While probiotics are often touted as beneficial for adults, you should never ignore their necessity for children. Just like in adults, probiotics can help maintain immune and digestive health, as well as manage certain issues like indigestion, constipation, and more. If you want to boost your child’s gut health or strengthen their immune system, you can check out the best kid-friendly probiotics. However, before considering any, be sure to consult your pediatrician first. Once the experts have recommended, you can choose the best probiotics for kids below this article.
Are probiotics really beneficial for children?
It is unclear whether children’s bodies can ingest and benefit from probiotics. the studyThe human body is home to trillions of bacteria, especially in the gut. These microorganisms contribute to various bodily functions, such as fighting infection and proper digestion. They also promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the body, preventing diarrhea, colic, allergies, intestinal problems, and more. Foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir are rich in natural probiotics, while some supplements also claim to restore healthy bacteria.
There is some research supporting the benefits of probiotic supplements. However, if your child isn’t getting enough probiotics in their diet, your pediatrician may recommend a probiotic supplement. Probiotics are usually calculated in CFU, which indicates the number of viable bacteria in one serving.
Probiotics for Children: What are the Benefits?
Some studies suggest that probiotics may have health benefits, but more research is needed. Benefits of the best probiotics for kids include:
- Promotes digestion.
- Prevents constipation, diarrhea and colic.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Treats irritable bowel syndrome.
- Reduces the side effects of antibiotics.
- Reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases.
- Prevents allergies.
7 Best Probiotics for Kids
Here is a list of the best probiotics you can choose for your child:
1. NOW Berry Dophilus Kids
NOW Berry Dofilus Kids is the perfect probiotic for toddlers and children, designed for kids ages 2 and up. They come in easy-to-chew tablets containing 2 billion CFUs to support a strong immune and digestive system. They are made with beet powder, which gives them a vibrant color. They are berry flavored and come in different animal shapes that your kids will love eating. Plus, these probiotic supplements contain absolutely no sugar.
2. OLLY Kids Multi+ Probiotic
OLLY Kids Multi + ProbioticsConsidered one of the best probiotics for toddlers available in gummy form, they can effectively boost your child’s probiotic intake along with essential vitamins and minerals. These gummies contain no artificial sweeteners, gluten or preservatives, helping to support gut health by feeding the good bacteria in the gut. However, they do contain traces of added sugar.
3. FloraStar Kids Daily Probiotics
It’s the perfect probiotic for young children.FloraStar Kids Daily ProbioticsSold in single-serving packs, it supports gut health in children aged 2 months and older to promote healthy digestion. It contains artificial flavors and only one strain of probiotics. The label doesn’t state the CFU count, but the brand’s website claims it contains 5 billion CFUs. For better results, you can give this supplement to your child twice a day by mixing it in juice, cold water, or soft food such as applesauce.
4. Renew Life Kids Ultimate Flora Probiotics
One of the #1 probiotics for kids, formulated with 6 probiotic strains and 3 billion live cultures. Renew Life Kids Ultimate Flora Probiotics The berry-flavored chewable tablets provide relief from digestive issues and boost immunity. This brand is the perfect probiotic for kids as it is gluten, sugar, and dairy free. Additionally, it is free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors. This product has passed numerous tests to ensure superior potency and purity.
5. Culturel Kids Purely Probiotic Chewable
Culturel Kids Purely Probiotic Chewable is the perfect probiotic for kids ages 3-12. It comes in chewable tablets with no added sugar and is sweetened only with xylitol. Plus, it’s free of dairy, soy, nuts, gluten and lactose, making it suitable for kids with allergies to these ingredients. Formulated with 5 billion CFUs, it’s guaranteed to improve digestive health. Give your child one or two tablets daily to help eliminate digestive issues.
6. Garden of Life Doctor Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+
Garden of Life Doctor Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+ Each chewable probiotic tablet contains 5 billion CFUs and 14 strains of bacteria, making it the perfect probiotic for children ages 4 and up. study Vitamin C is said to be essential for healthy bone growth. The product is free of gluten, soy, dairy, sugar and artificial sweeteners, making it a nutritious product. The best part is that it comes in three flavor options: watermelon, berry cherry and strawberry banana.
7. up4 Kids Probiotic Gummies
up4 Kids Probiotic Gummies is the most nutritious children’s probiotic with 1 billion CFUs suitable for children 3 years and older. It is a good source of Vitamin C to boost your child’s immunity and also contains inulin to promote digestive health. This product is vegan and contains no dairy, artificial flavors, gluten, artificial preservatives or soy. We recommend taking one gummy once daily.
How to Choose the Best Probiotic for Kids?
Here are some factors you can consider when choosing the best probiotic for your child:
- Form: Probiotics come in chewable tablets, gummies and powder form, so choose whichever suits your child’s preference.
- Ingredients: Choose a probiotic that is formulated using high-quality ingredients and is free of artificial additives and preservatives.
- CFU count: Probiotic dosages vary from 5 million to 5 billion CFU per serving, so choose the one that best suits your child’s health needs.
- Dietary needs: If your child has dietary restrictions, allergies or intolerances, it is very important to choose a probiotic that suits their health needs.
Potential Side Effects of Probiotics in Children
by studyProbiotics are well tolerated and safe when taken as directed. However, they may not be suitable for some children, such as premature babies or those with compromised immune systems (who cannot fight off infections due to their weak immune systems). The most common side effects of probiotics are gas, constipation, and vomiting. If your child suffers from any of these symptoms, consult your pediatrician.
Final thoughts
Adding probiotics to your child’s diet is an effective way to improve their health and overall wellness. We have listed the best probiotics for your children, depending on their nutritional needs and preferences. From improving digestive health to strengthening the immune system, these products can provide numerous benefits to your child’s health. However, before introducing probiotics to your child’s diet, consult with your pediatrician to see if these supplements are right for your child.
FAQ
Should I give my child probiotics?
Pediatricians generally recommend probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, instead of supplements.
What is the best probiotic for kids?
NOW BerryDophilus Kids is the perfect probiotic for toddlers.
What foods are high in probiotics for kids?
Dairy-free yogurt, cultured milk drinks, cottage cheese, and fermented vegetables are some foods rich in probiotics.
Does your pediatrician recommend probiotics?
Pediatricians may recommend probiotics, but there are some exceptions.
What is the youngest age to take probiotics?
Probiotics are best taken for a year or more.