Why Would A Toddler Benefit From Probiotics
First, we want to clarify that a young child would not necessarily benefit from any probiotics, but could see benefit when getting the best probiotics for toddlers. Many probiotic companies focus more on marketing than on the quality of their product. If you give your toddler probiotics that are low quality, full of dead bacteria, or that are not manufactured with the highest safety standards, you may be risking your childs health more than supporting it.
If a toddler is given a high quality probiotic like Natrens Life Start, they can benefit in several ways. Probiotics for toddlers can help support a healthy digestive system as a whole. As most parents know, a healthy digestive system plays a key part in a childs happiness and well-being. Digestive issues are no fun for anyone!
Diarrhea is a common ailment in children, and it can be uncomfortable as well as dangerous to their health. Diarrhea regularly results in dehydration, and severe diarrhea and dehydration can be life threatening. Taking a high quality probiotic may help alleviate the symptoms associated with this digestive affliction.
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.
Probiotics For Kids With Autism
Kids with autism have a different microbial composition to non-autistic kids. They have higher levels of some harmful bacteria, lower levels of short-chain fatty acids and Bifidobacteria, which is usually naturally present in the healthy infant gut22. Gut issues such as constipation, diarrhoea and abdominal pain are very common in autistic children and can cause additional distress.
Research on specific probiotic strains is lacking for autism with inconsistent results. However, there is some promising research using prebiotics. One study using prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides found a significant improvement in anti-social behaviour23. You could also consider a probiotic to support digestive symptoms. Saccharomyces boulardii is a well-known probiotic that has been extensively researched for loose stools in hundreds of children, making it a nice, natural option to try. Persistent symptoms should always be discussed with your childs doctor.
Healthcare professionals can read more about probiotics and autism on Probiotic Professionals.
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What Are The Main Probiotic Strands Which One Do I Need
The four main strains of probiotics and their benefits are:
Dr. Alexander began her pediatric career at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey in 2000, and has practiced at Pediatricare Associates of New Jersey since 2005. After graduating from Kalamazoo College and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, she completed her pediatric training at Overlook and Morristown Memorial Hospitals. She is board certified in General Pediatrics. In addition to pediatrics, Dr. Alexander pursued her interest the culinary arts with study at the French Culinary Institute. In 2007, she opened Global Palate, LLC, catering small group events for six years. Dr. Alexander has also been a professional writer and editor since 2018, engaging in a variety of medical editing and writing projects.
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What Im Doing About Probiotics For Children
Ive ordered the L. reuteri powder and plan on giving to Paloma and Griffin a few times a week. Im surprised that this strain wasnt included in the other probiotic supplements I currently give them like this one. Keep in mind that we have ~ 100 trillion microorganisms in our intestines. This is 10X the total number of human cells in the body. So, I dont have a problem giving my kids ample probiotics.
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Best Probiotics For Autism
Autism researchers believe there is a strong link between the functioning of the brain and the gut. They claim that several types of diets and probiotics can help treat children with autism.
With the very large number of foods and recommended diets out there, how can you determine what works best for all family members with autism?
In this article, we discuss various theories as well as the effectiveness of diets and probiotics, the so-called friendly bacteria, in helping ease the symptoms of autism. Lets look at the relation between probiotics and autism.
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Up4 Probiotics + Prebiotics Kids Gummies
*This is actually Up 4s new product, Up4 Probiotics & Prebiotics, that is a fruit-flavored probiotic and prebiotic blend. Prebiotics are just as they sound- they provide yummy nutrients to feed those helpful gut bugs. In addition to 1 Billion CFUs of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans and Inulin this product contains added vitamin C. This is a vegan product that does not contain food dye, GMOs, or gluten making it one of the best prebiotic gummies for toddlers, as well as older children. Due to the absence of possible allergens, this is considered as the best probiotic for 4 year old children and older with hypersensitivity issues including allergies to gluten, food dye and other food ingredients.
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Which Probiotics Are Best For Wind And Bloating
Probiotics may not be helpful for wind and bloating, as this can be a side effect of taking probiotics for some children.
However, for children with Irritable Bowel Syndrome , there is some evidence that probiotics could help with general IBS symptoms such as stomach pain but more research needs to be done.
The Best Probiotic For Diarrhea
Can probiotics cause diarrhea? Yes. However, we cant overemphasize that probiotics cause diarrhea only in a very small minority of users. Even in those rare instances, the symptoms are almost always temporary. Probiotics, for the most part, are a diarrhea reducer.
With this in mind, you should definitely take probiotics for diarrhea if you regularly experience loose stool. We suggest looking at the type of strains in a probiotic supplement. Some strains are more beneficial for treating digestive disorders than others.
One useful strain is lactobacillus and its sub-strains. One study showed that L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus were effective in treating travelers diarrhea. It was also useful in treating acute diarrhea in children. Both strains are available in cultured dairy products. You can also find them in Floracil50.
Another study published in the BMJ Journal found that the strains L. casei and L. bulgaricus were effective in treating diarrhea associated with antibiotic use.
As you can see, there is no single best probiotic for diarrhea. This is why we recommend a multi-strain product over those with a single strain. Research also suggests that multiple strains may have a synergistic effect and be more potent than a single strain working solo.
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Live Probiotics
Are Probiotics Safe For Infants And Toddlers
Generally yes, all brands can safely be given to healthy babies or toddlers. Keep in mind that probiotics are considered a supplement and not a medication, so are not regulated by the FDA. When choosing a probiotic for baby and to ensure its safety, its best to look for one that has been certified by an independent body like ConsumerLab, USP or NSF International. Please consult your pediatrician before you start a probiotic or if you have any questions or concerns, especially if your child has a weak immune system, was born prematurely or has other health issues.
Disadvantages Or Side Effects Of Probiotics
While considered safe, there may be some side effects to ingesting live microorganisms. Side effects may include:
- Mild gas
- May trigger allergies
- Headaches
Individuals with a weak immune system, are seriously ill, and/or suffering from certain bowel problems are advised to seek a doctors approval before consuming probiotics. The live microorganisms are also not suited for infants, young children, and pregnant women.
Never give probiotics to premature infants. For patients with bloody stools, post-cardiac surgery patients, and patients with pancreatic dysfunction, should be authorized by their physicians.
Read Also: Should I Take Probiotics When I Have Diarrhea
Will Probiotics Help My Child With Diarrhea
Yes. Probiotic supplements are good bacteria that keep the gut flora in a healthy balance. In the presence of an intestinal infection, probiotics may reduce how long the diarrhea lasts .
If your child is taking antibiotics, ask your pediatrician about giving probiotics if they are not already part of the daily routine. Antibiotics kill both bad and good bacteria. Taking probiotics will replenish the good bacteria, and reduce antibiotics intestinal side effects .
Boosting Your Immune System
Not only do probiotics regulate inflammation , they can strengthen your gut barrier.
Leaky gut syndrome occurs when you have an overgrowth of harmful gut bacteria, weakening the barrier between gut and bloodstream. Leaky gut syndrome leads to a weaker immune system because foreign bodies can more easily enter the bloodstream.
Probiotics treat leaky gut, meaning they may strengthen your immune system.
Also, an older animal study showed that probiotics prevented the invasion of Salmonella bacteria by strengthening barrier function in the gut.
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The Best Probiotics For Ibs: A Double
It certainly appears probiotics can help manage IBS, but only particular strains and mixtures.
Just keep in mind that they should not be used as a sole therapy.
In other words, probiotics are most effective in combination with current conventional treatments such as a medications , and before or after a low FODMAP diet.
Also note that they can be a double-edged sword what works fantastic for some may only make symptoms worse in others. It likely depends on your existing gut bacteria environment.
For this reason you should be willing to experiment with different strains and different brands. Where one type doesnt help, maybe another will.
The most clinically proven and recommended brands among gastrointestinal specialists are VSL#3, Symprove and Alflorex/Align, in no specific order. But as always, speak with your doctor before trying anything new.
About Joe Leech, Dietitian
Joe Leech is a university-qualified dietitian from Australia.
He graduated with a Bachelors degree in exercise science, followed by a Masters degree in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2011.
Learn more about him on the About page.
Joe Leech, Dietitian
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Why Infants Babies And Toddlers Benefit From Probiotics
The gut is made up of trillions of live microorganisms responsible for 80% of our immune system, so having good gut health is extremely important for baby and toddlers health for years to come. The gut also plays a huge role in digestion, skin health, brain chemistry, hormones, and immunity and is often referred to as a second brain.
A healthy gut makes for a healthy life!
And while you would think that baby comes into this world with a perfectly balanced little gut, that just isnt the case. Babys gut bacteria is influenced from moms gut health in utero, gestational age, mode of delivery, diet and antibiotic exposure. And because of the modern world that we live in high-stress, pro-antibiotic, nutrient-poor and abundance of refined foods, most moms gut health is depleted to some extent.
So while I am wary of adding any supplements or medicine into an infants daily life, I am a firm believer that probiotics are a must for most babies to help them boost their growing gut health. They are generally safe for healthy babies, but as always, consult with your pediatrician before starting any probiotic, especially if your child has serious health issues.
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Kefir Coconut Or Dairy
Though very similar to yoghurt, kefir is made with kefir grains a yeast fermentation starter, and is packed with even more probiotics.
How to introduce to kids: As its a little more sour than yoghurt, kefir might need sweetening with fresh fruit for younger children. You can add one to two tablespoons with their favourite yoghurt.
What Is The Best Probiotic Yogurt
Does your little one love yogurt? The actual probiotic content of yogurt varies by product and brand.
Look for the words live and active cultures on the container to easily add probiotics to your childs diet. Youll find this in some non-dairy yogurts, too.
Most brands do not list amounts of live and active cultures. So, its impossible to know which has the highest amount of healthy bacteria.
But since yogurt is healthy for many other reasons than the probiotics, I wouldnt worry about trying to find the one with the most probiotics.
I prefer yogurt for kids with low added sugar, or no added sugar. Read this post for my favorite yogurt for toddlers and kids.
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Probiotics For Kids Immune Health
The immune system is heavily challenged in school environments so needs all the support it can get! A combination of three probiotic strains have been shown to reduce the risk of childhood illnesses as well as the time taken off school13. L. acidophilus Rosell 52, Bifidobacterium infantis Rosell 33 and Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell 71 were the three strains used in this gold-standard study of 135 children. Also, the strain Bacillus coagulans Unique-IS2 has shown its ability to increase Natural Killer cells27. NK cells are an important component of our immunity as they are involved in fighting viral infections, and killing damaged cells.
Another strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG®, has been shown to reduce the risk and duration of upper respiratory infections in children30. In one study of 281 children, the length of time the children suffered with runny noses and sore throats was significantly shorter in those taking L. rhamnosus GG® for 3 months. These highly researched strains are great options for kids and you can find out more about probiotics for immune health in this article on the Probiotics Learning Lab: Probiotics for Your Familys Immunity
Healthcare professionals can find more information on the research using the Rosell strains here, on Probiotic Professionals: Research on three Rosell probiotic strains.
Renzos Yummy Tummy Probiotic
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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Which Foods Contain Fos & Gos
- legumes and beans: falafels, all types of beans
- some nuts: cashews, pistachios
- some vegetables e.g. artichoke , leeks, onions, garlic, spring onions, green peas,
- bread & cereals e.g. wheat/rye/barley-based breakfast cereals and bread, pasta and pumpernickel bread, barley flakes, couscous
- plant drinks: soy drink
- fruit: dried fruit , dates, persimmon
Now Foods Berrydophilus Chewables
This very affordable probiotic has 10 probiotic strains and 2 billion CFUs. Kids can chew 1 to 3 chewable tablets daily depending on if they need extra probiotics to help with a particular issue.
The strains included in this supplement are L. acidophilus, B. lactis, L. plantarum, L. casei, L. rhamnosus, L. paracasei, B. breve, streptococcus thermophile, L. salavarius and B. longhum. To keep all those microorganisms alive, store this probiotic in the fridge.
The Berrydophilus flavor is very tasty and is sweetened by xylitol to help protect kids teeth. Whats even better is this supplement is effective and affordable, available in a 120 count supply. So if your child is experiencing some serious digestive woes or needs a daily probiotic to help boost immunity or prevent any digestive issues, definitely consider this probiotic.
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With 6 probiotic strains and 3 billion CFUs, this probiotic is perfect for kids who need a little help with their digestive and immune system. This chewable tablet is berry-licious and naturally sweetened with xylitol and contains no artificial flavors or coloring. However, some kids may not like the chalky texture of it.
This supplement contains a good blend of probiotics including L. acidophilus, B. lactis, B. breve, L. salivarius, and L. plantarum. To keep those bacteria kicking, store in a cool, dry place or preferably in the fridge.
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Best Kids Probiotic Reviews
The Nordic Naturals Probiotic Gummies are number one on my list for a few reasons, first off theyre fully vegetarian and dont contain any animal products, second the berry flavor is AMAZING.
But the main reason why theyre amazing is because of the 1.5 billion live bacteria included in the probiotic, designed specifically to kill the harmful bacteria in your kids gut and replace it with the beneficial bacteria.
Additionally, theres also a prebiotic included in the Nordic Naturals Probiotic Gummies, which even further contributes to the detoxification of the gut.
