to our gut microbiome when we take an antibiotic? Unfortunately, taking antibiotics can be detrimental to our gut health. Whilst effective in killing bad bacteria antibiotics are essentially non-selective and can also deplete the beneficial bacteria residing in the gut. This is thought to contribute to the development of diarrhoea, constipation and/or vaginal thrush when taking an antibiotic. In certain cases, this disruption to our gut microbiome can result in an overgrowth of unwanted, pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium difficile.

People taking antibiotics may experience6:

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Which Are The Best Probiotics To Take Alongside Antibiotics

A question we often get asked is, which are the best probiotics with antibiotics, in terms of the associated diarrhoea? As seen above, it seems that this is the main area of concern when taking this type of medication.

Its important to select strains of probiotics that have been tested in clinical trials and have been shown to reach the gut alive when taken alongside antibiotics. The more friendly bacteria present in the gut, the lower the chance of developing digestive issues like diarrhoea. Three strains of probiotics in particular, Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 and Bifidobacterium lactis Lafti B94 have been shown to do this. They can safely be taken at exactly the same time as antibiotic medication. The recommended use for a supplement containing this probiotic combination is as follows:

  • Take one capsule daily with breakfast, even with your antibiotic medication.
  • Take daily until the antibiotic course is finished, and preferably for one week after.
  • Continue until the pack is completed and add a second pack if the antibiotic treatment lasts more than one week.

In clinical trials involving those undergoing antibiotic treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection, participants were given Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 and Bifidobacterium lactis Lafti B94 alongside antibiotics all three strains were proven to survive alongside the medication11,12.

Renzos Yummy Tummy Probiotic

The best probiotic after antibiotic. Kefir

This product offers 3 billion CFU of four bacteria strains: Bacillus subtilis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bacillus coagulans, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

The tabs are lightly flavored and melt quickly, making them a good choice for kids who dislike chewables.

These probiotics are vegan, non-GMO, and sugar and gluten free.

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Probiotics Are Good Bacteria

Your body is home to billions of organisms like bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Most of these organisms are harmless and many help your body work properly they form whats called the human microbiome.

Probiotics are some of the helpful good bacteria that make up your microbiome, explains Dr. Drass. They come in supplement form, but they also occur naturally in certain foods.

These fermented and aged foods are packed with probiotics:

Yogurt

Your kids likely get most of their probiotic intake from yogurt.

What Is The Gut Microbiome

Our digestive tract is home to trillions of bacteria as well as fungi and viruses these are known as the gut microbiome.

The makeup of this biome is largely genetically determined however, it is heavily influenced by several factors such as whether we are born naturally or by cesarean section, if we were breastfed, our use of antibiotics, and our exposure to chemicals, pesticides, and other toxins.

Scientists now know that this microbiome is critical to our overall well-being. Some call it our second brain. Small imbalances can cause significant changes to our mental health and in the appearance of our skin and has been linked to almost every known condition such as Alzheimers disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type 2 diabetes.

An imbalance may also cause constipation, diarrhea, skin rashes, yeast infections, and a suppressed immune system. Your likelihood of putting on weight also comes down to your microbiome and the influence it has on your response to insulin and thyroid gland function.

Read Also: When Can Babies Start Probiotics

Intelligent Labs Probiotics And Prebiotics For Kids

*Sometimes with a picky eater, its not enough to supplement with a probiotic particularly after a round of multiple rounds of antibiotics. You need the prebiotic too to aid in the growth of those good bugs. This is why we chose this blend of Probiotics and Prebiotics from Intelligent Labs as one of the top probiotics for kids. These tablets are free of common allergens, and are also Kosher! The probiotics are a proprietary blend of B. lactis, and L. acidophilus. The Intelligent Labs Probiotics and Prebiotics are a great choice for your family! Many an Intelligent Labs probiotics and prebiotics review also point out that its the best probiotic for teenager because of its right balance its neither too weak that its suitable only for babies nor too strong that teenagers may experience side effects.

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Why Do Antibiotics Cause Diarrhea

Spring Valley Kids

The reason antibiotics can cause diarrhea or an upset stomach is because antibiotics disrupt the ecosystem in the gut. Our gastrointestinal tract is a host to trillions of microorganisms composing of about 200 to 500 different species in each person. This gut bacteria, also known as microbiome, is a very highly organized network that supports our bodily functions, including digestion, protecting against certain infections and regulating our immune system.

“The microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract outnumber our human cells by 10 times, and they carry 150 times more genetic material than our human genome,” Dr. Gurram explains. “It is a very complex and intricate, yet a delicate system.”

While antibiotics have benefits, the trouble with antibiotics is that the medicine doesn’t just kill the bad’ bacteria causing infection that is being treated. They also kill good bacteria that live in our gut. This can lead to an imbalance in the microbiome, also termed dysbiosis, which can lead to GI symptoms.

Antibiotics rarely cause constipation, but they may lead to diarrhea, cramping and nausea. These side effects are one reason why it’s important to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. However, “antibiotics are extremely important and lifesaving,” states Dr. Gurram. “Doctors understand the benefits and risks of antibiotics and are cautious to prescribe antibiotics only when they are needed.”

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Culturelle Kids Chewable Daily Probiotic

Your child can take this berry-flavored chewable once or twice a day depending on the dose.

Each chewable provides 5 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Unlike other brands, Culturelle guarantees you get the full amount of CFUs listed on the package.

Its free from dairy, wheat, eggs, tree nuts and peanuts.

Probonix is non-GMO and organic. It comes in liquid form, so this brand may be a good option if your child doesnt like the texture of a chewable.

The liquid form of probiotics is an exclusive formula that provides eight strains of probiotics.

Its free from gluten, dairy, sugar, soy, eggs, fish/shellfish, and peanuts/tree nuts.

Now Supplements Berry Dophilus Kids Chewables

The kids version of this brands popular BerryDophilus product comes packed with 10 different strains of bacteria. These strains are meant to help with tummy troubles, of course, but they also may aid in nutrient absorption. Kids ages 1 and up can take this chewable tabletalthough youll want to break it up into food depending on age since it could be harder for younger kids to chew.

Buy NOW Supplements BerryDophilus Kids Chewables, $6.98

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Side Effects Of Probiotics

The common side effect of probiotics is increased digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas. This is typically short-lived and resolves in a few days of regularly consuming probiotic supplements or probiotic foods.

More serious side effects are possible, but extremely rare. The bacteria or yeast that is consumed as a probiotic supplement can enter the bloodstream and cause infection. Those who are at increased risk of infection include immunocompromised patients, premature infants, those with short bowel syndrome, anyone with central venous catheters, and patients with cardiac valve disease.

It is, of course, important to discuss any supplementation with your healthcare provider.

Garden Of Life Probiotics Organic Kids

Reasons to Take a Probiotic While on Antibiotics by Florajen

If you prefer an organic probiotic, this one might be for you. These chewable tablets not only have the live bacteria and strains youll want, but they also add in some vitamin C and D for good measure. Plus, unlike some other probiotics, these dont need to be refrigerated which is convenient.

Buy the Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+, $17.39

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What Studies Do Not Recommend Giving Probiotics With Antibiotics

Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and other institutions reported that the gut microbiome took longer to return to normal in those people given an 11-strain probiotic treatment for four weeks following a course of antibiotics. This was despite the probiotics effectively colonizing the gut with healthy bacteria. The trouble was the presence of the new bacteria and yeasts strains prevented the gut microbiome from returning to normal for the full six month study period.

Conversely, the gut microbiome in those given no probiotics returned to normal within three weeks of going off the antibiotics. The authors did conclude that this study just examined one type of probiotic, and a different probiotic may be helpful in patients taking different antibiotics. However, they did point out the findings of the study imply that the traditional practice of taking a probiotic after antibiotic may not be beneficial.

Should My Child Take Probiotics After Antibiotics

For some children, antibiotics can change the balance of bacteria in their gut, which can cause diarrhoea. There is some evidence that the same probiotic strains Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Saccharomyces Boulardii, thought to help diarrhoea after tummy bugs, may also help prevent diarrhoea caused by antibiotics in some children .

However, this does not seem to help all children and researchers are unsure why this is the case. As probiotics arent harmful, you could consider trying them to see if they help your little one.

There is stronger evidence to show probiotic supplements may shorten the length of time diarrhoea continues for after a course of antibiotics .

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Taking Probiotics With Antibiotics Can Help

Although it may sound counterintuitive to take probiotic supplements while also taking probiotic-killing antibiotics, research shows that its beneficial to your gut health to fortify your system with the protective good guys.

In one recent review, patients taking probiotics during a course of antibiotics saw a whopping 60 percent reduction in the risk of contracting a C. difficile infection .

In another study, adults and children who took the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus during antibiotic treatment had a 10 percent less risk of contracting antibiotic-associated diarrhea .

Even in people who do experience diarrhea when taking broad-spectrum antibiotics, probiotic supplementation reduces the duration of symptoms by an entire day .

Probiotics may also help prevent widespread antibiotic resistance by ensuring that people take their full course of prescribed antibiotics.

Stopping a course of antibiotics early usually because of intolerable side effects increases the chances that some of the bad bacteria may survive and become resistant. By reducing or eliminating side effects, probiotics can make it much easier to stay the course .

Not too shabby for a bunch of microscopic friendly flora!

Alflorex 2750 For 30 Tablets Best For Kids With Ibs

Probiotics for Infants &  Kids

Suitable for: 3+

Type: Chewable tablet

These chewable probiotics are suitable for all the family and can be taken by kids aged three and up.

It contains one billion bacteria cultures including one which has been shown in clinical trials to reduce bloating and gas, abdominal pain, and urgent diarrhoea and constipation, according to Alflorex.

It doesnt contain as many live strains as many of the other products in this list, nor any added extras, but it has received good reviews from those suffering with IBS and is well worth trying.

Available from: Precision Biotics

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Buying probiotics for kids can be tricky, and you may have plenty of questions relating to the best product for your child. To help you understand the matter more, weve asked registered nutritionist Rebecca Stevens to answer three of the most commonly asked questions relating to childrens probiotics

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