Healthy Gut, Healthy Child: Why Probiotics Are Important for Kids Too
Gummies, powders, tablets…oh my! Probiotics are popping up everywhere today, and have become very popular on social media, television, and health blogs. When we see these blog posts about probiotics, typically we only see an adult in the photo. But what about kids…are probiotics beneficial for kids too?
It has been shown over the course of the last several years of microbiome research that a well-rounded microbiome is key in human health — not just for adults, but for children to achieve healthy growth too. Probiotics add another layer of good microorganisms to the existing beneficial bacteria in our body, for adults and children alike. Probiotics create ‘colonization resistance,’ also known as the ‘barrier effect,’ which means they outnumber and fight bad pathogens in the stomach by preventing them from attaching to the gut. How can they help your child? They can help relieve constipation, acid reflux, diarrhea, and gas1. Studies have shown probiotics can also support a healthy immune system in children to protect from stomach infections. Probiotics are safe for kids, but before jumping into a probiotics regimen, we encourage you to discuss this with your child’s pediatrician. “Probiotics may offer health benefits to most kids, but they are not recommended for children who are chronically or seriously ill, or who have a compromised immune system,” says Alissa Rumsey, registered dietician and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics2.
From Supplements or Food
If you are wary of your child taking a supplement, don’t worry! Kids of all ages who are healthy may benefit from a diet that includes probiotics. Probiotic foods are fed to babies around the world , so ask your doctor is adding miso, yogurt, and any other probiotic rich foods you think your child would enjoy. Probiotics are naturally found in quite a few foods. One of the best sources of probiotics is yogurt! Just make sure that the label says “live or active cultures” and check the sugar content. Some other foods that contain probiotics are sauerkraut, pickles, olives and soft cheeses3.
When shopping around for a probiotic supplement for your child, opt for one that does not require refrigeration, which is more convenient so you can take them on the go, or on vacation. Also, look for one that is shelf-stable, to ensure that the probiotics are alive and viable through the expiration date listed on the bottle4. For the best compliance, to ensure they take the probiotic everyday, it helps if they taste good or are at least easy to swallow.
You are what you eat! So make sure to introduce gut-healthy foods into your child’s diet, consider starting them on a probiotic supplement, and keep their microbiome healthy right from the start!
References
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/child-can-benefit-probiotics/
https://www.parents.com/health/medicine/vitamins/kids-and-probiotics-what-you-need-to-know/
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-are-probiotics#1
*Disclaimer: The statements and information contained in this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The products featured in this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
